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Tarquin says, “Or we could go around the back.” He’s got a strange look on his face, like he’s almost entertained by the idea. “It’s not an official route, but we should be able to get in that way.”
You make your way around the huge, pyramidal building until you reach a modest door. It’s unlocked, just like Tarquin said it would be. As you proceed along the narrow corridor, you take care to stay as quiet as possible—but Tarquin and Dorian don’t seem to be following suit. Their footsteps echo loudly and Tarquin even adds a cough or two for good measure. It’s like they want to be caught.
You round the corner into the arena’s main hall and—
“Surprise!”
The lights come on, blinding you for a moment, and a cheerful assortment of Shadow Dragons emerge from various corners of the room. One of them is Neve, clearly unharmed and highly amused by the ruse.
“What’s going on?” Ashur wants to know.
“Did you really think we’d forget your birthday?” Tarquin asks him, grinning.
You can’t believe this was all a setup. What’s more, you can’t believe Dorian and Tarquin knew and didn’t tell you—but then, you are still on probation.
Oh, well. At least there’s cake.