The albino girl squatted in the cool alley, thankful for the brief relief from the blistering sun. Sweat trailed down her back and stung her eyes, soaking into the thick cloak most people would go mad wearing.

Nothing about the past few months would've indicated Greer being an ordinary thief. The knowledge she carried, was risking her life for, would ensure thousands of people wouldn't starve as she had. She only had one problem. She had to get out of the city and make it across the kingdom to the palace where she hoped the king believed her.

Near silent footsteps padded down the dusty alley and Greer looked up, her pale hand reaching for the chef's knife she'd stolen two days ago.

Her hand stilled when she realized it was only Eli Gamble. Annoying as he may have been, he wasn't a threat on her account. Just a bully.

"Greer, is that you?" Eli asked. His voice was different. It wasn't near conceded or jeering as it was when directed at her.

"Aye." She muttered. "What is it you want?"

He stopped before her and she was once again reminded of his height and obvious lethal ability. "Bayne sent me to help."

Greer frowned deeply. Why would her idiot big brother do a thing like that? True, without Bayne, Greer never would've escaped, but he hadn't been in her life since she'd become an outcast. But Eli? Why would Bayne choose her lifetime bully? And why would Eli agree?

Greer pulled to her feet. "Bayne would never send someone I hate to help me."

Eli balked and gestures to himself with both hands. "Who could hate me? I'm impeccable." He sounded almost genuine, like the thought hadn't crossed his mind that he was a complete jerk who needed to be punched in the face. Maybe a crooked nose would match his crooked personality.

"Do you even know what you're helping me with." Greer narrowed her pale eyes and pursed her lips.

Eli blew a stray black hair from his face. "Life and death, darling. The Mayor needs to die. And well, honestly, you bother said you couldn't do it without us."

"Us?" Greer tensed.

He shrugged casually, his muscles frame shifting his thin tunic. "Me and my pal, Loki Burroughs. We'll meet him on the way out of the city." He winked a sapphire eye. "Don't worry, Greer. We know the challenges that lie ahead."

A hot wind pushed past them and shoved Greer's hood out of place. She quickly righted it on instinct. "Do you truly understand what's at stake, Eli? I can't use your help if you're all bark and no bite."

His eyes turned the most serious she'd ever seen them before. "Greer," he said quietly. "though demeaning as such a job is, I will help an outcast if it means I won't lose my worldly possessions to the Mayor. He doesn't deserve a single denarri from me."

Unbelievable. The little loser was so concerned! Greer punched him in the face for the insult and stalked away.

Loki Burroughs was tucked behind several stacked barrels of meed behind the loud tavern and sifted sand through his dark fingers while he waited.

Eli had told him to stay inside, but people bothered Loki. They made him uncomfortable and anxious.

"Where is that kid?" A conceded voice muttered.

Loki heard two sets of footsteps and knew Eli had finally found her. He hopped out from behind the barrels and Eli cursed, his large hand going for a blade.

"It's-it's, just me, Eli." Loki sputtered. "Sorry I-I scared you. I didn't mean to."

Eli uttered another fowl word. "Don't do it again. Now come on."

Greer stood a couple feet behind Eli with her pale arms folded beneath her cloak. Her strange eyes swept over Loki quickly and Loki shifted uneasily.

"Hi," he said nervously. "Loki Burroughs. You must be Greer."

She nodded once and Eli hooked his head North. "We'll take Bridger's Gouge for 'bout three miles and make it to the Outer Wall. It'll take about a sennite to get to the palace from there."

Loki recognized this Eli more than the conceded jerk he was. Eli was a warrior, one who took charge and thought everything through. Though, Loki didn't believe he'd ever seen him with a bruised jaw. No one hit Eli Gamble unless Eli Gamble let them.

"How did you find me?" Greer asked.

Eli shifted away from her. "It was east, actually."

Loki arched his brow. Easy? Nah. Eli had been searching the entire city on foot since yesterday. It was Loki's guess he'd only found Greer by sheer luck.

The trio took alleys and back roads to avoid being seen with Greer. Everyone knew the bounty she had on her head, and everyone knew she was the only one who wore a cloak to keep from being hurt by the sun.

Bridger's Gouge was a thief's haven. It was a single street that stretched on for miles and interlocked with escape routes and cubby holes that easily concealed a number of criminals.

By nightfall they reached the Outer Wall and hunkered in a small, stone alcove. It would be a struggle to get past the guards.

