《A Stones Throw Heist: A Rin Valesine Short Story [A Fantasy Heist Short Story] [Complete]》 Chapter One - The Sorceress Thief I wove seamlessly through the crowded streets of Aurorah''s nightlife like a dancer upon the stage, effortlessly keeping with the rhythm of its people. Neon signs and arcane sigils lighting up the streets, my heart syncing with their hums. I felt the powerful vibrations of magic intertwined with technology throughout my core. All my senses were alive and buzzing with excitement. My name? I am Rin Valesine, sorceress extraordinaire and the greatest thief known to Aurorah. Well, mostly known. Okay, okay¡­ I am known in small circles. But what can I say? I was new to the wondrous arcane city where magic and technology were pushed to the limits like the clashes of Heroes and Demon Lords of legend. I slipped into the comforting embrace of a shadowy alleyway, the faint lights just grazing the edges of my cloak. Across from the alley I took in the notorious nightclub, The Enchanted Veil. The building was a sight in and of itself, casting a heavy shadow over the nightlife and the symphony it created. A palace of sin and secrets, where the wealthy and powerful played with the poor and desperate. However, my destination tonight wasn¡¯t the club, but a small cafe where a desperate letter had taken me. Desperation is always ripe for opportunities. The cafe¡¯s entrance was obscured in the alleyway. Making my way inside I had a hard time calling the joint a cafe, a dive bar would have been a more fitting description. The place was practically rundown, just looking at the wooden tables gave me splinters. I made a mental note to avoid leaning on the tables¡­ or just to not touch them in general. I looked around the practically empty cafe for the desperate man who called me of all people here, a bartender of The Enchanting Veil named Cadence Graves. At the back corner I saw him, his stylish ensemble of a crisp black button-up, a tailored vest, and well styled hair gave the initial appearance of someone who fit the role of the handsome well-off bartender at a swanky nightclub. But the haunted eyes and the distraught face marked with stressful nights gave him away as the man I was looking for. Well, that and his constant gaze flickering about as if a monster was going to jump from the deep shadows of the poorly lit cafe. This guy could have chosen a better place to meet up, if he didn¡¯t want to worry about dark shadows and a creepy atmosphere. I took a sigh and made my way over to his table. I slid into the seat across from him, locking my eyes with his. ¡°Cadence Graves?¡± I asked, more of a statement than a question. It was better to be safe and make sure this was the guy, it would be embarrassing if this guy wasn¡¯t Cadence. He nodded; my potential embarrassment saved for now. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. I waited for him to say anything, I just sighed after a few minutes of awkward silence and spoke up. ¡°You wanted to speak to me, so speak. I don¡¯t have all night.¡± Cadence swallowed hard. ¡°Th-Thank you for meet¡­ meeting me here. M-Miss R-Rin Val-Valesine.¡± The poor man was trembling. Whatever this was about, he was scared. His eyes kept darting around as if someone was targeting him. Which could have been the case. ¡°Take a deep breath Cadence, I won¡¯t bite.¡± I tried to reassure him. He closed his eyes and took a few steadying breaths, though his shaking only slightly calmed. I leaned back, trying to convey the casual confidence of someone that had done these sorts of meetings a thousand times before. ¡°So, your message said you have a job for me. Something about stealing a computer from your boss?¡± Cadence nodded, fidgeting with the buttons on his vest. ¡°Y-yes. Vincent Stone, my boss. The owner of The Enchanted Veil. He¡­ he has something on me. On a lot of us at the club really.¡± He stopped fidgeting with his vest to take a sip of whatever sludge was in his cup. It sort of grossed me out watching how the viscous goop trailed down the side of the mug when he set it back down. ¡°M-Miss Valesi- ¡° I cut him off quickly. ¡°No need to add the Miss. Rin is just fine.¡± I would have once snapped that I wasn¡¯t old enough or proper enough to be called such a thing. Once slapped some noble for calling me Lady As- Lady Rin at some fancy ball. It did cause quite an uproar and it allowed me to quickly flee after pocketing some minor trinkets. I had to keep my mind from wandering if there were any swanky parties I could crash and focus on why I was here. ¡°Y-yes, of course. Sorry. Well, you see Miss-er uh, Rin¡­ Mr. Stone has been blackmailing us, using our, uh, past mistakes to keep us under his abusive thumb. His computer holds all of it. Anytime we try to leave he just has to open up his computer and¡­¡± he sighed ¡°If I can just get a hold of it-¡± ¡°You can free yourselves and the others from his control?¡± I finished for him. ¡°So why come to me for this? There are plenty of idiots in this city that would be glad to take this job. For way cheaper I might add.¡± Cadence¡¯s eyes locked onto mine, a fire was lit within them. I instinctively leaned back. ¡°We don¡¯t need an idiot. We need you, I¡¯ve heard stories about your unique set of skills, and how you once-¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware stories of me have spread in the short time I¡¯ve lived in this city. I must say, I am flattered. Still doesn¡¯t explain why you are in need of my unique set of skills, as you put it.