CHAPTER 26

Julian crouched behind the mansion's stone wall, his earpiece buzzing with Jasper's voice.

"Do you see the guards at the east gate?" Jasper's tone was clipped but steady.

"Yeah, two of them. Looks like they've upped security since we last checked." Julian peeked through the infrared binoculars. "I don't like this. Too many variables."

"Well, we don't have the luxury of liking anything right now," Jasper snapped. "Skylar's in there, and she's not waiting for us to debate tactics. We stick to the plan."

Julian let out a slow breath. "Fine. On my count—three, two, one—move."

Jasper slipped into the shadows, his movements swift and silent. Julian followed, the sound of their boots muted by the soft dirt. They navigated the perimeter until they reached the servant's entrance. Jasper pulled out a small tool and began working on the lock.

"Can you hurry it up?" Julian hissed.

"Do you want to try?" Jasper shot back without looking up.