My shot took the runner clean through the chest, blowing out the back of her right shoulder blade. At first she refused to slow, ignoring the spray of bone and blood that misted the air. By Core, such determination in those eyes! But the flesh cannot be denied. Her young body faltered, long legs stepping wide, and then she fell, toppling over the side of the walkway.

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I titled the nose of my rifle up, snapping a smoking shell out the side and plugging in a new. Gun reloaded, my fingers moved to my beard, brushing the many charms that hung within its thickness.

“May the Everblessed watch ov—”

shzzzzzt