Mikhailis and Aria crouched behind a stack of crates, their breath coming in short, controlled bursts. The warehouse air was thick with dust and the tang of magic, making Mikhailis's nose itch. He suppressed a sneeze, focusing instead on the voices drifting from the nearby room.
"You worthless piece of trash!" A gruff voice bellowed, followed by the sound of sothing heavy being slamd against a wall.
"If you can't finish the enchantnt, we'll find soone who can!"
Aria flinched, her face pale in the dim light.
"Callen," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Mikhailis squeezed her shoulder reassuringly, his eyes scanning the warehouse. Guards stood at strategic points, their postures tense and alert. This wasn't going to be easy.
Thanks, Rodion. Ti to put that big brain of yours to work. We need a distraction.
Mikhailis's mind raced, weighing options and discarding plans as quickly as they ford. His grand sche of taking over the syndicate would have to wait. Right now, Callen needed their help.
"Aria," he whispered.
"I've got an idea, but it's going to sound crazy."
Aria raised an eyebrow, a wry smile tugging at her lips.
"Crazier than your plan to take over a criminal syndicate?"
Mikhailis grinned. "
Point taken. Look, we need to get the guards away from that room. I'm thinking we leave them a little breadcrumb trail."
He pulled out a small notebook and pen from his pocket, scribbling quickly. Aria peered over his shoulder, her eyes widening as she read.
"Are you insane?" she hissed.
"You want to tell them our escape route?"
Mikhailis winked at her.
"Trust , it's all part of the plan. Now, we just need to plant this where they'll find it..."
Rodion, you beautiful AI, you. Mikhailis thought, his grin widening.
"Aria, see that vent over there?" He pointed discreetly.
"Think you can work your magic and get this note inside? Make it look like it fell out of soone's pocket."
Aria looked skeptical but nodded. With a few muttered words and a flick of her wrist, the note vanished, reappearing monts later just inside the vent grate.
"Now what?" she asked, her voice tense with anticipation.
Mikhailis's eyes glead with mischief.
"Now, we wait for the fun to begin."
They didn't have to wait long. Within minutes, a guard passed by the vent, pausing as sothing caught his eye. He bent down, retrieving the note, his eyes widening as he read its contents.
"Boss!" he called out, his voice urgent.
"You need to see this!"
As the guards congregated around the note, Mikhailis and Aria made their move. They slipped towards Callen's room, their footsteps muffled by the commotion.
Aria worked quickly, her fingers tracing intricate patterns in the air as she dismantled the magical locks on the door. With a soft click, it swung open.
Inside, Callen lay crumpled on the floor, his clothes torn and his face bruised. He looked up as they entered, his eyes widening in a mix of fear and hope.
"Aria..?" he croaked, his voice weak.
"What are you—"
"Shh," Aria soothed, rushing to his side.
"We're getting you out of here. Can you walk?"
Callen nodded weakly, his gaze shifting to Mikhailis.
"Who's he?"
"A friend," Aria said quickly, helping her brother to his feet.
"We can trust him."
Mikhailis grinned, giving a mock bow.
"Mikhailis, at your service. Pleasure to et you, though I wish it were under better circumstances. Now, let's get out of here before our little distraction wears off."
They made their way out of the room, Callen leaning heavily on Aria. Mikhailis took point, his eyes darting back and forth as they navigated the warehouse.
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