Chapter 1: Lam
The steel toe of Lam’s wingtip caught on a raised edge of cobblestone, and he tripped. His steps stuttered and he careened into one of the railings along the canal to catch himself.
That third drink had been stronger than he’d anticipated. He chuckled as he righted himself. At least the walk would sober him up. It was a lengthy stroll home along the canal, one he’d done a few times now, and it was always good for stretching his legs.
The cobblestones that lined the river were a bit tricky if you didn’t pay enough attention. This part of the city was old, all crumbling stone buildings and walkways. There were places one could break their neck if they weren’t careful.
Lam was usually, very, very careful.
He paused to right himself, and in the silence that followed, he picked up a sound.
Footsteps, from behind him.
Lam turned and looked.
Far enough behind him that it was just a smudge in the dark, there was a figure. A man. Had he come from the bar, or off the street?
The bar, Lam deduced. There’d been a man at one of the tables in a dark hoodie. Lam had caught his eye a few times but he hadn’t approached. Was it a coincidence that he was here now, or had he followed Lam out?
Lam turned and started walking again, this time quicker. The shadow sped up too, and now that he was paying attention, the steps were easy to pick out. The canal bounced every sound.
He walked faster. Lam had already passed the last set up stairs up out of the canal walkway a while ago, and the next set wasn’t until after the bridge.
For this stretch they were alone. Alone and secluded down here by the water. Between the bars they’d come from and the residential area, there were only shops, and they were all closed up tight for the night.
No witnesses.
The steps quickened behind him. Adrenaline shot through Lam.
Definitely following him.
Lam kept his eyes on the bridge ahead, looming out of the dark. His hand curled around the cold metal in his pocket.
The adrenaline made his heartbeat race and his breathing quicken. He was gaining on the bridge, but the man was gaining on him. Lam’s skin was tight, his whole body a tightly wound band of anticipation in his chest.
The steps got closer, the sound echoing just behind him, louder now. The strides were long and purposeful. Every footfall heavy. He was coming, coming for Lam.
A breeze blew by that gave Lam goosebumps despite his coat. He was so close to the bridge now. He could see it up ahead, a huge shape looming out of the dark.
He was going to make it.
Then the footsteps behind him skittered, clacking into a jolting run. His heart had time just to trip over itself, and then whoever was behind him was suddenlyright behind him. Lam could feel the presence, the threat at his back. It shot up his spine like electricity.
He wasn’t going to make it.
He ran.
His shoes weren’t meant for running, but he knew he had to make it to the bridge. He sprinted, hearing the echoing clatter of steps behind him. Chasing him.
He was prey. Out, all alone. A small and an easy target.
Lam ran into the pitch black shadow of the bridge. He was almost there, just–
A hand grabbed hold of the hood of his coat. It yanked hard, stopping his momentum, jerking him back as it choked him.
Lam careened back into a man’s broad and solid chest. He got a strong whiff of sweat and stale cologne, and felt the heat of his bulk suddenly surround him.
“Gotcha,” the man snarled as one hand curled around Lam. The second brandished a knife threateningly.
