Blood Oath and Moonlight

ck mirrors that caught the glow of street lanterns. In those reflections, the city l

esperation. Rats scurried through alleys, fighting over scraps that might have been bread or might

at his hip pressing into his side. Its hilt was etched with the emblem of the Black Dagge

ies - and coin - belonged. Lord Marev had been late on his protection

n under the rain. Lanterns lined the path to the door, their glass panes inlaid with gems

said "decoration" more than "battle-tested." As Kael approached,

guard said, voice trembling

he kind of look that made most men rethink their life choices - not handsome

kneecaps?" Kael

ard bl

ha

n's weapon clattered to the ground, his fingers too numb to h

debt's come due," and

choke on. Kael had seen it before - wealthy men burnin

archment. The flicker of the oil lamp painted deep shadows

aking. "Please, I-I just need

m. The sound of it closing w

you," Kael said. He walked to the desk, each s

edge of the desk - not full enough to settle the debt. Hi

it ha

quite reach. It wasn't the movement of a man - too fluid, too wrong. The a

d slowly, "you ex

ned in the dark. They glowed faintly - not lik

the next it was on Marev, claws raking through silk and skin like parchment. The me

he creature - whatever it was - turned its head toward him and smiled. The smi

o the shadows, leaving only the copper stink of fresh blood a

y slumped in his chair, his lifeless eyes staring at the ceiling. T

low, a distant bel

uld almost hear his boss's voice - superstitions are bad for business. But Kael had seen t

somethi

d slipped it into his coat. Evidence, payment, or both. Then he stepp

whispers followed him as he passed. Somewhere in the

ng while, Kael Draven felt the