I sat at my desk and just stared at the number for a while.

I should've been more careful when I left the dome. Years of nothing going wrong had made me complacent. Complacent and stupid. But that was something I couldn't go back and undo. I could only be more careful moving forward, if I survived this job. I shook my head, leaning back in my chair and covering my face with my hands.

When I used to ask my mother about my father, she would tell me that he wasn't someone that I should seek out. That it wasn't safe for me to be outside the city dome. That I needed to stay inside where humans made certain that neither dragons nor phoenixes could enter. She would answer me in such a stern and final manner that I learned not to ask too many questions for fear of angering or upsetting her.

Twice a week, every week, we would leave the city dome briefly to go out into the sun and take the necessary dose of its direct light. Just enough to be healthy, but not an excessive amount.

She drilled into me that I needed to be careful. It wasn't safe for me to be anything else, so I needed to give every appearance of being fully human. We never spoke about it. The only connection I had to the other part of my nature was the trips outside the dome. Maybe I would have pushed the issue, asked for more information when I was older.

But I didn't get the chance.

When I was twelve, she was diagnosed with a particularly virulent type of breast cancer. She was gone within a few months. I never got the chance to probe her for more answers.

Even on her deathbed, she made sure to make me promise that I would never leave the dome. I remember her pale face, her shallow breathing, how much weight she'd lost fighting the inevitable. Her grip had been surprisingly tight, her eyes intense as she'd told me to stay in the dome after she was gone, to never leave its safety.

"I love you more than anything. You must stay safe here," she'd said as she'd relaxed back onto the bed.

Not long after that, she was gone forever. It left me empty inside. I couldn't imagine my life without her, her steady, strong presence and the surety of her love.

Life continued even when it felt like it shouldn't.

As soon as she died, the authorities took me in. The foster home that I stayed in for the next six years of my life was okay. They weren't abusive but they were simply doing it for the money. As soon as I was eighteen and legal, I left and found a tiny room to call my own.

The winding road since had landed me here.

I stared at the numbers some more.

Even as I sat and turned over the possibilities, I knew there was no real choice. If I didn't take the job and Santiago exposed me, I would be banished from the dome at the very least. At worst, I might be executed. Maybe not by the authorities, but by panicked humans.

They thought dragons and phoenixes were to be dealt with at a distance.

A safe distance.

The war had really stoked anti-dragon and anti-phoenix sentiment and the ensuing years of separation had only cemented it. If the people here found out...

Knowing that I was here among them would not go over well. I would lose everything I'd worked so hard to build. And I would end up outside the dome anyway. At least if I took the job, there was a chance to avoid that outcome.

No, there really was no choice. I was just delaying the inevitable. I really hated having my hand forced.

As night fell, I walked home to my apartment. I'd had the option of working from home and cutting my overhead, but I knew I'd end up regretting cutting that particular corner with the kinds of people who often found their way to me.

I kept my home address private.

Taking the stairs two at a time, I walked down the somewhat dingy hallway and stopped at my door. The retinal scanner and fingerprint lock had been installed by me. This place only came with physical locks, but I would rather have all three.

The inside of my apartment was spare. There wasn't a lot of room and I wasn't fussy.

Okay, no more delaying. I sat down on my comfortable, broken-in sofa and dialed the number. It only rang twice before he picked up.

"Santiago."

"I'll take it. I'll take the job. But if you try to strong-arm me ever again, you'll regret it."

"You are in no position to threaten," he countered mildly. "I'm sending an address. Be there at seven o'clock in the morning. I'm transferring funds to your account for anything you might need for the trip along with half the payment. You'll receive the second half after the job is completed."

He ended the phone call, not waiting for a response.

Charming.

Curious, I accessed my account to see how much he'd sent over. I blinked at the amount. Wow. This was half the amount? At least the job was lucrative.

I took a deep breath, stood up, and pulled out my bag to start packing. It wouldn't take me long. My cramped studio didn't hold much, and I wasn't one to buy a lot of unnecessary clothes anyway. I was packed in twenty minutes flat. I still needed to go get supplies for the trip though. Pulling my boots back on, I left my apartment and climbed down the stairs.

Outside, the street was still bustling even though it was so late. Breaking into a jog, I caught one of the trolleys as it went by, hopping up with a grip on one of the cool metal poles on the side. It didn't take me long to reach the marketplace.

I went straight to Maryam's stall.

"Hey, Mia. What do you need?" she asked as she packed something up for someone else.

