A Tempest of Tea

Matteo protests the very idea of the plan, but Arthie knows that he will change his mind in time. Against his protests and open dislike of Laith, she explains recent events, but he insists that he knows nothing of the Athereum. Jin immediately shows him an entry coin to the event—one that he had pilfered from the house earlier, proving Matteo wrong. Flick immediately agrees to work with them, which raises Arthie’s suspicions. Finally, they settle in to plan further, despite Matteo’s continuing disagreements and the rising tension between him and Laith.

Matteo points out that while infiltrating on the night of the auction would be feasible, the Athereum is on high alert due to the kidnappings. When Jin explains that Spindrift is on the line, Matteo finally agrees to help, encouraged by Arthie’s blackmail and the group’s promise to let him join them at the party as well. He explains that the coin is an entry key with a unique code. If the person’s coin doesn’t match the records, they are killed by stake without question. Matteo further explains that because he was banished from the Athereum some time ago, his own coin is now useless; however, he refuses to explain further.