The alley was narrow, the stench of rot rising from gutters, the buzz of flies circling half-broken crates. Leah’s breath came ragged, her body tense, but her eyes locked on Bayo like a predator circling prey. His back was pressed against the wall, sweat dripping from his temple, his chest heaving as though the shadows themselves were strangling him.

Her voice cut the night.

Leah: “Who is the new leader? Tell me.”

Bayo shook his head so fast it was almost frantic, his lips trembling. His voice came out uneven, barely above a whisper.

Bayo: “I don’t know his name. Nobody knows. He’s… he’s a shadow. He works in the...