Prologue
“What do you mean she has everything to do with this?” Nari questioned, wondering how this Specter could have spotted her. Even standing in the open Nari the Unseen was able to hide; yet this woman had found her within seconds of leaving Aeryn’s home. It was more than a little unnerving, and the only thing keeping her from attacking was the fact that Zia’s name came up.
The woman’s raven hair shimmered, even in the darkness of the alley. Sharp features did nothing to hide the brilliant mind that hid beneath. The woman laughed. “Do you, or do you not, want the Ark gone?”
“The city would fall without the Ark,” Nari answered. As a member of the Light Guard she was supposed to support everything her government did, and never question it. But recent events had her wondering about her leaders.
“Kehzia Noble has begun to shake the foundation,” the woman said, “and she will remain the key to bringing in a new era. But it takes time. For now, she needs a little help.” Her eyes flicked away for a moment, not a movement of fear, but one of curiosity. She met Nari’s gaze once more. “She will need someone to…look after her.”
Nari’s jaw clenched. It had been her job to watch Zia’s movements after Donataen had died, but she’d shirked her duties. Now it was coming back to haunt her. “What are you saying?” Nari whispered.
“That if someone doesn’t start keeping Kehzia safe, then she won’t be breathing much longer.”
