The rain slicked streets of Caldera were alive with neon glow and the hum of arcane engines. Kael Straven leaned against the crumbling stone wall of an alley, his cloak pulled tight against the chill. The city never slept, but tonight it felt restless.
He glanced at his pocket watch, the intricate gears clicking softly as they counted the minutes. His client was late.
Footsteps echoed down the alley. A tall, wiry man emerged, his face half-hidden by the brim of his hat. "Kael Straven?"
"Depends on who's asking," Kael replied, his hand brushing the hilt of the dagger at his belt.
The man chuckled, producing a sealed envelope. "I was told you're the best at finding things. This job... it's delicate."
Kael took the envelope and opened it. Inside was a sketch of an ornate key, its surface etched with glowing runes. His breath caught. "The Aether Key? This is a myth."
"Not anymore," the man said. "It's real, and it's dangerous. Bring it to me, and you'll be well-rewarded."
Kael studied the drawing, unease coiling in his gut. The last time he'd chased something like this, it had cost him everything.
Before he could reply, the air crackled with energy. Shadows moved unnaturally at the edge of the alley, and a figure stepped forward—a woman with silver hair and glowing blue eyes.
"You don't know what you're getting into," she said, her voice sharp and urgent. "But if you're going after the Key, you're going to need me."
The man drew a weapon, but before he could fire, the shadows lunged. Chaos erupted.
Kael's instincts kicked in. He grabbed the woman's arm. "You've got ten seconds to explain why I shouldn't leave you here."
She met his gaze, unflinching. "Because if you want to survive, you'll need someone who knows what's coming."
The shadows closed in, and Kael made his choice.
"Let's move."