* * *
The Rendia Annex of the Investigation and Security Bureau was located in the second district of Tezeva. The annex had been closed under Kyle’s orders during his absence from the capital city, and it remained shut even after his return—at least, as far as the public was concerned.
I blinked groggily, rubbing my eyes with the heel of my hand in an attempt to clear my blurry vision. Around me towered a mountain of books and papers that measured at least twice my height. My brain felt like it was caught in a distant fog as I tried to recall how long it had been since I had last slept.
“Miss Noa, you should take a break—even if just for a moment… oh!” Penelope’s voice trailed off in alarm as she approached my desk. “Miss Noa—blood. Blood!”
“Blood?” I murmured, absentmindedly registering something damp tickling the skin under my nose. Penelope rushed to hand me a handkerchief before I could wipe it away with my sleeve. “Thank you, Penny.”