"Rations for three weeks," I said, looking over the survival gear she had stocked in her large stall. I needed food that was compact and light and that wouldn't spoil quickly in the heat. I trusted Maryam to know what I needed. Unlike some of the more transient vendors here, Maryam had been in this same spot for years. I usually just came to her for the occasional knife or holster, which she also carried.

She raised her brows at me, rubbing the side of her shaven head. The movement threw her muscled arms into sharp relief, highlighting the scorpion tattoo on her bicep.

"Three weeks? Do you need water containers to along with that?"

"Yes."

"All right, I can help you with that. Are you leaving the dome?" she asked as she got started pulling things.

It was a fair question. There would be no other reason for me to need three weeks of rations. The city dome was big but it wasn't that big. And I'd be able to buy food at every corner.

"Yes," I confirmed and left it at that. The fewer people who knew about this job, the better. If I finished it with my life intact, I didn't want word to get around that I took these kinds of jobs. It would attract the kind of clientele I didn't want.

"Someone finally paid enough to get you out of here?" she asked with a grin. "It's dangerous out there, that's for sure. But I'm told the money is good."

"Yeah. It's good for a reason," I point out. "But this is a special circumstance," I added firmly.

"Copy that," she said easily. "Here are the rations," she said handing me the tough canvas bag. "If you bring your vehicle around when you're leaving, I can load up the water directly into it. It'll be too heavy for you to carry back."

"Sounds good. I'll swing by in the morning."

"I'll be here."

I gave her a sloppy salute and shouldered the bag, fighting through the crowd to return back home.

Truth be told, I didn't know how well my car was going to fare out there. It wasn't built for leaving the dome, at least not for a human. I wondered how I was going to explain that away if anyone asked. It wasn't like I had another car to fall back on.

Clothing and food taken care of, when I got back to my apartment, I got to work organizing and packing my weapons. Two bows, one specialized for shorter distances and one for longer distances. They were the best defense humans had against both dragons and phoenixes since they couldn’t make gunpowder anymore, being confined to the domes with no way to gather resources.

Next came the various knives. And the sword Jacob had given me for my birthday last year. I wasn't the best with a sword, but Jacob's training had brought me up to competent. I figured it was probably best to take everything I had. I didn't know what to expect.

I stared at everything I'd laid out on the floor.

I needed to tell Jacob. I wasn't looking forward to this conversation. But I was packed and this was the only time I'd have to do it. I left my apartment and went to the one right next to it. Jacob's security was even more hardcore than mine. Made me feel a little less paranoid about my setup.

When he first moved in here a few years ago, I expected to treat him just like I treated everybody else. Say hello if I saw him and that was about it. But Jacob wasn't the kind of guy who would be kept at a distance when he didn't want to be.

He'd seen me at the practice range with my bow and had walked right on over even though I was exuding my best stay away vibes. He'd asked about my bow and shown me his. And when I'd said I wasn't interested in dating him, he'd just laughed.

"I wouldn't want to date anyone as good with a bow as you are," he'd said, his grin inviting me to enjoy the joke with him. "I'm not always the best boyfriend. And I have a true aversion to being shot."

I'd laughed despite myself. And he'd gotten it in his head that we needed to be friends. So he started showing up with beers and that smile.

Eventually he started opening up about himself, about the bakery he decided to open in his old age—which was a crock because he was only a couple of years older than me. He appeared so open about himself that I hadn't realized exactly how closed off he was about his past until I'd inadvertently asked him a question about it. He'd glossed over it, easily changing the subject.

From what I'd gleaned over the time I knew him, he'd been a mercenary for years before deciding to go full civilian. As a baker, no less. With his muscled build, dark hair buzzed short against his skull, and a scar running down the side of his interesting face, he wasn't the kind of guy you would expect to be baking cupcakes at four in the morning. But that was exactly who he was.

I wasn't above admitting to the fact that his brownies were what finally sold me on him. I could be friends if he kept feeding my addiction for those little pieces of chocolate heaven. Before I knew it, I spent more time with him than anyone else.

So. I needed to talk to him or I'd feel like a dick. I knocked on his door. I didn't usually bother him so late because he was always up so early to open his place for morning customers, but I knew he'd be beyond mad if I didn't tell him this in person. I'd briefly considered writing him a note, but then decided I wasn't quite that big a chicken.

I smiled a little as faint cursing came through the door, staying in full view of his security camera so he'd know it was me. The sound of the door unlocking came next. It swung open and he looked out at me slightly bleary-eyed, his t-shirt and pajama pants letting me know he'd literally stumbled out of bed. His face, a pretty blend of multiple races that I couldn't ever quite pinpoint, was creased on one side from the pillow. His brown torso carried more than a few scars, but I was sure the marks only helped with the ladies.