¡± I said, waving his word off. Now, I had an idea of why he contacted me. I was no stranger to Vincent Stone, a man who wronged me in my first few days in the city. Tried to set me up with some bogus job. All just to prove that he was the one in charge of the city, the top gargoyle as he called himself. Took the phrase high and mighty to a new level. Cadence continued, his words desperate. ¡°Miss Rin, this job requires more than just some common thief. It needs someone who can handle the magical wards and the high-tech security that Mr. Stone employs. That is why everyone at the club pulled together everything we could. We need you.¡± I couldn¡¯t take it anymore; the dude was nearly on the verge of tears. I abruptly stood up. ¡°Look, Cadence. I¡¯ll take on the job. Any chance to undermine Vincent Stone is just too tempting to turn down.¡± Cadence was overjoyed, his face, aged from worry, looked just a little younger. ¡°Thank you, Miss Rin. I can¡¯t thank you enough.¡± ¡°You can thank me by calling me Rin. And I expect to be paid in full upon delivery.¡± I leaned across the table, ignoring the painful splinters shooting into my arms. I kept the pain from my voice as I continued with a conspiratorial smile. ¡°Now, tell me everything you know about Stone¡¯s security. We¡¯ll need a solid plan if we are going to pull this off.¡± As Cadence began to outline the layout of the club and its various defenses, I felt the familiar thrill and excitement course through me. The stage was being set, the danger ahead its audience, and with the buzzing of anticipation came the promise of glory. Stone had no idea what was coming for him, and I intended to keep it that way until the curtain had fallen. Chapter Two - Gathering The Team The next few days were a whirlwind of surveillance and reconnaissance. I frequented The Enchanted Veil, posing as a mere wealthy patron. Hair braided, classic red casino dress, and of course some of the jewels from my personal collection. I was fitting right in with the other wealthy patrons. I took in every detail as I played the various tables, the clich¨¦ eye bats that floated along their oversized wings, the bouncers who failed to suppress their auras, and the patrons whose fear was palpable under their cheerful acts. If this was a school play, I¡¯d have fallen asleep by now. But I had a job to do, and each detail was a thread in the curtains of this stage. The rehearsal that would bring Vincent Stone to his knees. Cadence had introduced me to the club¡¯s staff as a new regular, someone who tipped well and asked no questions. Keeping true to my role, I was tossing money into the various machines and tables. It allowed me to blend into the background while I observed everything. I threw a few hands, mostly to keep those at the table happy and to avoid standing out too much. I wanted to blend into the crowd, so when I left the table for a time, no one would take much note. Each night I kept an eye out for Stone. However, I never saw him come to the main room, assuming he was hiding in the back. Cadence, however, kept being a bit too obvious. He kept trying to talk to me, giving me any new insights. I played it off with the other patrons that he was making moves on me, I was an attractive young woman after all¡­ Oh don¡¯t give me that. Anyways, it got a few good laughs from my fellow ladies, the gents'' laughter was a bit more subdued. Pretty sure one of them warned Cadence of me leading him on, as he told me that someone was suspicious of me. As if I was the suspicious one. The next evening, Cadence and I slipped into the cafe. Sitting at our now regular table. After grabbing our usual drinks, Cadence with his sludge and me with oddly the best tea I¡¯ve had in the city. We talked over our findings. ¡°Stone¡¯s office is in the far back, accessible only through an enchanted door¡± Cadence started, keeping his voice low. ¡°The door requires a keycard, and it¡¯s guarded by two of Stone¡¯s enforcers at all times.¡± ¡°Yeah, tomorrow it¡¯ll be Jeffery and Leigh¡¯s shift.¡± I added, my mind focusing on ways to get through an enchanted door. Enchantments weren¡¯t my forte, but I had a little experience with it that I was confident I could brute force it¡­ probably. ¡°H-how do you know who''s going to be guarding the door? I don¡¯t even know.¡± I looked up, now focusing on the conversation proper. ¡°Huh? Oh, I''ve been talking with them. Leigh hit me up and gave me her number. She mentioned she was on door duty tomorrow so we couldn¡¯t grab drinks and I just assumed Jeffery will be there, since the two tend to work together.¡± It was obvious for anyone who was paying attention¡­ And it also helped that the two weren¡¯t particularly quiet when they were complaining about the worst job at the club. ¡°Miss Rin, you truly live up to your reputation. I believe we can do this.¡± Cadence said, his eyes full of hope. Such a change to the sad sack I met just a few nights ago. ¡°Of course. I am Rin Valesine, greatest sorceress and master thief in all of Aurorah.¡± I found myself out of my chair posing like some hero. My theatrics will be the death of me I swear. I sat back down and cleared my throat. I got back on track. ¡°So, the wards on these doors? What kind of magical protections are we dealing with?