"In 300 feet, Turn left."

Declan follows the instructions that the GPS provides. I stare out the windshield, watching as the trees give way to clusters of buildings. The sun is low in the sky. I can hear Pepper tapping sporadically on the window in the back seat.

We have all changed into our mission uniforms- they are similar to our other ones, but with longer sleeves to conceal our halos. I've also got my knives strapped to my hips, legs, and forearms.

"Hey, Azalea." Declan says.

"Yeah?"

"I wanted to apologize for being so grumpy earlier today. You didn't deserve it."

I glance at him. He seems genuinely pained.

"Hey, its no big deal." I smile. "You know I have a thick skin." I go back to watching out the window. A group of people stands on the sidewalk up ahead.

"Still, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-"

"Wait." I say, alert. As we pass the group, I'm sure I see a familiar mess of dark hair and intense green eyes. "I swear on my life, Declan. I just saw Nox."

Declan's jaw clenches, and he keeps staring straight at the road ahead.

"Forget it, Azalea. It wasn't him."

Pepper pipes up from the back seat. "Uhh… who's Nox?"

Declan stays silent, so I decide to explain myself. "Declan and I grew up in the Order together. We also had another friend, named Nox. He kinda disappeared a few years ago."

"Oh." She seems to sense that it’s a touchy subject, and lets it drop.

What I didn't tell her is that he disappeared while I was on a trip out of town. But Declan was there. I know he knows what happened, but he refuses to talk about it. He and Nox were very close friends. I can't imagine what could make Declan start acting like he never existed.

Pepper speaks up again, probably trying to change the subject. "So… what exactly are we doing?"

"Ah right. I'm supposed to give you a summary of the briefing." He sounds cheerful again, as if we weren't just discussing his long-lost best friend. I guess I should just move on as well.

"I also need a summary." I admit. "I took a nap instead of reading it."

"Somehow, that doesn't surprise me." Declan chuckles. "Basically, we are acting as temporary security guards for the city museum. They got a tip that there might be an attempted break-in tonight. The local authorities doubt it'll actually happen, but they asked us to come just in case. Most missions are kinda like this. Security for a high-profile place or person. We help protect against the bad guys."

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"Other mages get to go on emergency calls." I add. "But we aren't quite experienced enough for that."

"Also, you should know Pepper- most mages work for the Order. We are required to, when we get our halos. But there are some that leave. We call them Renegades. They occasionally cause trouble for members of the Order on our missions, but they aren't much to worry about. They lack organization." He explains.

"I've heard rumors that they have a sort of leader now, actually." I say. "they call him the Night Slayer."

"Woah. The Night Slayer." Pepper breathes.

"Hey, you don't have to scare her." Declan says to me.

"No, I'm not scared. He sounds really cool." Pepper replies. "Hey, Zale. Why do you come, if you don't have your halos?"

"Hey, I grew up training to be a mage. I may not have powers, but I can hold my own."

City lights illuminate the streets around us. The sun has completely dissapeared. We reach the downtown area, and park in a garage near the museum. Declan moves to get out, then turns back to me.

"You two stay here while I go speak to the head of security. I'll come back once I know where he wants us."

"Okay. Don't die." Pepper says seriously. Declan's eyes widen- I think he's still a little scared of her. He shuts the door and leaves without another word.

"I doubt he'll die just from walking to the museum." I laugh. "Although he is clumsy sometimes, so you never know."

"Oh, I know. I just think it's a good thing to say before someone leaves. Just to be sure."

"I hope we don't have to stay too late. Declan won't let me ditch class, even if I'm tired." I mutter. "Hey, Pep- do you go to school?"

"No, I graduated last year."

"Ah. Lucky. I can't wait to be out."

I fiddle with one of my throwing knives, listening as cars pass through the garage.

"So… how did you get your halos?" I ask. "If its not to painful to talk about of course." I think back to my attempted catalyst events. If that’s what it takes to get your halos, I understand not wanting to relive it.

"Oh, I was just messing around and it happened. You know when you sneeze? I was trying to make a pencil float using only my mind. And then I could do it."

"Oh. I guess that… kinda makes sense." It did not make sense. But I don't feel like decoding her convoluted thoughts at the moment so I leave it be.

"Oh, look." She says. "It's Declan."

I turn to look through the back window, and sure enough, Declan is on his way back to us.

"Lets get out." I say.

We hop out of the car and meet up with Declan.

"They want us to split up and cover the back and side entrances. The museum security will be inside and out front. Azalea, you take the back. I suppose I should stick with Pepper and cover the back." He grimaces a bit at the thought. It cracks me up how uncomfortable he is around her.

"That makes sense. I can't really defend more than myself in a fight." I respond.

We leave the parking garage, cross the street, and arrive at the museum. Its closed, but there are still a few people passing by on the sidewalk nearby. I split up with the others and go around to the back entrance. It's a simple black door, next to a dumpster. The surrounding buildings create a narrow alleyway all around.

I take my position, standing firmly in front of the door, and switch on my earpiece.

"This is Echo, checking in. I'm in position. Solar, do you copy?" I say, scanning the area to make sure no one is nearby.

"Woah, you guys have codenames? That’s rad!" I hear Pepper say. Declan must have given her earpiece to her.

"This is Solar." Declan's voice crackles into my ear. "We are also in position. And Echo, you forgot to say 'over'. Over."

"Dammit. Over."

I stand watchfully, constantly staying aware of every sound and sight. The streets are clearing, and soon there is no one around. Its been awhile. I'm starting to feel bored.

"Hey, Solar? How long are we gonna be here? Over."

"Museum head of security estimates they'll need us until 2 am. Over."

I glance at my watch. It's only 12:30. I'm so bored. Nothing is even gonna happen. Why do they even need us here? Any regular security guard can stand in front of a door all night. I think.

I'm considering laying in the ground to take a nap, when suddenly I hear footsteps. I strain my eyes, tying to see if there is someone lurking in the darkness.

A middle aged man wearing dark clothes emerges. He walks towards me with confidence.

"Sorry sir. The museum is closed." I call out firmly.

"I know that." His voice is raspy. "I'm gonna need you to let me in anyway, sweetheart."