[Ravenfall: Hydra(luce), Leviathan(lev), Phoenix(ishaan), Griffin(veer), Valkyrie(avni), Cerberus(sayaka), Kraken(erik), Wyvern(raiden), Nymph(saira), Sphinx(dev). Others: Amber(isolde), Azure(damien), Basilisk(Vance), Pegasus(Sol)]
The hum of the private jet was almost drowned out by the sound of twelve Shades bickering, laughing, and swapping insults like it was an Olympic sport. Two Glooms—Amber and Azure—sat in the corner, watching the mayhem like babysitters wondering why they agreed to this job.
Kraken had already claimed the armrest next to Pegasus, who was very close to smacking him with a rolled-up magazine. Leviathan was in a heated debate with Wyvern about whether Vatican food was better than Sicilian, while Nymph was trying to braid Sphinx’s hair mid-flight. Hydra sat a few rows away, flipping through a briefing file like none of this chaos existed.
“Can we focus?” Amber finally said, standing with her tablet in hand.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRV0s4sVr2
All twelve Shades actually went quiet. Not for long, but enough.
Amber projected the mission details on the seat-back screens.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hDHENNmKR
“Our target is the Umbra Codex, Lot #77, listed as ‘Ecclesiarch’s Journal.’ It will be displayed during the Aurelius Grand Auction. The place is crawling with Vatican Guard, mercenary Watchers, and private security from every syndicate that matters.”
“Sounds fun,” Griffin muttered, already leaning back like this was a vacation.
Amber continued, “The infiltration plan is simple—Shades go in as guests, the two of us remain in the shadows. Roles have been assigned. Valkyrie and Phoenix, you’re our ‘power couple’ for the night. Hydra enters alone, late. Nymph, Sphinx, and Pegasus—waiters. Cerberus, Kraken, and Griffin—chefs. Wyvern, Leviathan, and Basilisk—guards.”
Hydra added, “Each role has a specific task. Waiters—get close to Cardinal Savoy and plant the voice receiver to capture any discussion about the Codex. Chefs—smuggle weapons under your uniforms, make them accessible to the others. Guards—prepare smoke bombs and flashbangs for controlled chaos if needed. Valkyrie and Phoenix—observe, mark threats, and control the floor.”
“And if something goes wrong?” Basilisk asked.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOL9xrwwwOh
Hydra gave him a look. “It will.”
Vatican City — Umbra Safehouse
Hours later, in the dimly lit Umbra safehouse tucked in an old alley near St. Peter’s Basilica, the Shades moved with precision. Forged invitations, uniforms, and clearance passes were spread across a massive oak table.
Three real Vatican waiters, three real chefs, and three guards were currently unconscious in the back room—replaced by their new identities. Hydra checked the uniform fits himself. “Weapons hidden? Comms tested?”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfa0YTPw3U
A round of nods.
Valkyrie adjusted her dress, Phoenix straightening his suit. “Alright, we play nice, smile, and stay invisible until it’s time to act.”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YzOdf80kD
Hydra smirked. “Good luck with that.”
Aurelius Grand Auction Hall — Opening Gala
Valkyrie and Phoenix entered first, hand in hand. It was an easy cover—until Valkyrie walked right into someone.
Avni froze.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCZTAoMRVx
The man she’d bumped into turned, his voice instantly familiar. “Avni?”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzI1pT0ODBA
Her eyes widened. “Dad?”
Every Shade connected to the earpiece went dead silent.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZY5ziixIo
Raghav Rathore—elegant suit, dangerous eyes, the kind of presence that could silence a room—smiled warmly. “You should be in Valgrave. What are you doing here, my darling?”
Before she could answer, Phoenix stepped forward. “For… sightseeing, uncle,” Ishaan said with a polite nod.
Avni’s eyes darted to the man standing next to Raghav. “And who’s this?”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1IZkDZid7
Raghav smiled. “Do you remember the boy I chose for you as your fiancé?” He gestured toward him.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIiDSrSiph
The comms exploded with disbelief. Hydra actually smirked. Leviathan looked like he was going to bite through his comm piece.
Avni didn’t miss a beat. “Nope. I don’t like him.”109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjno6GO1BQq
Raghav tilted his head. “Then tell me who?”
All of Ravenfall held their breath. Will she say Lev?
She pointed. “Ishaan.”
Phoenix nearly choked. His eyes widened so much it looked like they’d pop out. Leviathan’s glare could have melted steel. The comms erupted in laughter—except Lev. Veer started humming, “Doom sha doom doom doom sha…” which only made it worse.
“Baby, shall we leave?” Avni said sweetly, dragging Ishaan along.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLvsOSxuqG
Phoenix mouthed silently, Baby? while looking like he was planning his will.
Mission Disruption
Hydra’s voice cut in over comms. “Change of plan. Valkyrie and Phoenix, you’re temporarily out. Your current problem is staring you down in a tailored suit. I’ll move alone.”
Amber’s voice followed. “Stay with your cover, Valkyrie. Phoenix, keep her from starting a diplomatic war with her father.”
Hydra slipped into the gala’s periphery, the Codex’s glass case glinting under cathedral lights ahead of him. The auction hadn’t even started, and already the night had spiraled into chaos. Perfect.
ns216.73.216.33da2
and then Add to home screen.