¡± Cadence hesitated, the light in his eyes dimming slightly. ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure. I¡¯ve seen the glyphs carved into the door frame when I delivered the enforcers their drinks, and sometimes I catch a faint shimmer go across the door itself. All I know is its strong magic, but I¡¯m no sorcerer myself.¡± This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡°Hmmm, I might be able to deal with it. But we¡¯ll need some help to give me the time.¡± ¡°Who?¡± Cadence asked. ¡°Let me make a couple calls and I¡¯ll show you.¡± I said, getting up and walking over to the caf¨¦¡¯s phone. Had to dart back to the table to grab a napkin really quick. The phone, much like the caf¨¦ itself, was gross. Help came in the form of Cipher, a techno-mage hacker with a penchant for messing with the various bourgeoisie of the city. I met them briefly when we happened to hit the same manor of some rich asshat named Reinhart Stem. I won¡¯t go into much detail, but let¡¯s just say that the manor still doesn¡¯t have any power and the asshat had to leave the city and move to his summer home. We decided to meet Cipher in their dimly lit basement workshop, where the sounds of the machinery churning and cranking were nearly deafening. The various wires, pipes, and other junk I¡¯d just call cords were strung about all leading into a large box with a door sitting smack dab in the center of the basement. I looked back at Cadence with a bright smile. He matched my smile with a wearier one. I chuckled as I knocked loudly on the door. The door swung outward, making me jump back to dodge getting hit. Cipher poking their head out, looking us over. They were a wiry young elf with a shock of blue hair, their grin reaching their long-pointed ears that sagged from their weight. They waved us in and quickly slid back to their desk filled with glowing monitors, the only thing lighting up the room. Their hands danced over the keyboard and a few spell books laying across the messy desk, which I swore was made of energy drinks and pizza boxes. ¡°Rin! How is my favorite country bumpkin?¡± Cipher greeted, adjusting their thick frames, not turning away from their screens. ¡°And friend. I hear you¡¯ve got a job that requires fucking over Vincent Stooge?¡± I chuckled a bit, Cipher was a breath of fresh air from the more serious peers I¡¯ve dealt with. I bumped Cadence in the shoulder, encouraging him to speak up. Cadence clears his throat. ¡°T-That¡¯s right. We need you to¡­ uh¡­ get into¡­¡± Cadence began to falter, his nerves getting the best of him Which is no surprise. Cipher¡¯s reputation isn¡¯t the best. They are known to drain people¡¯s accounts and change their names to things like Protractor Tomas in every city record, though I think those are mere rumors. But I wouldn¡¯t test it, I don¡¯t need to go through that sort of hassle again. Especially with a name like Protractor Tomas. So, I decided to save the poor guy and chime in. ¡°Yeah, we need you to bypass the security and deal with the alarms and such¡± I said, taking a seat on what I hoped was a bean bag and not a trash bag. ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Cipher asked, seeming a bit annoyed. ¡°What? Can¡¯t handle it?¡± ¡°Can I handle it? This is what I live for. Fucking over Stone would be a riot. I¡¯ll need a day to craft up some counter spells, might even make his machines just give out jackpots. That¡¯ll be hilarious.¡± Cipher began to laugh a bit maniacally. ¡°Well, we will leave you to it, Cipher. Just don¡¯t take down the place, at least not till we get our prize.¡± I said, jumping off the bean bag and leading Cadence out. ¡°We got someone else to meet.¡± We left Cipher to their evil cackling and headed off to my dear friend Vex, a gorgeous changeling and a master of disguise. We walked to a secluded park not too far from Cipher¡¯s place, the moon casting a silvery light between the glowing sigils in the sky. The lack of neon lights and the bustling crowds was a nice refrain from the past few nights. I soaked it all in till I noticed Vex walking down the dimly lit path. Vex was striking, her features constantly shifting, never quite settling into one form. Most found it unsettling, I found it enchanting. Cadence was clearly the former, as he clearly took a step back and was obviously hiding behind me. As if I was his shield or something. I sighed deeply and waved over to Vex. ¡°Rin,¡± she greeted me with a smile that was both familiar and foreign. ¡°What¡¯s this job you¡¯d like for me to participate in?¡± Her voice was a haunting choir, her rhythmic cadence mesmerizing. After an awkward moment of me just goofily smiling at Vex, I quickly gave her the run down and explained the plan I had for her. ¡°So, you see, we need you to create that distraction with Cipher. While giving me and Cadence enough time to get into Stone¡¯s office, take his computer, and dip. Think you can handle it?¡± ¡°I believe I can handle it easily. With Cipher aiding in this quest, you both can consider this done.¡± Her confidence gave me no doubt she could do it. ¡°Perfect.¡± I said, slapping Cadence on the back. His yelp of surprise caused Vex to chuckle. ¡°And maybe afterwards we can perhaps grab some dinner?¡± My question sounded more like a desperate plea. I felt like such a fool. ¡°Perhaps.