Chapter 1

Faint guitar music drifted through the streets of the Last City, barely audible over the buzz of citizens in the market. Glint's iris flicked between passing patrons and the pleasing festival decorations. His self-assigned patrol was barely a distraction from his racing thoughts, but it made him feel helpful to Crow and the Vanguard—even if they didn't know and were too preoccupied to care.

A nearby stand decorated with stained glass wind chimes caught his attention. He gave them a closer look, wondering how to get one back to Crow.

"Come on! Quick!" a voice shouted. Glint turned to see four teens rush by the stall, narrowly avoiding a cart full of vegetables. To Glint's surprise, one teen carried a large pumpkin.

"These kids and their Headless Ones nonsense, I swear," the stall owner said.

"It's that time of year. Silly pranks abound," responded a patron with a chuckle.

Glint quickly floated after them.