The morning sun filtered through the tall, gothic windows of the Twilight Spire's new lobby, casting long beams of violet light across the polished obsidian floor. It was a beautiful sight. It looked expensive. It looked regal.
It also looked like a crime scene.
"Kick that gear under the rug," Reed ordered, sipping his coffee. "No, the big brass one. With the serial number on it."
Maira was on her hands and knees, frantically sweeping jagged pieces of the Authority Tax Siphon under a massive, plush area rug that Seraphine had "acquired" from a merchant caravan three weeks ago. The Admin looked like she was about to vibrate out of existence.
"This is a felony," Maira muttered, her voice tight. "Technically, it is three felonies. Destruction of Federal Property. Tampering with a Mana Meter. And... oh, look at this. This piece is stamped 'DO NOT REMOVE UNDER PENALTY OF EXORCISM.' That sounds serious, Master."