¡± She said simply, my heart jumping around. Clearly, I was no fool, but the greatest. We soon took off on our separate ways. Vex further into the park, Cadence headed home, and I headed back to my hideout with a skip in my step. I was brimming with the excitement tomorrow would bring. The anticipation roiling inside, intertwining with the arcane energies of the city. I had a perhaps date with Vex coming up¡­ And of course, the job. I didn¡¯t forget about the job. My actors were assembled, the playbook was mostly written. Vex, using her charms and shifting appearance, will gain entry as a high-profile guest to create a diversion. Cipher will remotely disable key security systems, creating blind spots and disabling alarms at crucial moments. Cadence, familiar with every nook and cranny of the club, will guide me through the interior of the back. Tomorrow¡¯s performance will be one to remember. Chapter Three - Drinks, Jackpots, & Draugrs, Oh My! Tonight was the night of the heist. There was a chill in the air that seeped straight into my bones, unnaturally so, an omen of the dangers to come. Aurorah, normally a city bustling and loud, felt like it too was holding its breath. As if it was waiting for the inevitable clash between titans. What? I am a titan of the city, known far and - I shook myself out of my bravado. It was no time for self-aggrandizing, I can save that for after the job was done. As Grandma Noel always told me. ¡°Now listen here, doll,¡± I could just hear her voice, as well as feel the thick tobacco filling my lungs. ¡°Too much puff in your chest will trip up your feet. Always remember, the goon who barks the loudest is often the first to die.¡± The memory of sitting on her porch, overlooking my hometown of Heart Beats, filled me with a warmth in my soul that I much needed. I donned my usual sorceress attire, minus my mantel and cape. It wouldn¡¯t fit under the hoodie and sweats I wore over my enchanted garb. Tonight, I decided to disguise myself as one of the average folks hoping to win a hand against the bourgeoisie or hit the jackpot at the machines. No one I¡¯ve met the last few nights should recognize me now. And no one did, not even Cadence. I had to get his attention at the bar by making awkward prolonged eye contact. It took him an uncomfortable amount of time till recognition dawned on his stupid face. ¡°Oh, Miss Rin¡­ what happened to you?¡± He whispered conspiratorially. ¡°Shut up. I didn¡¯t want to be noticed.¡± I could feel the heat in my face. ¡°Well, you sure blend in with the¡­ uh¡­¡± his eyes darted to the corner of the club where the average looking folk gathered around the various game machines. ¡°Well, you fit in with the other crowd.¡± I grinded my teeth, keeping from slapping the jerk. It was the whole point to look like the other group, I made too many acquaintances here and if I was all dolled up it would be¡­ I took a calming breath. I¡¯d rather be avoided than have people drag me to tables again. ¡°Just get me a drink, Cadence.¡± I demanded, annoyance evident in my voice. ¡°Uh, right. Of course.¡± He quickly scurried and made my drink. I turned in my stool, leaning back on the bar. The tables were filled, the machines bursting to give out that jackpot, and the security bats resting above. The eyes closed on all of them. Cipher was already starting. I glanced across the club when I spotted Vex strolling in. Her form is that of an eight-foot tall amazonian woman in a cocktail dress that looked like it came straight from the Twilight Line itself. The cascading colors of the dress sure did draw the attention of everyone in the club, which was perfect, and her figure sure kept those eyes on her as well. My eyes only turned away when Cadence tapped me on the shoulder, giving me a start. ¡°Ah, sorry¡­ But your drink.¡± Cadence said. ¡°Forget the drink, things are about to start.¡± I said, nodding my head over to where Vex was walking, no not walking. She was more graceful than that. Gliding perhaps? She was gliding across the floor to the slot machines. ¡°Oh, wow.¡± Came the awe from Cadence''s slack jaw. ¡°Close it up, we gotta move.¡± I said, jumping off the stool with excitement. As Cadence made his way around the bar counter, the familiar triumphant chime and ringing bells blared across the room. Vex was standing over a man at the machine going off. Her hand was intertwined with the man¡¯s own over the lever of the winning machine. His mouth was practically on the floor, though his eyes were clearly focused away from his winning machine and on the stunning Vex. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. ¡°Jackpot! It¡¯s started.¡± I quickly made my way towards the door in the back. The sign on it read ¡®Staff Only¡¯. I had to impatiently wait for Cadence to get the door open. More and more jackpots blared one after the other. The patrons, the desperate and rich alike, began to swarm over the machines. Security quickly jumped into action, doing their best to tame the dozens of ravenous people. This made it easy for the two of us to just casually stroll through the back door once it was unlocked. Cipher was right, it was pretty funny to see all those machines go off at once. I¡¯ll have to get them to do it again next time I play a few games. I wouldn''t mind a bit of reimbursement from the last few nights tossing my money around, not that I was running low. Getting beyond the back doors, the corridor was a bit of a shock. Where the club was loud and vibrant, the hallway was deadly silent and bland. The lights were somehow bright and dull, the contradiction straining my eyes. There was also this pungent smell that filled the space. It was a bit gross and oddly familiar. The awful corridor stretched about twenty yards; doors staggered about before it turned off. ¡°Alright, where too?