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Prologue
KAREMI, AEDION EMPIRE
"Hold on, Little Thief. Almost there."
His voice tugged at me from the darkness — a familiar low rumble against my cheek.
I tried to speak, but all that came out was a painful, rasping cough.
A metallic tang flooded my mouth, and the man pulled me tighter.
"They're almost here."
Here? Where was I?
I tried to think — to remember. But my thoughts were too hazy.
He held something cool to my lips, wiping at them, and I tried to look up at him — to see his face.
But even my eyes resisted.
All I could make out were silver eyes that glinted in the darkness … and a scar running down one cheek.
This man — I knew him. He …
A train whistled in the distance, and he let out a relieved sigh.
I winced as cool air stung my cheeks. Then his arms were lowering me, placing me on something hard and cold.
I tried to hold on — to remain in the warmth, but he slipped away.
No. Don't leave me.
I tried to speak the words, but my mouth wouldn't listen.
Something warm and gentle brushed my cheek …
"Hold on, Kaiya. Just a little longer."
And then he was gone.
This was wrong.
I tried to look for him, desperate. But as the world came into focus, the only things visible were the stars twinkling above.
A train whistle sounded again, then hurried footsteps approached.
Was he coming back?
A blinding light filled my vision and I squinted against it.
Then an unfamiliar face appeared above me, wide-eyed and mouth agape.
"Oh gods. I think it's Hunter Maderoth!" The sharp voice pierced my skull, and I winced.
"What's she doing all the way out here?"
A second face appeared beside the first, brow knit with concern.
