Chapter 14 · The Monster They Made

The first bell rang before dawn, and Riftport answered with gunfire.

Xia Lan crouched beneath the broken ribs of a warehouse roof, silver wings folded tight against her back. Snow sifted through the gaps above, melting on her skin before the cold could harden it. Below, the harbor district glowed with red lanterns and burning barricades. Every street had been sealed. Every bridge carried soldiers. Loudspeakers mounted on the watchtowers repeated the same message until the words became part of the wind.

'Citizens of Riftport, remain indoors. The winged monster known as Asset Thirteen is responsible for the massacre at the Ashfall perimeter. She is armed, unstable, and hostile to human life. Report all sightings to the Continental Authority. Do not approach. Do not offer shelter.'

The voice was calm. Educated. Almost kind.

Ivra Kohn had always understood that terror worked better when spoken softly.

Nolan lay beside Xia Lan with his back against a chimney stack. His left shoulder was wrapped in a dark, blood-soaked bandage, and his breathing had become shallow whenever he moved.