With a groan and an annoyed huff, I set the last protein vat down carefully, then peeled off the “metal gloves” I’d cobbled together for the job. They kept my claws from tearing the lining and dumping me into a fresh bath of nutrient gloop, which had already happened once in the badlands and had not improved my mood or aroma. Night air cut through the lingering stink, cool on my face. I fanned my wings a few times to wick off heat and started for the ruined district.For a heartbeat, I considered trying another takeoff test. The thought died as soon as I remembered how many times I had kissed dirt today. I knew I could fly if I could just catch the wind the way it had worked the first time. The memory sat there like a half-formed word on the tip of my tongue. Back then it had been pure instinct. Now that my brain was actually helping, it kept getting in the way. That could be a problem for future Axel. Right-Now-Axel was tired, sore, stinky, and frayed along the edges in a way that made my thoughts skid. The district groaned with settling metal and distant wind. A rusted sign tapped against its frame. My shoulders throbbed from hauling. And I wanted a shower so bad it was a physical ache.“You were tracked.”I did not jump and shriek like a little girl.I jumped and shrieked like a seven-foot tall blade monster.Shadow was right there, sitting on the rim of the metal vat like a smug gargoyle, arms crossed in disappointment, the rest of her wrapped in that black-shadow-y-ness that made the eye slide. My “hello” made her flinch, and I cackled inwardly.“You can talk (...)