The main hall of Sorriso still pulsed with the euphoria of victory. Tables full, mugs clinking, the smell of roasted meat and spices in the air. The group of the Tenth House occupied the central table, laughing, recalling every moment of the trial against the Copas.

  Yumi gestured as she reenacted a strike, Aika tried to hide her smile behind the cup, and even the more serious ones seemed to relax.

  Lukas leaned back in his chair, watching everyone with a rare feeling of peace. That was when a messenger hurried in, the emblem of the Sun stitched into his uniform.

  — Urgent message from Catarina, sir.

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  The noise of the hall seemed to fade as Lukas broke the seal and read the parchment:

  “Everything is in position.

  The stones of Alcairim were placed exactly at the points we agreed.

  Each one calibrated and protected with isolation runes.

  No strange movement has been detected. No signs in the shadows.

  The patrols report quiet days and silent nights.

  Everything is millimetrically ready, just as you asked.

  — Catarina.”

  Lukas folded the letter and tucked it into his coat, keeping a neutral expression.

  Morgana whispered: — Too much silence, chocolatinho… it’s in silence that the enemy draws breath before the bite.

  César replied, firm: — Or it is simply peace. Enjoy it while you can.

  Lukas raised his mug, toasting with his companions. Outside, the streets of Sorriso were calm. No shadow moved… yet.

  But he knew that once the first stone was touched, the celebration would end.

  End of Chapter 28