The morning rush at Little Whiskers was usually controlled chaos. Today, under Luna's command, it was just... chaos.
"Vali! Do not eat the crayons! They are wax, not snacks!" Luna cried, hopping over a pile of blocks. "Jasper, please stop trying to unionize the cleaning golems! They don't have souls!"
Luna's ears were tied back with a scrunchie, and she had a smudge of ink on her nose. She looked frazzled, determined, and adorable.
Jax watched her from the corner near the pantry.
His hand was in his pocket, clutching the small, patched cap that belonged to his brother, Finn.
Burn it down, the voice in his head whispered. Just light a match in the flour storage. It'll look like an accident. The Warlords will save the kids. No one gets hurt. And Finn goes free.
It was a simple trade. One bakery for one brother.
He took a step toward the pantry, his hand reaching for the flint in his pocket.
