DANTE's Arc

Chapter 1 of 1

Dante pressed his back to a wall as glowing red footprints bloomed down the lane. The patrol sigil burned between each print, marking the sweep's path. He was nobody yet, just a man who wanted to be the mask this city whispered about. But the pamphlets in his coat would end that dream tonight. Above the rooftops, white drones drifted in slow rings. Their light washed every alley clean. This district had no shadows deep enough to hide a running man. He dropped to his knees by a loose slab and pried it up. Beneath the stone sat a small round vault, its symbols glowing soft blue. He shoved the pamphlets inside and pressed the lid shut. The light died under his palm. A small furred shape darted across his boot. The little creature froze, ears huge, fur bright as a bruise. Boots rounded the corner. Dante scooped it up and stood, cooing like any fool chasing a pet. The patrol glanced at him, at the squirming thing in his hands, and waved him on. Dante walked past the glowing prints with steady steps. The evidence was buried. He was still nobody. But now he knew exactly how thin the line was, and he had a hiding place worth returning to.