A week passed.

  The day was upon them.

  The culmination of all their efforts. The sacrifice of Kacyn and the townsfolk. The memories of the congregant leaders that sparked their actions, and the data vaults with the secrets of the empire. Everything resulted in that day. It was the sum of their efforts. She woke early on that Saadas morning, and felt the weight of the mission at hand.

  Ayela took a deep breath as she zipped up her black hoodie. She wore a pink tank-top underneath, and black jeans with casual sneakers. It was enough for her to blend in without notice. She tied her hair into a bun behind her head, made sure her makeup was minimal, and sighed as she looked herself over in the mirror. The others were ready for her to go, waiting on the couch for her to finish getting ready. She inhaled deeply, and roiled all her anxious tension in a long exhale as she emerged.

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  “Our shining star,” Asher said with a smirk.

  “That bloody boy-toy of yours should feel lucky he gets to be close with the one who’s going to liberate his empire,” Kamille said. Ayela rolled her eyes.

  “He’s got nothing to do with any of this. Besides, we aren’t dating yet. We’re just friends,” she defended.

  “Yet.”

  “Shove off, Asher.”

  “Alright, alright. We’re just having a little fun. Kamille’s the only one who doesn’t really approve. I’m indifferent… You ready, Ayela?”

  She nodded and smiled. “Yeah.”

  Kamille returned her smile and pulled her in for a hug. “You’ve got this, love. Don’t worry. Once the secrets are out, the empire won’t know what to do with themselves.”

  “Except maybe go to war with yet a third party.”

  “And we will be ready for that war, Ayela. Kamille will be here with you. Your divine logic will protect you. Whatever gods you believe in will come to your aid, as they’ve always done with your people.”

  Kamille rolled her eyes. “Gods or no, our goal is the same as it always was; to weaken the empire enough for something better to take its place…

  “…Now let’s go make that happen.”