Deviating from the original plot

Chapter ninety-three

"You always seem occupied," Victoria said, her tone light but her gaze sharp.

Cassius paused mid-swing and turned toward her. "Tense, maybe," he admitted.

She smiled faintly. "Understandable. How's everything coming along?"

He lowered his weapon. "We haven't finalised a plan yet," she said, crossing her arms. "But we've gathered a few more recruits. Enough to make a move when the time comes."

Cassius nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe we shouldn't wait for the ceremony to start. If we can stop the entity before the ascension begins, we might have a better chance."

Victoria raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly do you plan to do that?"

"We sneak into the palace," he said firmly. "I know of some hidden passageways that lead into the palace."

Her expression hardened slightly. "Did Damien tell you anything?"

Cassius froze, his jaw tightening. He didn't answer right away.

Victoria said, folding her arms. "You've been talking to him, haven't you?"

"He's not as bad as you think," Cassius replied quietly.

"Not as bad?" she repeated incredulously. "Cassius, he tried to kill me. He would've killed you too if he wasn't weakened and bound."

Cassius met her glare with a calm expression. "I know what he's done. But I also know he's the only one who understands how the ritual will go; we need his help."

Victoria exhaled sharply, clearly conflicted. "And what if he's just wants to use you? Have you ever thought of that?"

"I have," Cassius said. "But for now, I'll take that risk."

Victoria was silent for a long moment, studying him with a mixture of frustration and reluctant concern.

"Whatever, we will consider it," Victoria eventually spoke, walking away, leaving Cassius alone.

✦ ✦

The night before, everything finally fell into place.
The plan was solid — every route memorized, every signal agreed upon. They would make their move that very evening: slip through the narrow tunnel by the east entrance, then weave their way through the service passages until they reached the Grand Hall, where the ceremony would unfold.

After hours of tense, meticulous discussion, the group slowly dispersed, each person heading off to prepare in their own way. The room grew quieter as one by one they left, until only the weight of anticipation remained.

Later that night, as Victoria lay in bed, Celeste settled beside her.

"Are you scared?" Celeste asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Maybe... a little," Victoria admitted. "Tomorrow decides everything—our lives, our future. We can't afford to fail."

"We won't fail," Celeste said with quiet certainty. Victoria's lips curved into a small, warm smile.

"We won't," Victoria said softly, "Because I still want to be with you, for a long time."

"Me too," Celeste replied, returning the smile.

Celeste shifted closer, then leaned in, brushing the softest kiss to the corner of Victoria's mouth.

Victoria's hand rose to cup Celeste's cheek.

Celeste smiled and pressed another kiss—this one deeper, lingering—until Victoria sighed into it and drew her closer. Victoria rose to her knees and moved to straddle Celeste's hips.