20
They stepped out from the trees’ shadows all at the same time. Ten alchemists with the black mask over the lower part of their faces and holding their shadow swords—the normal kind of alchemists we were used to.
Holding his sword out, Artan pulled me behind him, but the alchemists had us surrounded.
One of the alchemists stepped forward. He took off his mask, revealing his pale face and black lips. “We’ve been having fun, but it’s time to end this.”
Artan pointed his sword at the alchemist. “What are you talking about?”
“Our game,” he said simply. “It has been too easy. Much easier than I thought it would go.”
I spied the alchemist from behind Artan. “W-what do you mean?”
“The letter. We sent the letter to your friend in the hopes that she would bring you to us.”
My mouth hit th
