Book 14: Taking Down the Viper

Soren

Twin Rivers is cast in darkness and flickering neon lights as I trudge beside Blake, our heads bent against a spray of slush. The streets are clear of ice but soaking wet, and my boots leave deep imprints in the rotten snow as I cross a street, Blake staying in step with me. My eyes are covered by my usual mask–a simple strip of dark fabric. My ball cap casts the rest of my face in shadow as we cut through an alley between two lively bars. We have to side-step between the crowd to gain access to the next street.

Blake begins to don his gloves, but I stop him, shaking my head. “She needs to see you as you are. That’s part of the plan, remember?”

He grits his teeth and slides the gloves back in his pocket.

“Having second thoughts?”

“No,” he rasps. It’s impossible to tell what he’s really thinking. His face is set in a mask of indifference as the city bleeds around us. Twin Rivers is a hotbed for nightlife. Bars and clubs rage even i