Luciel led Agne Moon down from the high ground toward the broad, newly paved street below.
Alec and sixteen members of the hunting team were already waiting, their equipment neatly arranged and weapons in hand.
"My Lord City Master," Alec called, straightening his posture.
"Sir!" echoed the rest of the hunting party, their voices crisp and disciplined.
Luciel gave a single nod. "Let's move."
There was no need for speeches. He turned and led them away from the massive rock tortoise, heading down toward the barren land below.
---
The sky had already begun to dim; streaks of red faded across the horizon, and the first shadows of evening crept over the dry hills.
Luciel rolled back his sleeve and glanced at the silver watch fastened around his wrist—an elegant piece of craftsmanship from Earth. The hands pointed to half past four.
Agne Moon leaned in, her red eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What's that?"
Luciel smiled faintly. "A watch. It tells time."
