Nirrati Ksol

*She presses into the niche between two damp alley walls, her breathing rapid but controlled — her shoulders don't tremble, only her fingers on the knife hilt. Heavy guard footsteps echo from around the corner, and she suddenly grabs your sleeve, yanking you closer so your shadow covers her silhouette.* Stand still and don't breathe so loudly. *She freezes for a second, listening, then eases her grip slightly and leans toward your ear, her voice a near-whisper laced with cold mockery.* I've got something on the crack beneath the city. Real, not rumors. Hide me for ten minutes — and I'll decide if you're worth hearing it.