Ever since she escaped from Voyne, she had a lingering fear of being found by him. This made her fear staying in the city. She instead preferred the clandestine nature of the docks on the outskirts of the city. Those docks had once been the city’s pride, however, they were now a meeting place for criminals and safe haven for smugglers. Even pirates came around here occasionally. Every person around here was focused only on the reason he/she was here. They also avoided actions whose consequences would affect a member of another group. In this way, the criminals were able to coexist with one another. When Renee woke that morning, she had the sense that something was wrong. The day seemed too bright, as if the Sun had finally vented all its light in its dying moments. When she checked outside, she saw that the Sun was not to blame. A second ‘Sun’ had appeared in a different place above the docks. No that can’t be right. How were are two Suns in the sky?!! And why is the second Sun gro

“Reese surrendered himself to her.” Somen said, munching on some rabbits that had been prepared before Luthen came in. Lyann was speechless. “Why would he do that?” She asked. “To buy us time.” “You should have just killed everyone and left.” “That’s the easy way out.” Kane said, speaking for the first time. She looked at him and twisted her mouth. That statement seemed to trigger something in her. The moon shone brightly in the sky and the critter of the forest was audible. “Look, I know you’re reluctant to come with us-” Luthen started “You make it sound like I don’t have a choice.” She cut in. Kane chuckled in scorn, then winced from the pain. “Don’t mind him. How about this? You help us rescue them and it’s quits.” “You leave me and my crew alone? No city authorities involved?” “None.” Luthen promised. “Fine. I guess if you can convince both Reese and Jonelle to leave their precious Island, it must be quite important. We’ll go in the morning. My men will stay here.”

Maron jumped in front of her right in time with a blue cube construct to protect both himself and Ari. The cube shattered from the impact with Luthen’s hand pushing both him and her away. “Luthen!” Lyann shouted and tried to stop him. “Stay the f*ck where you are and don’t f*cking interfere. F*king get out of my way, Maron!!” He cursed in a loud voice. This was a side of Luthen none of them had seen before, except one person. Some emotion flickered across Maron’s face. Was it familiarity? Juren and Johann both tried to get to Ari’s side but got blocked by Somen and Kane respectively. “Why don’t we catch up on old times? My scar still stings where you hurt me.” Somen taunted Juren. “We’ll leave the former friends to catch up. You are my opponent now.” Kane said to Johann. Ari stood up finally with some pain and bleeding. She turned to Juren and gave him a smug smile, “I told you he was my boyfriend.” Juren’s mind was blown. Is she seriously think about that now? “Retreat!” Joh

"Exactly dear. That is what I am saying. They are our cards against the Shards. They just need a little....refinement." Refinement. Teaching. Guidance. "Remember, son. Our plan isn't to beat the Shards. You don't offer a calf to a deity. You grow it instead to an adult and then make a more pleasing offering. The seedlings are to be nutured to befitting sacrifices." "I trust you know what to do." She finished. The fireplace crackled on. ******* "It's disturbing really. That the three of you would know our enemies so personally." Kane said. "If it weren't for the level of trust I have, I would consider you all as foes." He continued. "Why is he targeting people from our past? Is he messing with us? What does he know? Is there some clue -" "How do you know - what's her name? -Ari?" Luthen cut in "You know I consider it rude to be cut in the middle of my speech." Lyann said. "Just answer the question.". He retorted. There was a heavy sigh from the lady. "Ari - no rather- Ari

"Oh. She is-sorry, was-Voyne's secretary." "That explains the energy tagging her." Kane said. "How is she here?" "She came looking for us. Said she had something to tell us. She's done with him." "That's quite convenient." Lyann scoffed. "I know you don't trust me but I didn't know what I was getting into! I just wanted to switch jobs for a pay raise. If I had known the job was to be a secretary to a homicidal maniac, you think I would have agreed?!" Reneé breathed angrily. Nice. She stood up for herself. Luthen could not help but be impressed. "Then why come to us?" Lyann was unfazed. She was a master criminal and had dealt many times with people claiming to switch allegiances only to be exposed as spies. "How do you know we aren't the same as Voyne -or worse?" "I have seen what he has done and I know what he did to me. I found out what he—and she—plan to do. I had to tell someone. And you… you're the only ones left who can stop it. So if there's even a chance that you are even