The place Darius had sent Zara brought her into the underworld of Silver City, a world of shadow and clandestine enterprise. The Nightbound operated from an ancient cathedral, left to the city for centuries but owned by the darkness. Its gothic spires loomed over the cross streets, casting an unholy, foreboding shadow.
Zara slid up slowly, senses on high alert. She felt gazes on her from the dark alleys, yet no one stirred. The Nightbound were letting her come to them.
The wooden doors creaked in protest as she stepped through into the cathedral. The interior was thick with incense and the faintly heard murmur of voices. Before the altar a group of robed attendants stood in wait, hoods blacker than night, faces hidden within the shadows. Above them, a woman brooded with piercing green eyes, whose very being drew the concentration of those dwelling around her to herself.
"You're going to have to be Zara Kane," the woman said, her voice low and even. "We've heard about your. recent activities."
Zara steeled herself, her gaze locking with the woman's without even a blink. "I'm not here to cause trouble. I require your help to bring down the Eclipsed Order."
The woman's mouth curled into a thin smile. "Bold, coming from one who's just bonded with the Shard of Aether. You've made yourself a target, Kane. Why should we put our lives at risk for you?"
Zara took a deep breath. "Because the Order doesn't just want me. They want to control the Shard—and if they manage to get it, they'll have the ability to remake the world. I cannot let that be done. And neither can you."
The woman considered her for a moment, as if weighing the importance of each word. Then she nodded. "You're correct. The Order has been a thorn in our side long enough. But we know what happens to a single person trying to exert that amount of control. The Shard is killing, and you are too."
Zara's face hardened. "I did not seek this, but I am trying with all my strength to contain it. If you assist me, I will see to it that the Order does not take their dirty paws on the Shard."
The woman's green eyes flashed with something—curiosity, perhaps even respect. "Very well. We'll give you a chance, Kane. But if you fall, if you give any sign of losing control, we won't hesitate to take you down. Got it?"
Zara nodded.
The woman extended a hand. "I'm Helena, leader of the Nightbound. Welcome to our world."
---