Loki's heart hammered in his chest as his nerves threatened to put him out cold. He noticed neither Eli nor Greer seemed to be scared. Eli had a look of steel, while Greer looked uninterested, as if she'd done this a hundred times.

"Something isn't right." Eli murmured to them.

Loki swallowed a lump. "What do you mean, Eli? What's wrong?"

Eli lunged and clamped a hand over Loki's mouth. "Not so loud," he hissed in a tight whisper.

Loki gulped and nodded, fear running rampant in his veins.

"You're right." Greer had her head peeking out the alcove, studying the high stone wall. It was lined with torches, guards patrolled both the top and the bottom, and stood stationed at the main entry way.

"There aren't as many guards." She whispered. She turned and looked sharply at Eli. "There are only three guards at the door, Gamble."

Eli clenched his jaw. "I doubt it's coincidence. Do you think it's a trap?"

"Without doubt." Greer said gravely.

Eli carefully looked out. "Where do you think the rest of them went?"

Loki shifted backhand forth on the balls of his feet, anxiety swirling in his chest and giving him a suffocating feeling. He never should've come. He was no help. The most he could do was get them all caught and killed.

"I don't know." Greer said. "What do you want to do?"

"I have a plan." Eli said confidently.

"Great. What is it?" Greer asked.

Eli glanced back at her with a red glint un his eyes. "It involves fire."

Greer's eyes widened. "Absolutely not." She hissed. "We need them not to see us."

Eli gave her pointed look. "It's called a distraction. It'll pull out the other guards and enable us to slip through undetected."

Distraction? Was Eli mad? They'd never be able to pull it off. Loki grabbed his stomach as vile threatened to come up.

"Why not just take 'em ourselves?" Greer asked. "I've gotta a knife, and you're obviously able to kill people."

Eli arched his brow with a small grin. "How obvious?"

Greer's face was deadpan. "You're wearing several blades, Gamble."

Loki dared a peep out the alcove. "I have an idea." He whispered, proud how quiet he managed to say it.

"Let the grownups handle it." Eli said, not giving Loki a glance.

Like frowned. He was fifteen. Greer was only a year older. And Eli had only turned eighteen that month. He continued to look out the alcove above the roaring anxiety in his ears.

"Here's how this is going to go," Eli said, "I'm going to go go over and talk to the three guards, and before they know what hit 'em, I'll attack. When I do that, I want you both to slip out the gate."

Loki's heart lodged in his throat. "Eli...?"

"No." Greer said, "that won't work. That guards atop the wall will shut the gate before we get there."

"Eli..." Loki grabbed for Eli's arm.

"What, Loki?" Eli hissed, "we're tryna talk here."

"Look." Loki whispered with a pointed finger.

Eli and Greer both look and their jaws dropped. The three guards were slowly walking towards the alcove. They'd been heard

What to do?! What to do?!

Without thinking, (because if he had, he wouldn't have done it) Loki jumped out, "Evening, gents." He said chipperly.

"A little late to be out and 'bout." One of them said. His voice was oily, and sent chills up Loki's spine.

"No sir." Loki smiled, his insides turning to mush as he tried to keep his face calm. "I was just walking and wanted to sit for a bit in this here alcove."

"We heard talking. Do you have friends with you?"

Loki swallowed. "No sir. I was talking to myself. Mama's birthday is tomorrow, and I was tryna figure out how she bakes her moist cakes. I was going back and forth in an argument with myself. Eggs and oil, or eggs and buttermilk?" Loki shook his head. "Would any of you happen to know?"

"No, kid, get outta here. Haven't you heard there's a rogue thief on the loose? They're dangerous, tried to kill our Mayor after stealing from him."

Loki nodded eagerly. "I heard of her. You're right, I should get home right quick." He turned to go but the guard grabbed his shoulder and spun him around.

"I didn't say it was woman." Leaned in close to Loki's face, smelling of garlic and onions. "Where is she?"

There was a loud clash of metal against metal as Greer lunged from the alcove with Eli's sword swinging through the air as she chopped into the two guards. The guard dropped Loki and drew his sword.

Loki scrambled back, breathing hard as he watched the battle unfold before his eyes.

The three guards swarmed Greer and it was apparent they weren't ordinary guards. They moved with a deadly grace that turned Loki's fear into thick sludge.

"Assassins." He whispered.

He'd seen them once before, the day they killed his family and left him with the scar over the right side of his face.

Eli jumped from the shadows, knocking into the guards and shielding Greer with his body.

