Ash pulls out his lock-picking tools, and by the time Aarya and Ines climb up, he’s got the door open.

Ines unties the rope from the railing and we all step inside, locking the door behind us. Even in the dark, I can tell that the room is luxurious. There are heavy drapes on the windows, a king-sized bed with a high headboard and a chaise lounge at the foot of it, and an open door leading to an equally lavish sitting room. Suitcases lie open on wooden luggage racks, and in one of them I spot the corner of a masquerade mask. My pulse quickens at the sight of it. We’re in a Strategia’s room. I creep to the door leading into the sitting room and peek through. All is silent, but for how long?

Aarya eyes the suitcase. “Let’s get on with it and get the hell out of here,” she whispers, and I know she must see the mask, too.

Ash ducks into the sitting room and I head into the bathroom, shutting the door behind me. I take off my backpack and unzip it. The black-and-white tulle skirt explodes out of the opening—I had quite the time compressing it earlier this evening. I pull out the dress and yank off my sweatshirt, tying it securely around my waist. I tuck my gloves into my jean pockets and my hat into my left boot, so as not to crowd the knife in my right boot. I slip the dress over my head and wiggle into the form-fitting black bodice. The tulle is so puffy that it completely conceals my jeans and my tied sweatshirt below.

I grab my phone and unlock it. There is a message from Layla waiting for me.

Layla: We have you covered. Waiting nearby.

Me: In. Won’t be able to read responses here on out. Wish us luck.

It only takes a moment for her to reply.

Layla: Understood. And it’s not luck; it’s skill.

I smile at the text before erasing the thread and shove the phone into a hidden pocket in my skirt—something Ines added for us to conceal our weapons and the ointment, and a lucky break for me.

I exit the bathroom just as Aarya is helping Ines smooth a wig over her signature red hair. In a matter of minutes, we’re all in formal wear, save our boots, and I tie on my black-and-white mask. It covers my entire face except the underside of my nose and my mouth.

Ash returns from the living room wearing a long velvet cape pushed back over one shoulder and a mask that appears to be sculpted out of gold leaf. I stare at him in awe while he collects our backpacks and steps out onto the balcony, tossing them down into a nearby bush.