*Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this fanfic (Derek Landy does) apart from Silas Rune and Kolian Ward, maybe a few others. Enjoy and make sure you read and review!

Prologue/Chapter 1/Introduction

He walked down a cramped, dank pathway behind a closed down factory that smelt of rust and decay. The factory had many smashed windows and so it was incredibly easy for him to enter the dilapidated fortress that once was the life and soul of some cantankerous old biddy, trying to make a living. Now it was just another dirty smudge on the map of east Salt Lake City. To the local teenagers, it was just another place where they could bunk of school and smoke without having the fear of being caught. To them, it was a concrete canvas on which they could spray their tags, it was a place for drugs and alcohol and crime and he loved the dark energy that radiated from its walls. He soaked in it, bathed in it, and while it did not have the same effect as death did on his metal glove, the result was nearly just as satisfactory.

He checked his watch, which was secured onto his left wrist. Late, he thought. Suddenly, a door had burst open over in the far side of the factory. Concealed in the shadows as he was he could see the distinguishable figure of Nought, his disdainful but useful mole in the American Sanctuary. He had been paying her for information about the Sanctuary for three months, until one day Nought decided she'd had enough of giving away information and unwisely decided to steal a small package off of him, in a weak attempt at trying to free herself from his influence. This, though valiant as it was, had not gone to plan and before Nought knew it he had turned the tables and was blackmailing her into giving it back, along with a sizeable amount of money. Nought had tried playing it off but deep down she was scared. Scared of what might happen if her colleagues found out that she was the one who had tried to infect the sanctuaries computer system with a virus for money. So Nought had betrayed he dignity and come here tonight with what he had asked for.

He watched her come into the light of the streetlamp outside. It was coming through one of the shattered windows and was creating a contrast of light and dark from which he could observe her and she would be completely oblivious to anyone even there. Like a hunter stalking its prey.

"So you came? I did not believe you would. I thought you were too dignified to give into simple blackmail. But then again, setting your sanctuary up for a cyber attack must warrant a long stay in a gaol, doesn't it? I suppose they don't have cable in there, do they?" He was taunting her, shadow-walking every now and then to throw her off and to scare her, just to make sure she knew who was in charge here. Like a beast closing in on an injured calf.

"Yes, I came," Nought snapped, wobbling her double chip as she did so, "Just, please, take your things and leave me alone. I don't want to be in your pocket anymore."

"Of course you don't want to be in my pocket, no-one does." He shadow-walked two feet in front of her and she jumped back in fright. He held out his hands for his package and his money which was immediately handed over with no hesitation. He put both package and the envelope containing the money in his coat pocket then he faced the woman again.

"My dear Nought, it has been a delightful experience. But, much to my dismay, I'm going to have to let you walk out of here a free woman. I did promise, didn't I?" He looked sad like he had just let go of his favourite balloon.

"Yes, thank you, Silas. I'm so sorry for stealing your package." Nought's voice wobbled.

"Apology accepted. Now, you may leave." He stepped aside and she walked by, holding her breath. She passed him and let out the breath. She could get her life back now, now that she didn't have to fear going into work every morning.

She was free.

Nought hadn't walked about 15 feet when he called back to her, and when she turned around he curled his right hand so that the shadows curled around her head. He pulled his hand into a fist and the shadows squeezed, and they only slunk back to join their kin when Nought's head and her secrets were no more.