¡± I asked, looking up to Cadence. ¡°It¡¯s at the end of the hall, directly around the corner.¡± His voice a dead whisper, the fear radiating from him a near physical force. ¡°Alright, then let''s get to it. We don¡¯t have much time.¡± I said, then darted down the hall. I didn¡¯t look back to see if Cadence was following me, but I did hear his clumsy feet a few moments later. I turned the corner and ran right into the two guarding the door. ¡°Ouch.¡± I said bouncing off one and falling on the floor. Looking up, I noticed a problem. It wasn¡¯t Leigh and Jeffery, the two I was expecting. Instead, it was two giants, (okay not literally giants, they did have a hard time fitting in the hallway), both were at least nine feet tall and half as wide. ¡°Well, you two aren¡¯t who I was expecting.¡± I said, the humor dying on my lips as their glares burned into me. ¡°W-well, I¡¯m just gonna walk through an- EEEP!¡± The one on the right, my right, reached for me. His hands blurred as he tried to seize me. Something yanked me back, sending me sliding on the floor. Cadence yelled in pain. Scrambling to my feet I saw Cadence in the giant man''s grip, the second man taking a step towards me. I pushed mana towards my hands, casting a spell that was as familiar as the pounding within my chest. ¡°Rai Tempus!¡± I shouted, the mana releasing from my open palm at the rapidly approaching figure. The man froze in place. Rather I had slowed him down to where he seemed frozen in time. Give it an hour or so and he would finish his step. Though I should have remembered Grandma Noel''s wise words as pain flared throughout my chest as something smashed into me, flinging me into the wall. I broke a few ribs, guaranteed. Trying to spread healing mana through my body, I was quickly seized by the hair. My eyes only caught a glimpse at the fallen form of Cadence on the ground where I once was. The brute really had tossed Cadence at me. I held in my screams of pain, as the giant man forcefully yanked me up and facing him. My scalp felt like it was ripping from my skull. But I didn¡¯t let it show. I glared into the eyes of the giant man and spat right into his eyes. But nothing, dude didn¡¯t even blink. ¡°Oh, now that is just gross.¡± I said, watching my spit slide from his vacant eyes. Vacant eyes. The gross smell. Giant hulking figures. The pieces finally clicked together. ¡°Fucking Draugrs.¡± The words just escaped my mouth as the giant undead brute smashed me into the floor. My prior healing and my enchanted clothes being the only thing keeping me from dying, though not keeping away the nearly soul crushing pain. ¡°Agaura-¡° I started as I was being lifted, the mana gathering within me. As I felt the pungent air speeding pass me, as I was coming closer and closer to the ground I shouted. ¡°VOLANTES!¡± I stopped centimeters from the ground. The draugr began to lift off the ground. He released me as he failed to try and regain his balance. I took a moment watching the absurd sight before I collected myself and filled my body once again with mana to heal. Wincing in pain as I felt my ribs pop back into place. The damage was more than I thought. I floated over to Cadence, who was looking worse than I felt. I casted a minor healing spell over him. ¡°Guess you are out for the count buddy. Why don¡¯t you watch these two and make sure they don¡¯t go anywhere.¡± I said to the sleeping Cadence, jerking my thumb at the two undead. One slowed in time, the other bouncing off the walls. Making my way over to the door, I quickly looked over the enchantments. The scuffle might have only taken a few moments, though I am sure someone heard it. So, I had to hurry. But these enchantments looked¡­ wrong. They were glowing and were full of arcane power. But the sigils, or rather the strange markings didn¡¯t make any sense. I pushed my own mana into the enchanted door. Outside the strange marks lighting up nothing happened. No push back, no anti-tampering spell going off¡­ nothing. ¡°No way¡­¡± I said as I stood up straight and grasped the doorknob. Anticipating some sort of feedback or a surge of pain I winced. But again, nothing happened. I gave it a twist and slowly opened the door. ¡°Seriously? A fake enchanted door.¡± I opened the door more and slipped into Vincent Stone¡¯s office. Which was impressive. The floor wasn¡¯t the tile that the club was filled with, but a deep plush carpet. A deep ruby red. The walls were trimmed with gold, and I could only hope it was painted silver, else the walls were worth chipping away at and pocketing the pieces. The office was also adorned with art, some I was sure were reported stolen or lost to the ages. On the back wall were bookshelves filled with books and in front of it an ornate wooden desk, a work of art in itself. On said ornate desk, sat the prize I was after. ¡°Hello, Rin Valesine,¡± a familiar gruff voice said, the door I came through slammed shut. The wall slid open on my left and a tall, older gentleman radiated an imposing presence from within the doorway. His broad shoulders and muscular frame filling out his finely tailored suit to the point it was straining not to tear at the seams. His gray hair, neatly combed back, contrasted sharply with his deep tanned complexion. His weathered scarred skin hinting at the man''s past as a former adventurer. Though despite his age, Vincent Stone still gave off an impressive powerful figure of strength and authority. I could feel my stomach falling and my mind going blank. ¡°I¡¯ve been expecting you. Oh, how I have been expecting you,¡± he said, a terrible grin that stretched from ear to ear. ¡°Or should I call you Ashtren?