Piles of shimmering metal and unexplained light filled a room larger than a football field. To my surprise, the DeBrazier family lacked organization, leaving their hoard in seemingly slapped-together bundles.

"So, uh, where do we even start?" I asked.

Bert clambered to the top of the nearest pile and, once there, began gripping his face tightly. A dozen eyes dotted his cheeks and forehead when he removed his hands. His eyes darted from side to side, attempting to get a clear image of every nook this room had to offer.

"I'm looking for what I need. Try to grab whatever else you think is useful. Sorry I can't offer more." Bert instructed.

"You're good," I replied, sliding down the pile of treasure we had settled on. "I'll try to find something useful."

Finding something helpful wouldn't be difficult, but ensuring it was worth our attention was trickier. We had broken into the vault of the wealthiest family in Dulcrois, the crew wouldn't forgive me if I grabbed subpar items when they know the potential value of what they could've gotten instead.

"Broke, buddy? I know it's been a while. Think you could help me out with some rapid fire?"

You got it, dude.

"What a mensch," I replied, picking up a gold-embedded bowl from the nearest pile.

Fueron's Conductionary will heat any liquid placed inside of it within five seconds.

"Pass," I said, chucking the golden bowl to investigate elsewhere.

After about ten minutes, I had found an assortment of items I had no doubts the team would be impressed with;

I found a pair of hemp anklets that allowed the user to stand on any surface if it contained a certain amount of moisture.

A brass wrist guard that Broke informed me would protect the user from any incoming psychic effects, although it did not affect the curse the Crafters had placed me under.

Under my arm, I held a hand-carved wooden pipe flute, said to instantly summon any bird within a three-mile radius.

A ratty old book adorned with symbols of wind and the sun, with the ability to transport the user about 300 ft into the air. I doubted this would be helpful in a desert, but if we ever needed to quickly scale a mountain or tower, this could be a lifesaver.

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Last but not least, I found a burgundy coat adorned with fractals in a bright white hue. The material could create afterimages if a creature moved quickly while wearing it.

"So, I think I found some cool things. How is it looking on your end?"

Berthold was nowhere to be found. A sense of panic took over as I climbed atop the pile Bert had scouted from earlier. Tracing the vault with my eyes, I could not find my roguish ally. However, I did find a more familiar sight.

"Nev!" I shouted, sliding down the mass of wealth to greet my companion.

They stood in silence in response, with a pained look across their face.

"I'm glad you're here. Help me find Bert, and we can get the hell out of this place."

I grabbed their hand, attempting to pull them away into the fields of treasure, but they stayed locked in place instead.

"What's wrong?" I asked, still holding onto their hand.

"Nothing is wrong," a familiar voice replied from the entrance to the vault. "Your old friend is just happy to see you, isn't that sweet?"

"Shit!"

I tried to take off through the treasure trove but found Nev's hand locked around my wrist, locking me in place.

“Tsk tsk tsk, Mr. Hood. Running away after Nev went through so much to find you, that's cold." Pheralynn called out.

Slow, heeled steps walked deeper from the vault entrance, revealing Pheralynn Dulcrois with several guards in tow.

"No, I think everyone here wants you to…." Pheralynn projected. "Stay."

Invisible chains tightened from the back of my neck, wrapping around my limbs and forcing me into place. It was a sense of powerlessness Pheralynn had forced me into many times before.

"I have very high standards Mersault," she said, closing the distance between us. "Top of my class in every capacity, vaulting over coworkers for promotions, I even married into the wealthiest family. Do you know how I accomplished all of these things?"

I shot daggers in response, unwilling to justify her monologue.

"Come now, Mersy, don't make me pry it out of you." She continued. "Fine, if you want to do it this way. Speak."

The invisible chains caught flame, giving the sensation of superheated metal spread across my entire body. I cried out in pain as this invisible pressure forced me to my knees.

"How?" I spat out between pain-induced convulsions, any discomfort ceasing after the words left my lips.

"Very good," she applauded my compliance. "Because I have an eye for the best. The best resources, the best leverage, and in your case, the best labor. I gave you a great life Mersault. Top shelf food, impeccable living quarters, and a place under my wing to learn. And what did you do?"

I paused before Pheralynn shot me a look, debating if she would have to command another answer out of me.

"I left."

"You left! But not only did you leave, but you also stole Crafter property, assaulted security personnel, and caused massive damage by throwing fragmented buildings all over the city." She said in an amused tone. "But you know what, Mersault? I won't make you ask this time; I'll just tell you. I forgive you."

Nev and I shared a look at Pheralynn's revelation.

"You can still be useful to me. I just had you on too loose of a leash. It was my mistake for not establishing the ground rules early on, so I apologize, but someone will still have a price to pay for your transgressions. I know you got help from my little brother-in-law. But we can deal with him after, for now, Mersault…" She paused as I fought for control over my locked frame. "Kill Neverel Raist."