One
Kalyndi
I knew the risks of harvesting in the buffer zone at night. Everyone did. But no one knew how to find night-blooming lunaria like I did, and no one needed the coin more desperately than me.
The silver petals gleamed under the three moons, pulling me deeper into forbidden territory. My fingers worked quickly, pinching stems at the precise angle to preserve their potency. These rare herbs could cure fevers that nothing else could touch. Back at the terramares, they'd fetch enough to feed my sister's children for a month.
"Almost done," I whispered to myself, tucking another sprig into my satchel. The scent was intoxicating as sweet and sharp all at once.
A mechanical whine cut through the silence. My head snapped up. Patrol lights swept across the treetops half a mile east.
My heart hammered against my ribs. "Shit, shit, shit."
I dropped to my knees, hands fumbling for the small pouch at my belt. Inside was my insurance, a fine powder ground fromdesiccated rose thorn. I sprinkled it over my clothes, hair, and skin, wincing at the burning sensation. The powder stung, but it would mask my human scent from the enforcers' detection equipment.
The lights drew closer. I crawled beneath a fallen log, pulling dead leaves over my body. My breath came in silent, shallow gasps as boot steps crunched through the underbrush.
"Signal's faint but definitely human," a gruff voice said. "The Governor wants increased patrols. Too many terramares rats stealing resources lately."
Another voice chuckled. "You mean too many humans not offering themselves up for testing? Can't have that, can we?"
I pressed my fist against my mouth. Testing. The word alone made my stomach turn.
The lights swept over my hiding spot. I held my breath, praying to whatever gods might listen.
The footsteps moved past me. For one blessed moment, I thought I was clear.
Then a boot kicked the log I was hiding under.
"Well, well. What do we have here?"
I scrambled backward as they heaved the log aside. Three human enforcers in black uniforms stared down at me, their faces illuminated by harsh helmet lights. The red monster insignia gleamed on their shoulders. Humans who had chosen to serve our conquerors rather than resist them.
"Just gathering herbs," I said, holding up my hands. "Medicinal purposes. Nothing dangerous."
The tallest one laughed. "Buffer zone's off-limits to unauthorized personnel. You know that."
I recognized him as Officer Brandt. I'd bribed him twice before with rare herbs that helped his sick mother.
"I've got something for your mother's joint pain," I said quietly, reaching slowly into my satchel. "The purple vetch is blooming early this year."
Brandt hesitated, but before he could respond, a fourth figure strode into the clearing. His uniform was different, more decorated, with a captain's insignia.
"What's the delay here?" The new arrival's voice was cold, precise.
"Sir, just a terramares herb gatherer," Brandt said, straightening. "We can handle the standard fine and… "
"There are no standard fines anymore." The captain stepped into the light. He was younger than I expected, maybe early thirties, with a scar bisecting his left eyebrow. "New District Governor, new protocols. All unauthorized humans in the buffer zone are to be taken for immediate testing."
Ice flooded my veins. "Testing? I'm just picking herbs. I have people who depend on me."
"Should've thought of that before trespassing." The captain nodded to the others. "Bring her in."
I backed away. "Officer Brandt, please. You know me. I can get you double the usual… "
"Sorry, Kalyndi," Brandt muttered, not meeting my eyes. "Orders."
As they closed in, desperation took over. My hand dipped into my satchel, fingers closing around a small glass vial. When the first enforcer grabbed my arm, I smashed the vial directly in his face.
