Page 345 of Mercy Written in Blood

"From before the renovation," Haruki said.

"Yes."

The plans predated his leadership. Only a few people retained copies. Family architects. City officials. Accord intermediaries. Organisations connected to the bloodlines who had managed the district before the Ishida took control. The conspiracy had not approached from outside. It had been built into the city.

"How many entrances remain secure?" Haruki asked.

"Main floor. Northern garage. Private lifts."

"Civilians?"

"Evacuated through the east route."

"Staff?"

"Essential only."

"Riku?"

"Medical level below us."

Haruki closed his eyes and rebuilt the Casino from memory. Public floor above. Private rooms along the western wing. Security station near the central lift. Medical suite on the third restricted level. Service tunnels beneath. The attackers entering from the west would attempt to split the defenders, draw Renji away and reach the medical floor through the old freight access.

"Move Riku," Haruki said.

Ken shook his head.

"Too late. Corridors are exposed."

"Then collapse access around him."

"That traps him."

"It traps them outside."

"And if fire reaches the level?"

"Suppression system is independent."

Understanding entered Ken's face. The Casino's open central floor had cameras from every angle. No hidden corridors. No narrow spaces where hostages could be taken unseen. A poor fortress. A perfect place to force an enemy to declare itself.

"Bring the surviving Unveiled there," Haruki said. "Anyone willing to defend Riku gets a position. Anyone unwilling leaves through the east route."

"Accord?"

"Same choice."

Ken nodded once. The anger remained. It moved behind duty.

"And Renji?"

Haruki looked towards the monitor.

"He will object."

"That is becoming a theme."

"Tell him the orders are mine."