¡± My soul fell through me. Chapter Four - Pebble in the Gargoyle鈥檚 Grasp ¡°Perhaps The Witch of Heart Beats? Or the Cursed Auburn Demon? So many names for one so young,¡± he said, walking further into the room. My mind was whirling. The room was spinning. Mocking voices flashed through my mind, memories of blood and fire swam up to the surface. A town burning behind me as I was fleeing from hunters. I was out of breath, drenched in sweat, pain radiating through the cuts and lashes across my skin, tears salting the wounds on my face. ¡°Oh dear, mimic got your tongue? Did I strike a nerve?¡± Adding to the mocking voices within my mind. His voice brought me back into the room, on my knees and heart racing, but I was back. I looked up at Stone, trying to look fierce. Though I knew I looked like the scared girl I was back then. ¡°Rin.¡± I croaked out. Trying to not have the fear tint my voice. ¡°You can call me Rin.¡± I could feel the terror in my voice, hearing the weak girl come from my throat. ¡°Rin it is then. Well Rin,¡± Stone began, crouching down to my eye level. ¡°It took some time to gather some intel on you, after you¡­ failed the job I so graciously provided a newcomer to the game.¡± His grin sickened me. Graciously provided? Pfft, please, it was a trap and we both knew it. ¡°Vincent-¡° I started. ¡°Please, Mr. Stone. Only my mother is allowed to call me Vincent.¡± He said, standing, towering above me. ¡°Sure, Mr. Stone-¡° I hated myself, the fear tainting my words. ¡°We wouldn¡¯t want to be disrespectful by inaccurately addressing one another, no? We wouldn¡¯t want your¡­ macabre past to be spread about, would we?¡± Vincent again interrupted. His strong build was one thing, but his true power was information. I felt myself sink into the despair I felt back then. I wanted to give up, I couldn¡¯t handle it if my past got out. I looked up at his face, the same face of those who hunted me down and destroyed my home. A face that said he had won, he had caught me. That face was wrong. This play was no tragedy. I¡¯ll rip that face from my stage. Taking a moment to collect myself further. I needed to think. The laptop is now directly between me and Stone. Cadence is down and when he wakes up, he will head back to the main room and leave with Vex as planned, if he hasn¡¯t been nabbed. I stared up at Stone in the face. I took a deep breath. ¡°Listen, I don¡¯t care what you¡¯ve dug up on me. It really doesn¡¯t matter. I came here to¡­¡± I paused, standing up to my feet, trying to think of a lie in that brief moment. Thankfully Vincent provided me with one. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. ¡°You came here to steal from my vault, the goal of all the thieves in this city.¡± He boasted. ¡°And you wanted to try your hand at breaking in, as countless before you.¡± Honestly, I didn¡¯t know he had a vault. Well, I assumed there had to be a vault at a casino to hold all the coins and cash from the house¡¯s winnings. I didn¡¯t even consider stealing from a vault. Maybe I¡¯ll consider that for another day, but today I¡¯m after one thing. ¡°You got me,¡± I said, putting my hands up. ¡°I was trying to steal from your vault. Figured you¡¯d have a secret path to it from your office.¡± I tilted my head to the still open secret door. ¡°But you caught me before I could even start. So, what gave me away?¡± Vincent bellowed out a laugh, it grated on my nerves. I so wanted to toss a fireball and blow up the damn room. Grrrr¡­ calm down Rin, calm down. First grab the computer then you can toss a fireball, or three. Once his laugh subsided. ¡°I knew you were staking out my place from the moment you stepped into my club dearest Rin. Nothing escapes my sight, and when the bats went dark, I knew you were striking. So, I waited.¡± I clapped my hands slowly, mostly to buy time. I began to walk around him. Making my way to his desk. ¡°I can see why you are well respected and feared, Mr. Stone. I should have taken the job you so graciously gave me more seriously.¡± I finally reached behind the desk and sat down in the, admittedly, comfy leather chair. ¡°Perhaps we can discuss¡­ new business?¡± His grin turned into a scowl. His eyes intensified on me. I could feel a pressure falling on my shoulders. Circulating mana through my body, I resisted his crushing aura. After a moment, he laughed. ¡°Perhaps I can follow your example and just let the past lie.¡± ¡°Sounds perfect.¡± I strained to say. His taunting wouldn¡¯t get to me, not again. I gathered mana into my hands, slowly building two spells. Thankfully I was sweating from earlier and can play off the new strain off. ¡°So, let¡¯s talk business, shall we?¡± ¡°Lets.¡± He said, giving a gesture for me to get up. ¡°Now rise from my seat and we can talk reparations.