Home Sweet Home

The city lights flickered behind Annie as she pulled her hoodie tighter around herself. Her legs ached from the night’s work, but there was a buzz in her chest, a thrill she hadn’t felt in a long time. She’d been part of something tonight. A real hero, even if just for a little while.

She slipped into a nearby alley, glancing over her shoulder before peeling off the oversized hoodie. Underneath, her normal clothes clung to her skin, damp with sweat. She stuffed the hoodie into her backpack, shaking out her messy green hair.

From the shadows above, a pair of pale, unblinking eyes watched.

The Orphan perched atop a fire escape, his fingers drumming against the rusted railing. His lips curled into a grin as he muttered to himself.

“She’s grown up.” His voice was low, almost amused. “I can see why the boss wants her so badly now. Shame, I usually go for the younger ones.”