They moved through the storm’s body like trespassers in a dream that wasn’t finished deciding what to become.

Every step forward sent ripples through the ground, glasslike reflections bending under their weight before reforming behind them.

Hale led the way, rifle cradled tight though it was nothing more than a comfort now. The air felt thick, electric, humming with language — whispers of code that vibrated against his skin like the city itself was murmuring in a voice too deep for ...