Not that I ever saw any over at his place. I was assuming he went over to theirs, considering how much of a security freak he was.

"Mia?" he asked, his eyes clearing as he automatically glanced down both sides of the hall. "Is something wrong?"

I took a deep breath and let it out. Straight to the point. "I got a job. I'm leaving the dome for a few weeks tomorrow." If all went well, it would be two or less. But I wanted to give myself more time because who knew if it would be a smooth journey.

He blinked at me. "What?"

Before I could explain myself, he snagged my forearm and pulled me inside, shutting the door. "You're leaving the dome? You never leave the dome!"

"I know. But I have to take this job."

He frowned, leaning against the back of his sofa and crossing his arms, his biceps bunching with the move. "Why do you have to take it? Is someone going to go with you? You've never even been out there!"

Now I was starting to get irritated. "No, I've never been out there," I agreed. "But I can read a map. And I know how to take care of myself."

He uncrossed his arms and held up his hands in a placating gesture. "I know you can handle yourself. If the job was in the city dome, I wouldn't worry." I knew that wasn't true, but I let him continue. "But out there, you are not at the top of the food chain. Even apart from the dragons and the phoenixes." He shook his head. "Can you delay it for a few days? I can come with you and—"

"I can't delay it," interrupted him. "It's an urgent job."

He narrowed his eyes at me, straightening. "What aren’t you telling me?"

I looked away. "Nothing."

Silence.

"At least have the decency to lie well," he murmured. "Fine. Don't tell me. Do you at least know where you're headed?"

I nodded. Santiago had sent me more information after I'd accepted the job. I brought up my watch and slid through my inbox to find the map. "Here," I said tapping where I needed to go.

Jacob came over to my side, his eyes focused on the map. "You're going to have to go right through dragon territory," he said neutrally.

I frowned, staring at the map. "No, I was planning on heading in this direction around here," I said tracing my finger along the route that I had planned to take.

Jacob shook his head slowly. "That's very rough terrain. You'll lose too much time and your car might not even make it. And this area here is known to be riddled with thieves and slavers." That didn't sound good. "No, your best bet is to go directly through dragon territory. It would cut your time and the path is much smoother."

"How would I get through without them noticing?" I asked, frowning. Cutting right through their territory sounded suicidal. Everyone knew both of the races out there were very protective of their land.

"They rely a lot on sight," he explained. "If you go through at night and keep the noise level down, you could sneak through. I know it's been done before in other territories, so it could possibly be done here. It's not foolproof," he warned. "But I'd say it's safer than that other trail you wanted to go on, though that isn't saying much." He stared at the map some more biting his lip. "Either path is risky as hell though. I repeat—you shouldn't go at all, let alone by yourself. Please wait for me. I'd leave right now with you, but I have some obligations that I can't get out of." From time to time, Jacob would disappear. He was pretty tight-lipped about was he was doing, but he always let me know he'd be gone. I was guessing it had something to do with his previous life. "You need someone with you who knows what it's like out there."

I shook my head. There was no doubt Jacob would be excellent backup. But considering what was out there, "If I get caught by dragons, how would you be able to help?" I asked reasonably, closing the map. "The advice is really appreciated, but if shit hits the fan out there-- "

His jaw tightened and he stepped back, his face cool. "Fine." He turned away from me and walked over to the window. "You're a closed book, I understand that. I give you your space. I never push you when you shut down." He braced an arm against the wall. "But I wish you would tell me what was actually going on here. You aren't stupid. This isn't like you."

I sighed. He was right. But that didn't mean I could tell him anymore. I didn't have anyone I trusted more in my life, but caution was my byword. I would love to have someone at my back but I needed to leave now, as per the job’s guidelines.

But, more importantly, I couldn't risk anyone else finding out what I truly was. Even Jacob. My skin in the direct sunlight would give me away if anyone was too close. There was no mistaking the metallic sheen. I'd have to just leave things like this. And it sucked. It really did. This was why I resisted friendships so hard.

"Bye, Jacob," I finally said quietly.

He didn't respond. I left his place, hoping I hadn't lost the only friend I really had.

Back in my own bed, I didn't sleep well at all. When I finally shut my brain off long enough to rest, it was like I had just managed to close my eyes when my alarm went off once again.

Gritty-eyed and grim, I dressed.

