THE MAZE OF DECEPTION

orange glow over the city. Aria made her way through the winding

ring who he was and what he wanted. She thought about Mack

n, Aria saw a figure waiting for her in the shadows. It wa

es," Mack said, his voice low and grav

earlier. "I've got a few things that might interest you,"

spreading across his face. "You're a real treasure

pocket. "This was stolen from one of the noble families

surge of excitement. This could be the break she ne

thing in his eyes that gave her pause. Som

, Mack?" she ask

overed. "Nothing, kid," he said. "Just be carefu

cket. She knew that she had to be carefu

dn't back down now. She had to

atching her from the shadows. It was the st

ld around her melting away. She felt a shiver run down