An elf enters a street-race tournament to escape a corrupt city trapped in endless night.
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|| Voltyss is one of the last-standing cities caught in the Evernight, an endless night that spread across the land when the moon and stars fell from the...
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Pulling my glider to a stop, I step off and sweep it up under my arm, feeling its electronic hum die against my ribs. I grip its edge tightly and silently dare anyone to try to steal it from me. I'd probably just hop right back on and ride away, but pretending that I will kill anyone who touches my glider is a lot less work.
I walk two blocks, scanning the dimly lit streets and the withering buildings. The Evernight is much more present here—lurking on the edges of the Aura and in the eyes of the civilians I pass. Just when the darkness starts to settle in my skin, making my cheeks clammy, I spot the half-lit red sign.
Sighing in relief, I cross the street and slide through the doors as a man stumbles out, reeking of alcohol. I'm not sure what I imagined the inside to look like, but I at least envisioned a few more lights. The place, a tavern, is cast in shadow, the dull white glow from dangling lights not enough to illuminate every corner. The bar dwellers don't seem to mind the darkness, their silhouettes relaxing on stools, snuggled closely in booths along the walls. A song scratches through speakers somewhere in the shadows, but it is an old tune I don't recognize.
Macon has to be here. What better place for a thief to hide but in the dark?
Luckily, there is enough light for me to see where I step as I make way to the bar in the middle of the open room. The bartop's metal edge is illuminated with a strip of red that blinks on and off. My hands start to shake. What if this whole place blinks out?
I prop myself up onto a stool at the bar and fold my hands in my lap to keep my fingers still. My throat is tight with nerves, my breathing quick and heavy. I can't escape the feeling of unease that swims through me despite my attempt to flush it out. There is no way I'll be able to do this. I'll have to go into hiding. I'll have to live the rest of my life looking over my shoulder, wondering if Jojin has finally found me after my betrayal to the House of Horns.
I will die the last of my kind, and I will die a coward.
"First time in the Cobalt District?"
The smooth question hits me so sudden I almost fall off the stool. I turn to my left to answer the person who pulled me from my inner-turmoil, but words fall from my lips like stardust through my fingers.
Macon Falcove leans against the bartop to my left, his crooked smile shining at me even in the dark room. His eyes are hidden under the shadow of his brow, but I know he is the electric Starfox from the signature black tattoo that curls up out of his shirt and trails up his neck, its tip stopping just below his sharp jawline. I didn't notice before, but two lightning bolts cut through the buzzed sides of his hair. He's staring at me, waiting for me to answer while my heart is on the verge of bursting in my chest.
He knows, I think to myself. He knows and I'm three seconds away from being electrocuted in this dark, smoke-filled tavern.
"No," I quickly lie, hoping that my voice doesn't shake. Only one word has left my mouth and I've already revealed my ulterior motives.