"Sword." He shouted, in the brief moment the guards were taken aback by his sudden appearance.

Greer shoved the sword into his palm and he battled the guards off. He blocked, drew a dagger and threw it at one of the guards, spinning in the same movement to duck a blade coming for his head.

Greer stepped back, panting, as she pulled out a... was that a chef's knife? She chopped into the back of the guard who's sword was interlocked with Eli's and the man cried out as his blood sprayed.

It gave Eli the advantage and he killed him instantly. He drew his second dagger and threw it into the last guard's throat.

"Run!" Eli roared, bursting for the gate.

Loki waited for Greer to grab Eli's daggers before following Eli. The guards atop the wall shouted for the gate to be shut and it slowly started to groan inward. Eli jumped through and spun, urging Loki and Greer to hurry.

Loki's legs burned and his heart felt ready to explode. He kept his eyes trained in Eli. Almost there.

Greer grabbed hold of Loki's arm and pulled him into a faster run. The metal gates were almost shut. Greer shoved Loki forward and he crashed into Eli. They both watched as Greer jumped through, barely missing the metal jaws of death.

They weren't able to stop running though. As fast as they could they made their way to the thick forest beyond the city walls.

It wasn't until they had absolutely no energy left before they found shelter in a small cave.

Loki dropped to the ground, not caring what creatures lurked beneath and atop the ground. He fell into a deep sleep.

Eli eyes Loki proudly as he leaned against the cool cave wall. For as long as Eli could remember Loki couldn't talk to the local Baker without tripping over his words, but he'd jumped in a talked up a storm as natural as Eli would've done.

Greer sat with a long sigh and pulled off her cloak. Sweat glistened over her pale skin and soaked her clothes. Splattered blood stoo stark on her hand.

"You saved my life." She said quietly, looking up at him with scared eyes.

"Yes." Eli said, looking triumphant. "But you jumped to defend Loki, and ensured he made it through the gate first. Why would a thief do that?"

She scoffed, a small sound that reminded Eli of a mouse. "Why would a thief be risking her neck to protect the people of Nozup?" She paused her scraping. "I didn't ask to become a thief. Once I was made an outcast, I had no choice." Her eyes saddened. "I lost everything."

Eli looked at her strangely. For she was strange. Not just her features. But her whole nature. "Why would you decide to help Nozup when they turned on you?"

She clenched her jaw. "They hate me under false pretenses. It's how their mindset is. If they'd been taught looking different wasn't a bad thing, I wouldn't be an outcast. If I can show them who the Mayor truly is, maybe a new Mayor can change things." She leaned back.

Eli looked down, wondering if it was possible to change how the people thought. The upper class believed they were truly superior. He believed he was superior. Could that truly change. Did it even need to?

Greer had done nothing to be kicked from nobility. For years he'd been treating her as though she were lesser. It was an injustice that people blindly assumed she was a monster because of her skin. She was the albino girl, and she was beautiful.

Greer didn't sleep that night. Nor the ones that followed. The knowledge she carried weighed heavily on her. If she didn't succeed, thousands would be robbed of life as they know it. Just like she had been. She couldn't let that happen.

"Let me ask you a question." Greer said on their third day in the forest. She ducked under a brown vine that hung from a thick tall tree with scratchy bark.

Eli glanced back at her, eyebrow quirked, "About?"

"You." She said matter of factly.

He grinned, "Have you finally come to your senses, darling? What would you like to ask the great Eli Gamble? He is known to have knowledge that knows no limit." He winked an eye.

"Why did you agree to help me?"

Eli stumbled over nothing. "What?"

She didn't repeat herself. There was no need

Eli stopped and turned to her. Greer was acutely aware of how little Loki stood awkwardly looking back and forth between the two. Eli's shoulders were tense, reminding her of when he first found her in the alley.

Greer, is that you? It was the first time she realized he'd never used her name before. Just a mock 'darling', or 'snow white', or 'snowflake'.

He opened his mouth several times, each time seeming to change his words. Greer waited patiently for him to get it right

Finally, he said, "You're so... good."

Loki choked and Eli shot him a warning look.

"I'm... good?" Greer questioned. "You helped me because I'm-"

Eli clapped his hands once. "We're running out of time! Let's get you to the palace, shall we?" He spun on his heel and charged forward with the confidence of a mountain lion.

