The heap of carnage was quickly collected by the city waste management. Their wagon clopped noisily away, leaving a trail of steam hanging in the frigid morning air. They left behind a stain upon the street that Matilya could not stop staring at. It gleamed dark and red upon the cobblestones.

She knew there was something important about it. What was it?

Rain spattered onto the ground, freezing in seconds. This prompted Matty to look upward, eyes wandering uneasily along the nearest building. The wooden skyscraper tapered dangerously at the top where it was clearly unfinished. No sound of work or crew disturbed the deathly silence of the street.

Deathly…

Everything was wrong. She was lost. When that happened, one was wise to take their bearings. Squinting, Matty determined she stood at the crossing of 11th and Valorian.

She then realized she stood not at all, as her feet were not touching the ground. A rustle and harrumph startled her from this revelation.

“Follow, please miss.” The officer asked.