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Chapter One

1729, 12th Rion

Taking a life was easier to stomach when it was robbed by the pull of a trigger. In a city where a body rarely succumbed to injury, Lily slept easier knowing her targets would be back on their feet in a few days.

If her hands met them however, the god pulsing behind her fingertips wouldn’t be so merciful.

“This is taking too long.”

Lily lowered her rifle to throw a glare over her shoulder at Reina. “You’re the one who insisted we get here this early.”

“That was before I knew how cold it was going to be.”

“It’s always cold,” Lily reminded her.

Reina straightened her posture with a smirk. “Exactly. So stop whining about it and pay attention so we can get this done.”

Grinning, Lily returned to her weapon—a rifle that resembled the steel one her mother once carried—instead of lead bullets, it shot enough plasma to cut a hole through stacks of brick out of its black, narrow muzzle.

Lily peered through a shattered window just inside the entrance of an abandoned plaza, her eyes sweeping the area to ensure it remained empty. They chose this spot to intercept the thieves—a gateway among many that separated Reave’s upper class from its lower. For those in the know, this was the least conspicuous route between the extremes. The men they were tracking had likely trudged through the night, navigating the winding, neglected pathway. Smuggling such a large amount of ghosted weapons onto a tram or lift would have been impossible.

“You see them yet?” Reina asked. “What about Xavier?”

Lily panned over the chunks of rubble and sheets of ice, shaking her head. “The answer’s still no.”

“Damn it!” Reina’s heavy footsteps paced at her back. “I need those guns, Lil.”

“We’ll get them back,” Lily reassured.

“They’re worth too much.”

“I understand. Will you—”

“Kael’s my first worthwhile client, and if I can’t meet his demands—”

“Rey.” Lily whipped back around. “I get it. I really do. But right now, I need you to shut the fuck up.”

Reina folded her arms tightly, setting her displeasure on Lily. Her deep brown curls danced over her head, sepia brown skin standing out against the beige trench coat that clung to her curved frame. Lily’s closest friend was as intimidating as she was gorgeous, and jesting aside, she’d rather not get on her bad side.

“That’s better,” Lily said. “Now stay that way. I don’t like to see you all panicky.”

Reina leaned against the wall beside her with a huff. “I’m not usually waiting around with you. Is it always this boring?”

Lily lifted a shoulder.

Reina carried herself well, but she was at her best riled up. It happened more often now that she and Xavier had inherited one of the subcity’s weapon manufacturers. A small business known for crafting unregistered firearms, each one distinct in design and function. Unlike the competition topside, undercity weapons were lighter, more precise, and could be bound to a single user—making them a rare and expensive commodity under the legal market.

New to the position, the duo was used to tests to their newfound leadership, often receiving passive threats and absurd quotes for materials. Lily’s job was to make sure everyone remained civil.

Honestly, she’d work for free if they weren’t so insistent on her being paid. But Lily didn’t appreciate this particular band of idiots taking finished guns to the upper half of Reave. It was the last place she wanted to be.

“Someone with a face you can cave in will appear soon, don’t worry.” Lily tightened the scope, catching sight of movement beyond a crumbling fountain. “What’d I tell you? There they… Oh, false alarm.”

Xavier appeared over the horizon, waving until he was confident Lily recognized him. She lowered the weapon, and he jogged through the plaza and into the doorway. Slapping a hand on her shoulder, he placed the other on his hip as he caught his breath.

“We need to hire more people,” he huffed. “This is work I shouldn’t have to do anymore.”

“Well?” Reina pressed. “Where are they?”