Crimson Shackles

Harper tapped the flat of her axe against his cheek. "DuskRuin, huh?" she said, her voice low. "What's your business here? Start talking—and if I catch you in one lie..."

Kira let out a low, threatening growl beside her, and the man—Rat—immediately broke into frantic pleas.

"Yes! Yes, DuskRuin! I'm with them!"

Trembling from pain and panic, Rat spilled everything. "I'm a scout, call sign Rat. Afte