It was time to go the address Santiago had sent me. I walked over there, intending to bring whatever the mysterious package was back to my apartment and then load up the car. At least it wasn't too far. The place I ended up at looked like an office building. One much nicer than my own.

My watch dinged and I glanced down to click on the message.

The package is inside waiting in the lobby.

All right.

Frowning, I climbed up a flight of clean stairs and stepped in past beveled glass doors. Fancy. The lobby inside had a twenty-foot-tall ceiling and was way bigger than any I'd ever seen.

Completely unnecessary. But space was a clear indication of wealth and they were definitely trying to broadcast that they had it here. Mission accomplished.

There were a couple of people waiting in the overstuffed chairs to the side, but I didn't pay them much attention as I walked straight up to the receptionist sitting behind the counter. The red hair she had swept up into a sleek bun came from a salon rather than a box, and it suited her pale skin. She gave me a polite smile when I reached her.

"May I help you?" she inquired, her eyes tracking down my beat-up jacket and even-more-beat-up boots. Probably observing I didn't match the mostly white color palette in here.

"I'm here to pick up a package," I said.

"Oh, yes. Miss Hill?" she asked.

"Yes."

"Perfect." She leaned to the side and looked into the seating area. "Omari!"

I frowned and turned to see who she was calling.

A small child, maybe six or so, stood up and started walking towards me. He was of mixed race, and his skin was a warm, golden brown. His large eyes were a darker shade of brown. As he drew closer, I took in his sweet face and the beat-up nature of his t-shirt, jeans, and shoes. The backpack he carried had also seen better days. Everything was of good quality, so I was guessing it was just well-loved.

"There's been a mistake," I said slowly. "I'm here for a package. Not a child."

The receptionist frowned, looking at her computer screen. "I was told a Miss Hill would be here to pick up Omari Watson at seven in the morning." She looked back at me with an expression that said this wasn't her problem.

The kid reached me just as my watch dinged again. Gritting my teeth, I opened the new message. It was from Santiago. Surprise, surprise.

Omari Watson is half phoenix and half human. His mother has died, and he is suffering from sun sickness. He needs to leave the city dome to reach his family, who will take him in.

I looked down at Omari's face and noted the pallor under the warmth of the skin. He also looked a little sweaty even though the lobby was cool.

"One second," I said, turning and taking a few strides away.

I spoke into the microphone in my watch to dictate a return message.

I don't deliver live goods.

It didn't take long for me to get a response.

You will deliver Omari. I've procured a vehicle for your trip. It is waiting in the garage under the building.

Shit.

I turned back to Omari. He looked so small and alone as he stood next to the reception desk, his eyes wide as he watched me. If nothing else, I needed to get him into the sun as quickly as I could.

I walked back over to him and sank down into a crouch so I could be at eye level.

"Hi, Omari. My name is Mia. I'm here to take you to your family. Are you ready to go?"

He nodded, staying silent.

All right then.

I stood and he immediately raised his hand up. I took the small, soft hand in mine. This was getting more and more complicated.

I turned back to the receptionist. "How do I get to the garage?"

"Take the elevator at the end of the hall down to the basement. Your vehicle should be waiting for you."

I nodded and hustled Omari over to the elevator. It was small, with mirrored doors and tufted panels on the bottom half of the walls. I'm sure it was meant to appear opulent but it reminded me of a padded cell.

The doors opened, and we walked out into a well-lit garage. Directly in the space in front of us, there was a vehicle that basically boiled down to a tank. About three times as large as my own car, it was meant to be all-terrain judging by the construction. Armored paneling and a desert-camouflage paint job made it stand out like a...well, like a tank among cars.

"Is that our car?" Omari asked in a hushed voice.

I looked down at him, closing my own mouth. "I think so." At least Santiago wasn't stingy.

I walked over to the car and stopped at the retinal scanner mounted at the driver’s side door. It asked me for my fingerprint too. Santiago must have keyed me in using records he would have had to obtain illegally. No surprise there.

The locks clicked open.

"Get in," I told Omari as I slid into the driver’s side.

He scrambled into the seat next to me, and it immediately moved back.

"Child detected," the car informed me in a smooth female voice.

Perfect.

"Put on your seat belt, Omari," I murmured as I did the same. "We're going to head back to my place and then to the market."

He nodded, watching me.

Should I say something else? I had no real experience with children.

"Are you okay?" I tried.

"Yes." He kept staring at me.

All right then.

I started the car under his watchful gaze and pulled out of the spot. It moved surprisingly smoothly for something so large and undoubtedly heavy.

And away we went.

God help us.