BXBX NOVEL Chapter 165: The Stage Is Set
The cacophony of the stampede had drawn the guards away from their posts, leaving the back entrance less guarded and providing the perfect opportunity for their covert entry.
The two of them navigated the mansion's perimeter with practiced ease, their senses heightened and their movements silent.
The stampede had thrown the security into disarray, and the floodlights were swinging erratically, casting long, shifting shadows across the grounds.
Ezra glanced at Olivia, who nodded in silent understanding.
They approached a service entrance, one that had been identified during their reconnaissance.
It was typically used by staff and was less fortified than the main gates.
"Electronic lock and manual lock." Ezra hissed.
Olivia stretched her hand, deployed her Aura and used it's weak telekinesis to disable the manual lock.
Ezra reached into a satchel and retrieved the eqipment they had brought for this purpose.
He connected it and and the machine whirled as it worked.
"Almost there." Olivia whispered, her voice barely audible over the distant sounds of the stampede.
Ezra kept watch, his eyes scanning for any remaining guards.
Stay tuned with m _v _lemp _yr.
The chaos at the front of the mansion had effectively drawn most of the attention, but he remained vigilant.
The lock finally clicked open, and Olivia pushed the door ajar, allowing them to slip inside.
The interior of the mansion was different from the turmoil outside.
The corridors were dimly lit and eerily quiet, the décor speaking of the Blackthorne coven's wealth and power.
Ezra and Olivia moved with practiced stealth, their senses attuned to any sign of movement.
They navigated through the mansion, following the layout they had memorized.
As they turned a corner, Ezra held up a hand, signaling Olivia to stop.
He could hear footsteps approaching. A pair of guards, no doubt checking the mansion's interior for any signs of intrusion.
They pressed themselves against the wall, blending into the shadows as the guards passed by, their conversation drowned out by the noise outside.
They had to do this ithout drawing any attention. Even if they were now on the same side, Veran could betray them with an accusation of Breach of Secrecy.
Once the guards were out of earshot, Ezra and Olivia continued their advance.
They reached a grand staircase that led to the upper floors. Ascending silently, they finally arrived at a heavy wooden door that marked the entrance to Veran's chambers.
Olivia knocked softly, a prearranged signal to let Veran know it was them.
The door opened slightly, and one of Veran's wives peeked out, her eyes narrowing before she recognized them.
She opened the door fully, allowing them to slip inside.
Veran was waiting, lounging on a chair. Beside him was his wife with the green hair.
The blonde had been the one to open the door.
"You really did make it, heh?" Veran drawled, clearly impressed.
"Told you we will, didn't I?" Ezra scoffed. "Griffin's got more resources than you think. Getting the plans of your mansion was child's play to him."
"Well, it's a good thing I have you." Veran grinned unashamedly.
"Come on." Ezra spoke with urgency. "We need to act quickly. The stampede has bought us time, but it won't last forever."
"Follow me." Veran stood smoothly.
Ezra, Olivia, Veran, and his two wives moved swiftly through the mansion, the urgency of their mission hastening their steps.
They reached a spacious hall and Veran motioned. "This is it."
Ezra nodded as he took in the sight. "It'll do."
This was where they planned to stage the scene for their grand battle.
The room, with its high ceilings and grand chandeliers, provided the perfect backdrop for their deception.
"Olivia," Ezra called out, "you know what to do."
Olivia nodded and took her position near the center of the room, her presence commanding.
She began to sing, her voice weaving a haunting melody that resonated through the hall.
The vitality in the air vibrated as her echoed through the room.
Veran watched, amused, as waves of red, green and blue floated radiantly creating a beautiful sight.
"Come on people!" Ezra commanded. "Move it!"
Veran and his two wives positioned themselves strategically around the room.
They created the illusion of a defensive stand, using overturned furniture and strategically placed decorations to give the impression of a fierce and desperate battle.
Ezra moved quickly, directing the others as they set the stage.
He shattered a few furniture and wrecked havoc on the walls. He took in the scene and then scattered debris around the hall, adding to the chaotic scene.
The green-haired wife, her delicate features set with determination, created makeshift barricades with upturned tables and chairs, while the blonde, her sharp eyes scanning the room, arranged shattered vases and torn tapestries to simulate the aftermath of intense combat.
As Olivia's song filled the air, its ethereal notes echoed through the mansion, creating an eerie atmosphere that would unsettle any intruders.
Veran, his presence authoritative and calm, took his position near the entrance taking in the scene from the point of view of anyone entering.
"Huh." He muttered to himself. "How about some blood? Make it more realistic?"
Ezra nodded to him. "Do it."
Veran called his blonde wife and they all splashed blood around, simulating blood from injuries.
Ezra moved to Olivia's side, his gaze never leaving the entrance. "Your song is perfect, Olivia. Keep it up. We need them to believe this battle is real."
Olivia nodded, her voice unwavering as she continued to sing, each note infused with power.
They stopped for a moment, surveying their handiwork.
"Perfect, isn't it?" Veran said.
"Not yet." Ezra said. "One last thing. Olivia."
Understanding what Ezra meant, Olivia materialized her wings, grabbed a few feathers and flung them at Veran who dodged easily.
The feathers embedded itself into the ground where one of the sprayed blood was.
"Now," Ezra nodded. "It's perfect."
Ezra and Veran exchanged a glance.
The stage was set. All that was needed was for the guest of honor to arrive.