Chapter 12 – First Human Encounter

Kairo tried sneaking past the market square but a merchant’s brat tripped him. Bloodied but conscious, he spun around.

“Get up, Ash! You’re lucky we don’t sell your ass for meat!” the brat taunted.

Haru rushed in, trying to help, tripping over his own feet. “Uh, I can—”

“Shut the hell up, n***a, or you gon’ make it worse!” Kairo barked.

The girl Mira smirked. “You’re… terrifying. I like it.”

Kairo muttered, wiping blood from his lip. “Bruh, I survived Chi-town worse than this.”