Chapter 18

Lily and Sanguinella are texting back and forth late at night, plotting.

LILY:
Okay, so here’s the plan. Astera’s been acting super secretive after school. We need proof.

SANNY🩸:
I’m in. What’s the move?

LILY:
We’ll meet tomorrow after classes near the palace gardens. I’ll pretend to be out for a walk. You keep an eye on him from the café nearby. When he tries to sneak off or do something weird, you text me.

SANNY🩸:
Perfect. And if he acts suspicious?

LILY:
We confront him. No mercy. This awkwardness has to stop.

Sanny🩸:
Haha, love it. Let’s catch our blooming fire guard captain red-handed.

Lily grins at her phone, already imagining the showdown.