By My Blood

Prologue

Banner by Nasmir

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Jorda wasn't a killer. But then, she was also technically not a thief or a spy or a henchman or a distraction-for-hire, yet she was all of those things, and more besides. What Jorda was in truth was invisible.

In the city of Remore, the city of new and ancient traditions sculpted together into a fortress of black, gray, and white polished stone, there did exist killers and thieves and spies and henchmen and distractions-for-hires. There existed almost anything that could be bought with gold and silver and the threat of blood. Indeed, in Remore, blood was as much a form of currency as coins stamped with the emperor's face.

What will you promise me if I do this for you?

Anything, everything. By my blood.

She had heard it echoed her entire life. It was the promise of the emperor at his coronation, a couple at their wedding, the seal of a will, the sob of a mourner, the pact of two criminals in the dark recesses of the Shadow Pit. It was her own vow to Remore, by three dark ruby drops thrown into the silver thunder of the river that split the city in half.

If I leave, I leave on my own terms. This I swear by my blood.

Time and time again that vow had been tested. Had she meant it? Did she deserve it? Did she understand the extent to which this ferocious city clung to those who spilt their blood at its heart?

Once, three years ago, one year for every drop, she had stood on the opposite side of this river and made a promise. Tonight she faced its realities once again. Jorda may have been invisible, but no one hid from Remore.

So she would do it. As she had done before, as she would do again. She understood the terms of survival in this city. And if it was to be a thief, or a spy, or a henchman, or a distraction, or a killer, then– then her promise would hold true.

You have tried to destroy me. I can only conclude that you believe I am not worthy. Am I an enemy behind your walls, Remore? Am I the thing you were built to keep out? Has the great city of lies and truth decided I do not belong on either side of your river?

Then, I swear, I will prove you wrong.

As long as my heart beats.

By my blood.

It was as she stood there, staring into the freezing waters and contemplating the biggest mistake of her life, that the stranger in the jade mask stepped out of the shadows and strolled through the mist toward her, a strange smile hovering on his lips.