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They loaded into two vehicles - Thorn, Cillian, and Rook in one SUV, Silas and Ethan in the surveillance van. Rook climbed into the back seat, his shadows agitated, seeking Ethan’s presence even across the parking garage.

The drive to the port district took twenty minutes. Their target sat between a shipping container yard and an abandoned fish processing plant. There were no lights or visible security, which meant nothing at all.

Silas parked the van two blocks away, angling for optimal camera coverage. Thorn positioned the second SUV closer, ready for rapid extraction.

“The cameras are live.” Silas’s voice came through the comms. “The situation is the same as before. I’m seeing three heat signatures on the upper floor and then five on the lower level, clustered in the northwest corner.”

“Wards?” Thorn exited the SUV, his shadows already spreading across the pavement.

“There’s definitely something there, but I can’t confirm what until you’re closer.”

Rook followed Thorn toward the warehouse, Cillian flanking right. The building loomed, its bulk cutting black shapes from the night sky. Rook extended his awareness, searching for the telltale shimmer of occult barriers. He found them thirty feet from the entrance.

“Wards confirmed.” His shadows recoiled from invisible barriers. “Heavy ones. They’re covering every entrance.”

Thorn reached the main door, his hand stopping inches from the metal. His shadows hissed, smoke rising where they contacted the ward, and he jerked back. “Fuck.”

“What is it?” Silas’s voice crackled through the comm.

“Eldritch-specific barriers.” Thorn examined his hand. The shadows there had burned, wisps dissipating into nothing. “They’re designed to repel guardian essence. I can’t get through.”

“Trying the side entrance.” Cillian moved toward the loading dock. Moments later, he came back. “Same thing. These wards are fresh. It’s as though Ashford knew we were coming, although I can’t think how.”

Rook circled the building, testing each potential entry point. Every door, every window, every crack in the foundation glowed with that same malicious shimmer. They had no way in.

“Options.” Thorn’s voice carried frustrated rage. “Silas, can you disrupt the wards remotely?”

“Not without knowing the specific sigils used.” Silas’s response came fast. “We need either an occultist to dispel them or…”

“Or a human to break them physically.” Ethan’s voice cut through the comm. “Julian told me that’s how he saved you guys before. Wards don’t stop humans because the guards and the captives are in there. They’re only there to stop you.”

“No.” Rook’s response was immediate. “Absolutely not.”

“It’s the only way to get inside.”

“We’ll find another way.”

“There isn’t time.” Ethan’s voice stayed level. “Those people could have been in there for days. We’re not abandoning them because of magical barriers.”

“Ethan, stay in the van.” Thorn’s command carried centuries of authority. “That’s a direct order.”

There was silence across the communication devices and then the van door opened.

Rook’s shadows screamed. He turned, seeing Ethan climb out of the vehicle two blocks away. Silas reached for him, but Ethan was already moving, walking toward the warehouse with that same determined expression he’d worn when arguing with Thorn earlier.

“Ethan, get back in the van.” Rook started toward him. “Right now.”

“The wards need to be broken.” Ethan kept walking, his pace steady. “You can’t do it. I can.”

“You don’t know what’s on the other side of that door!”

“Three guards on the upper floor. Silas already explained that. You’ll handle them.” Ethan reached the warehouse perimeter. “I’m breaking the seal. You’re getting those people out. That’s the plan.”

Rook positioned himself between Ethan and the door. “I’m not letting you walk into a potentially hostile situation.”

“You don’t get to make that choice for me.” Ethan met his stare. “I’m helping. Now move.”

Chapter Ten