¡± My first spell was ready, I lightly touched the closed laptop with my hand, as I stood up slowly. Silently casting a spell around it and the table. Tempus Phantasia. I staggered around the desk, the mana draining from my already low core. Vincent lifted an eyebrow in curiosity at my stumble, making his way around the other side of the desk and resting in his chair. ¡°Yes, let¡¯s talk about reparations. I do believe you owe me a good deal for your transgressions, wouldn¡¯t you agree Mr. Stone.¡± I said, my hand lifting off the desk, some extra weight in my hand. ¡°First, we have setting me up with a false job. Then we have stalking. Which, do you stalk every pretty girl you try to entrap? Wait, don''t answer that, I think we both know the answer.¡± My second spell was ready, but I needed just a moment more to steady myself before I released it. His face soured, turning nearly crimson. ¡°You truly are an impudent little witch, aren¡¯t you Ashtren Bellamy, the bringer of- ¡° Before he could finish, I released my first spell. The illusion on the desk around him shimmered and dissolved. The illusion of it on the desk fading away, the laptop now in my hands. His eyes opened wide, his hand reaching for the blade at his hip as he stood sharply to his feet. As he pulled the blade out, it came mere centimeters from my neck. I casted, for the second time in minutes, Tempus Raskr. ¡°Die¡­You¡­ Insolent-¡° Stone¡¯s words slowed to a crawl. My body filled with energy as I began to move away from the speeding blade. ¡°Little¡­ Girl.¡± His words became slowed and slurred. I casually took a step back, looking like a blur to Vincent¡¯s eyes. I took a moment, looking at the old man. Which was a mistake as he sped up, darting over the table. He charged towards me at a crawl, like moving through water. His hands flashed unexpectedly, and a dagger came flying towards me. My eyes widened and I sprinted to the only clear escape, the opened secret passage. ¡°I hope you lead out of here.¡± I said, pumping my legs full force, leaving Vincent Stone in the dust. His once slurred shouts became normal once my spell wore off too quickly. It was an intensive spell to keep up, and disorienting. Had to steady myself for a hot second on the wall, as my core was now fully drained. I couldn¡¯t catch much of my breath before I continued to sprint. Another dagger slammed into the wall I was just resting on. ¡°I WILL GET YOU FOR THIS WITCH! CURSED CHILD! BRINGER OF RUIN!¡± His shouting taunts bounced around the stone passageway. My heart felt each blow, but he knew nothing but stories. I soon came to an exit, a single door with a push bar. I thanked the goddess of luck and slammed into the push bar, flinging the door open. Fresh air filled my lungs and a face full of brick as I smashed against the wall. I was out in an alleyway of the club. I rubbed my face, but hearing multiple shouts and sprinting steps from where I came from, I quickly made my exit into the warm busy streets of the city. Laughing as I weaved through its people. The brisk chill air of the night invigorated my steps as I ran towards the rendezvous. Chapter Five - Crumbling Stones [Final Chapter] The heist was over, though the real work was only just starting. Though not for me, that work was going to be done by a reporter friend of mine and Cipher. For me, the job was basically said and done. Vincent Stone¡¯s empire was about to crumble into dust by week¡¯s end and everyone would be there to watch it all fall. Cipher was currently at their computer sorting through all of Stone¡¯s data. Pictures, blackmail, ledgers, bank statements. He really kept his whole life on the damn thing. You¡¯d think a guy like Stone would have things a bit more separated, compartmentalized in various places, or something. Clearly the guy was an idiot, a powerful idiot but an idiot all the same. Cipher did find some stuff to incriminate some city officials, the city guards, and some gang leaders. Though the one thing that stuck out was learning that Stone was working for someone, or someones. Cipher couldn¡¯t get anything other than a few communications, but it was clear that someone was ordering Stone around. Whoever they were wasn¡¯t important, at least they are not my problem. Yet. After getting all the pertinent information together, I dropped it off discreetly with my reporter friend. We all waited patiently as we watched Stone and his network get dismantled. Or at least some of it. Most went into hiding once word got out about the incident at The Enchanted Veil, and those wealthy enough paid the fines imposed for their minor crimes. Sickening, but that is the world. Mostly the gangs broke up and reformed under new banners or merged with the smaller gangs in someone else''s territory. When the week of arrest, uproar, and discontent passed. The city sort of returned to normal. Stone had fled the city to parts unknown, probably another city to start fresh. Which was good for Cadence and everyone that Stone had blackmailed or forced into some sort of servitude. The former employees, and even some of the regular patrons of the club threw a party. Unfortunately, it was held at the awful caf¨¦. ¡°Rin!¡± Cadence cheered, quickly walking over to me at the entrance. ¡°So glad you made it! We cannot thank you enough for what you have done.¡± Cadence was glowing. His face was less sunken, his eyes sparkled with the joy of being freed. It was nice to see. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± I said, waving him off. ¡°I just played my role. That¡¯s all.