12

~Akara

Immediately I'm leaning forward, trying to get a glimpse of what is written on the note.

"What does it say?" I question, grabbing the small edge of it, marvelling at how much writing has been tucked onto one small piece of paper. Part of it is frayed, practically falling apart in Marek fingers, clearly having been in that ring since Tai made it, all those months ago, meaning he intended for me to see it now, and not back then.

"It's a bit smudged, but it's an address," Marek murmurs, pushing it into my hands. It's in the Scarlet Province, right in the centre of the city. I've always been frightened by the idea of the city for a long time, warned about it's dangers by my parents.

Now, I'm going to have to go there to find Tai.

"What about the bottom part?" Marek prompts, flicking the bottom of the paper.

If it happens, I'm here. Come find me for answers.

Tai.

He knew. But how?

How could Tai have known I would fall victim to the river? A cold stain of fear creeps over my skin, re