Disguise 107_The Matchmaker

The Matchmaker

 CHAPTER 107

 Saphira sat forward, legs uncurling beneath her, the cushion shifting under her weight. Her fingers gripped the edge of the sofa, knuckles pale. Her eyes locked onto Finn, searching his face for something solid.

 “Training them for what?” she asked, voice tight.

 Finn’s jaw clenched, the muscle twitching beneath his skin. “Asher doesn’t know yet. But it’s structured. Intentional. And it’s happening near the

 Saphira’s chest tightened, a slow coil of dread winding through her ribs. So it’s not just a ritual–it’s a foundation. They’re building something. P next generation for whatever’sing. Her gaze flicked to Niks, who had gone rigid, arms folded across his chest like he was holding back a sto

 Zafira leaned forward, her voice low and grim. “That’s not just strange. That’s dangerous.”

 Saphira nodded slowly, her thoughts racing. Children mean legacy. Continuity. This isn’t a moment–it’s a movement. She swallowed hard, the taste of ash lingering at the back of her throat. “We need to find out what kind of training. And why.”

 “That is their next step,” Finn said, his voice quieter now. “Asher didn’t have much detail, but he said they have a n to find out. He’ll update us as soon as they know more.”

 Niks exhaled, his stance loosening just slightly. “That’s a good start. More to add to our investigation.”

 “We just need to hear from Jed now,” Zafira said from her corner of the sofa, her arms folded tightly. “Can we try him again?”

 “On it,” Niks replied, already lifting his phone and dialing.

 Finn sank back into the cushions, his shoulders heavy with tension. Saphira watched Niks as time passed, the phone still pressed to his ear. She could see it in his posture–the way his fingers tapped against his thigh, the way his gaze drifted.

 He’s not going to answer. I can already tell.

 Right on cue, Niks hung up, his jaw tight with frustration.

 Saphira leaned back, her heart thudding. Something’s wrong.

 #

 Niks paced near the window, his silhouette fractured by moonlight. His fingers curled into fists at his sides, knuckles pale against the ss. The phone sat abandoned on the table, screen dark and using. His jaw worked, silently, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. 

 “One phone,” he muttered, voice tight. “One bloody phone between/them. What were we thinking?”

 Saphira watched him, her own nerves fraying like threadbare cloth. The silence from Jed gnawed at her, each minute stretching too long, too quiet. We should’ve nned better. Should’ve split the risk. One point of contact–what if it’s already gone dark?

 Finn leaned forward, elbows braced on his knees, voice steady but low. “Jed’s smart. And Raven’s with him. Plus a few of our strongest warriors. They’re not easy to take down.”

 Saphira’s breath caught. Raven. Her mind raced, heart thudding against her ribs. If something was seriously wrong… wouldn’t she send a signal? Use her magic somehow? She wouldn’t just vanish.

 She turned sharply to Niks, her voice cutting through the tension. “If they were in real trouble, Raven would’ve found a way to reach us. Wouldn’t she?

 Niks paused mid–step, his brow furrowed. He nodded slowly, though doubt lingered in his eyes. “It’s possible. She’s resourceful. But magic’s not always clean. Depends on the situation.”

 Zafira, still perched in her corner, tilted her head, fingers drumming against her thigh. “If they’re restrained, or if Raven’s drained, it could fmit her. can’t assume she’s free to act. 

 Saphira’s stomach twisted, a slow thurn of dread, so eeen Kaven might be silenced. That’s worse than I thought. 

 Anastasia, who had been quiet until now, stood abruptly, hat movements sharp so, what di walio nowe lust att bereta hare this vatting von

 Saphira rose too, tension snapping through her legs like a coiled spring. “I agree. Sitting still feels wrong. We need to move. Even if it’s just gathering more intel or preparing for worst–case.”

 Niks rubbed the back of his neck, his shoulders sagging with the weight of the day. “As much as I agree,” he said, voice low, “it’s gettingte. We all need to eat. Rest. Anything could happen tomorrow.”

 Saphira nced at the clock, blinking at the hour. He’s right. We’re no good to anyone if we’re running on fumes.

 Zafira exhaled sharply, the sound almost a growl. “Fine. But I hate it.”

 Saphira nodded, her own reluctance mirrored in the tightness of her chest. Pausing feels like surrender. But exhaustion is creeping in, and we c be slow when it counts.

 Just as they began to shift, the door creaked open. Amara stepped inside, her expression unreadable but alert, eyes scanning the room.

 Finn stood immediately, crossing to her with quiet urgency. “Hey. How are you, is everything ok?”

 Amara gave a small smile, tired but resolute. “I think I’ve made some progress with Ruby. She’sying it on thick–charm, vulnerability, the whole act. But I can see through it.”

 Saphira narrowed her eyes, arms folding across her chest. Of course she’s performing. Ruby doesn’t do anything without a motive.

 “She’s gone to bed for now,” Amara continued, “but I’ve ced a sensor outside her door. If she leaves, we’ll know. We can track her movements.”

 “Good,” Saphira said, her voice sharper than she intended. “I don’t like the idea of her snooping around without anyone knowing.” 

 Niks gave a short nod. “Smart move, Amara. Let’s hope she stays put.”

 The room settled into a tense silence, the kind thates before forced rest. Saphira felt the weight of it pressing against her ribs. Tomorrow could change everything.

 The room began to thin out, the tension lingering like smoke as they all said good night.

 Anastasia approached Saphira, her steps light but purposeful. Without a word, she wrapped Saphira in a firm hug, warm and grounding.

 “Call if you need anything,” she whispered, her breath brushing Saphira’s ear.

 Saphira nodded, holding on for a moment longer than she meant to.

 One by one, the others drifted out, leaving the room quieter, dimmer. Only Niks remained, standing near the table, his eyes on her.

 He crossed the space between them and pulled her into a hug, arms strong around her shoulders. Saphira leaned into it, letting herself breathe.

 “Jed will be okay,” she murmured against his chest. “I know it.”

 Niks didn’t answer right away. His grip tightened slightly, then loosened, “I hope you’re right,” he said, voice low. “I want to believe that.”

 He stepped back, his hand lingering briefly at her elbow. “Come on. Let’s grab some food and take it to our room. I don’t want to risk Ruby seeing you. 

 Saphira’s brow furrowed. “What about Finn?” 

 Niks shrugged, already moving toward the door “If she sees him, we can lean into the amnesia scenario. It’s usible. But you?” He nced back at her. “You’d be harder to exin without letting on the full truth.”

 Saphira nodded slowly. He’s right. One wrong nce, one flicker of recognition, and the whole thing could unravel.

 Okay, she said. Let’s gu

 They slipped out together, the hallway quiet, shadows stretching long across the floor.

 The Matchmaker

 CHAPTER 108

17kNovel

Disguise 107