Bone Claw (2)

Freya stood on the second-floor landing and watched the two figures through the window. She frowned slightly, then fixed her gaze on Sam and followed him downstairs.

Those people must have taken my sister. They mentioned someone called Luke. He's the one who captured her. Freya kept watch on Sam as she worked it out.

Friedenburg City had yet to install streetlights. At night, only City Hall and a few buildings in the city center were lit by expensive Magic Lamps that ordinary families could not afford. The Lower District was a slum, plunged into complete darkness. Workers exhausted by ten-hour shifts went to bed early, and with no Police or night watchmen on the streets, the district was all the more dangerous.

Once they left Ruhr Street, a lingering sour stench filled the air, mixed with a faint smell of blood.

After crossing several blocks, Freya noticed that Sam had begun circling back. Did he spot me? No, he's heading for the Upper District. Judging by his route, she wondered if Boss Sislame lived there.

A few minutes later, Sam evaded a patrol and entered the Upper District.

It was just as dark and had no streetlights, but the Upper District had patrols and a Police Station. Its safety and surroundings were far better than those of the Lower District. Near the neighborhood park, even the air carried a faint floral scent.

Neither Sam nor Freya was registered as a resident of the Upper District. Out at this hour, they both had to avoid the patrols.

Sam clearly knew what he was doing. Familiar with the patrol routes and schedules, he concealed his movements with practiced ease. Freya followed in his wake until they reached a respectable-looking apartment building and went straight up to the second floor.

Freya's pulse