¡± ¡°Well still, thank you.¡± He said, though his smile faltered a bit. ¡°Though, I heard you were out for a few days after. You, okay?¡± His worry etched on his face. I sighed. ¡°Just a bit of mana exhaustion, casting all those spells back-to-back just took a toll on my body. Whatever you''ve been told I assure you was overly exaggerated.¡± ¡°You sure?¡± ¡°Positive. Though if you are so worried for my health, why not buy me a drink?¡± I said, slapping him on the shoulder and leading him to the¡­ cleaned bar counter? Stolen story; please report. Obviously, I didn¡¯t hide the surprise on my face cause Cadence just laughed. ¡°Do you like the new countertop?¡± ¡°Uh, yeah¡­¡± I said, looking closer. It was new, had that fresh wood scent to it. Looking around, the tables and chairs were new. Not a single wobbly table, missing leg, or splinter to be seen. ¡°New tables?¡± ¡°Yup.¡± Cadence beamed. ¡°I figured I¡¯d invest in replacing a few things.¡± Nearly giving myself whiplash, I quickly looked at Cadence in shock. ¡°No? You didn¡¯t¡­¡± ¡°Yes, I did. You are looking at the new owner of Caf¨¦ La Vale¡¯Rin.¡± He said, thumbing his chest. ¡°Vale¡¯Rin?¡± I gave him a skeptical look. ¡°Seriously?¡± ¡°What, don¡¯t like it? I was going to call it Valesine, but that didn¡¯t flow off the tongue. As if it was some made up word from a toddler¡­ uh no offense.¡± He said, shying back. ¡°No, no, it¡¯s fine. I like it.¡± I said, looking around again with a bit of a smile. ¡°So how about that drink? It¡¯s on the house, right?¡± Cadence smiled brightly. ¡°Of course, it¡¯ll always be on the house.¡± He waved over the bartender who nodded and brought over a strange drink. ¡°What is that?¡± I said lifting the strange cubed shaped glass. Inside was a sparkling blue liquid, but that wasn¡¯t the strange part. Enchanted drinks are nothing special, just some magic liquor or some magical herb mixture. What made the drink strange was the diorama that sat at the bottom, nearly taking up half the space. ¡°I call it a Moosh-Room.¡± Cadence said, clearly holding in some sort of laugh. ¡°A mushroom?¡± I said, just inspecting the diorama. It was a scene from a popular legend. A Golden Dragon spiraling around a particularly pointy mountain and a demoness of plants and vines spiraling with it. ¡°Not mushroom, Moosh-room. Like a smoosh room, get it?¡± He said, his giggling was unable to be contained any longer. ¡°Like a little room smooshed into the glass. This one is called the- ¡° ¡°Let me guess, The Romance Dusk?¡± I said flatly. His silence was telling. I came to learn Cadence wasn¡¯t the most creative of men. ¡°It¡¯s cute.¡± I said, taking a sip of the blue drink. My eyes widened. ¡°Oh wow! This is good.¡± I exclaimed, taking a larger drink. ¡°Thank you. It¡¯s something I¡¯ve always wanted to do, the drink itself isn¡¯t anything special. Just some djinn fruit juice, crushed up heart petals, and a dusting of devil eggshells.¡± I coughed. ¡°Devil eggshells!¡± I said in alarm, looking at the drink. Devil Eggs were strange little things that came from the ground. They were like eggs, but inside the shell wasn¡¯t a yolk, but a chalky substance. When consumed it sends you into one of your worst memories, why would Cadence put this in a drink! ¡°Calm down Rin, it is just the shells. It¡¯s harmless. It adds a savory taste, it¡¯s not going to affect your mind. What do you take me for? Stone?¡± He said with an uncomfortable chuckle. I took a calming breath, though savory wasn¡¯t how I would describe this drink. It was very sweet to me. ¡°Still, probably something you shouldn¡¯t mess around with.¡± I said, matching his awkward laugh. I finished off the drink, it was really good. ¡°So,¡± Cadence began, but faltered. ¡°So?¡± ¡°I have been thinking, and The Enchanted Veil¡­ it¡¯s, uh.¡± ¡°It¡¯s what? Come on, spit it out.¡± I said, gesturing to him to hurry up. ¡°If you don¡¯t.¡± I tilted my head to the door. ¡°I¡¯ll head home.¡± ¡°The Enchanted Veil hasn¡¯t been touched. I¡¯ve been keeping an eye on it this week, and no one has gone in.¡± ¡°Okay, and?¡± I was getting annoyed. What was he getting at? ¡°Stone left in such a hurry, so I don¡¯t think he had a chance to. You know.¡± He got closer and lowered his voice to a whisper. ¡°Take anything from the club''s vault.¡± The Enchanted Veil¡¯s vault, the vault that Vincent Stone boasted about every thief wanting to get into. I smiled widely. ¡°Well now, has our little Cadence got the bug for crime.¡± I teased, wiggling my brows. ¡°No, it¡¯s just. Oomf!¡± I slapped him on the back. ¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡± I said, giving him a wide smile ¡°What?¡± ¡°I said let¡¯s do it. How hard can it be breaking into an unguarded vault?¡± I said, turning around to the window that looked out on the dark club across the street. ¡°What¡¯s the worst that could happen?¡± I was already lost in thought on how to break into the vault. How to even locate it, since I didn¡¯t see any vault when I was there. Granted, I was running through that secret passage. Maybe there were some other hidden doors along it? I¡¯ll find out soon. But my thoughts had to be put on hold as Cadence dragged me around to talk and be thanked by everyone. Vex was there basking in the attention. I just smiled and continued to play my role, while in the back of my mind I was preparing for the next stage.