The wind felt wrong the moment I stepped into Ember Moon territory. The massive iron gate was shut as usual, but something in the air tasted heavier. Darker. I tried calling Mich to notify him I was coming, but his line was switched off. That alone sent a strange chill down my spine.
I walked toward the gate and made the familiar signal. The gate opened slowly, metal scraping against stone. A man appeared and blocked my path. I had never seen him before. He wore a full black outfit, from boots to collar, and his face was fixed in an unreadable scowl.
He studied me coldly.
“Who are you, and where is your ID card?” he asked.
I gave him a faint, polite smile.
“You must be new. They know me here.”
I stepped forward, but he moved again, blocking me with surprising speed.
My smile dropped
