Night fell hard over the ruined city, but Kael couldn't rest. As he moved toward the outskirts, the wind whispered a warning. He wasn't alone.
A sniper's shot whizzed past his ear, grazing his cheek. He dove into cover.
"Already?" Kael muttered, activating his enhanced senses.
Three figures emerged from the mist—cloaked, armored, and bearing insignias he recognized from his parents' notes.
Ashen Circle agents.
"Kael Vire," the lead one growled, voice distorted. "You weren't supposed to live."
Kael didn't respond. He didn't need words.
Only his fists.