Kael was a "stray," a runner for the Syndicate who survived by being invisible. He was fast, quiet, and possessed a silver tongue that could talk a sentry-bot into a short circuit. But his latest job had gone sideways. He had stolen a data-drive containing the shipment codes for Sector 7’s synthetic meat supply, and instead of handing it over to his handler, he told a lie.

"The Enforcers got to the drop point first," Kael panted into his comms, ducking behind a rusted ventilation shaft. "I had to dump the drive in the acid vats to keep them from tracing it back to you."

Ryu continues to play a double-edged role—both teasing Rio about his secret and providing a shield to keep the truth from other carnivores.

"Shh," the Wolf placed a long finger over the boy's lips. His smile was terrifyingly gentle. "The game is over, little dog. You ran a good race. Eight times you escaped. But the ninth time..."

"You know," the Wolf whispered, "I checked the perimeter logs. The incinerator has been cold for three days. The Rejects moved to the Northern Sector."

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