Greer looked at Loki questioningly and he quickly jogged to catch up with Eli. Greer followed, but now with a confused expression on her face. Eli had always picked on her ever since the first day of school, but it had only worsened when her paint had accidentally been scraped off and they learned she was albino. He made no sense.

By midday they reached the small city of Epoh. It was smaller than Nozup, more compact and less bustly. Everyone knew everyone, that type of thing. Greer didn't like it. Everyone took notice of the three strangers purchasing supplies. But mainly her. She tried to keep her head down and her arms behind her cloak, but unless she wore a scarf, they still saw the bottom half of her face. White; stark white; snow white. She was sure, to them, she looked like a vampire.

A group of small children gathered at the market front where Eli and Loki bought several pouches of water and food rations. A small girl with bright red hair and orange freckles gawked up at Greer with deep, brown eyes that seemed to want to know the answer to every question ever asked.

"What are you?" She whispered, and Greer noticed a tooth missing front and center.

Greer smiled with slight discomfort, "I'm a person, like you."

The little girl smiled brightly, but the other children didn't look believing.

"Come on." A little boy with matching hair and freckles to the girl whispered. "Let's go tell ma 'bout her. See if she's telling the truth."

The group of children quickly dispersed and ran off, disappearing into the shop just as Eli and Loki finished.

"Ready?" Eli asked, readjusting his satchel.

Greer nodded distantly and wondered why everyone couldn't be like that little girl. She was so bright and cheery, ready to devour knowledge. She would become someone to hate Greer as she grew older. She hoped, beneath all the lies and deceit, the girl would remember that though their skin was different, Greer was a person too.

Eli shrieked, making Greer jump. She turned to find him rushing to a booth. He quickly made an exchange and ran back over with a book. His eyes were wide with the excitement of a child. "It's a book." He grinned.

"I... know?" Greer said, confused.

Loki gave her a sympathetic smile as if he understood her confussion.

"Ah, come on!" Eli groaned, "you don't like to read either?"

Greer looked down, embarrassment tightening her throat. "I can't, actually. I never got the chance before... I was expelled."

"Oh." Eli grew quiet. "I'm sorry, Greer. Truly."

Suddenly, not just Eli and Loki were quiet. The whole area did. Then, "It's the Albino Girl." The words were whispered amongst the people and Greer tensed.

"The albino girl."

"She's got a bounty on her head."

"Thief."

"Outcast."

Eli grabbed hold of Greer's arm, making her tense tighter. "We need to go. Now." He hissed.

They made their way out of the city without trouble, but waves of harsh judgment could be felt. It clawed at Greer's heart and squeezed her chest so tight it felt ready to burst

Eli wanted to go back and slap each and everyone of those people in the face. While he was at it, he should slap his own. This must've been what it was like everytime he'd belittled her. He'd been an absolute monster.

She was nearly shaking she was so tense. He wanted to say an encouraging word or two, but honestly he had no idea what an encouraging word would be

'It's okay, everyone is unique.' No, that wouldn't work. How 'bout, 'We all have our quirks that make us special.' She probably didn't want to hear that...

"I understand."

Eli blinked in surprise, looking back at Loki who'd spoken. He was standing awkwardly by Greer, looking like he wanted to hug her, but not wanting to because he didn't like people.

Loki swallowed and licked his lips. His eyes were so full of sorrow Eli had to go back in memory to make sure he hadn't belittled Loki like he had Greer.

"People look at me funny because I'm different." Loki said quietly, "and it hurts. So... so bad. And it makes me angry."

Greer sniffled. "When will they ever understand that we're people just like them? We're still human." Her voice quivered and a tear dripped down her chin and hit the ground.

Finally, Eli knew what to say. "Greer," he waited until she looked up at him, "you're both more human than we'll ever be."

She swallowed and he wiped the tear off her cheek and placed his hand on Loki's shoulder. "I am so sorry I never saw that."

Loki shifted on his feet. "You was just going along with society, Eli. It wasn't your fault."

Eli smiled sadly. "I should've been a better person. I'm ashamed of myself."

Loki pushed forward and hugged Eli. "Don't be." He mumbled into his shirt. "You're the brother I never had, and you were there for me despite the way you sometimes treated me."

"He's right." Greer said, wiping her face. "You might be a jerk, but you're there when it matters. You're here right now helping me." She squared her shoulders, "you're a jerk, but a good one, Eli Gamble."

Eli grinned, his heart flooding with the joy of their forgiveness. "This jerk is going to teach you how to read to make up for all the times I mistreated you."

Five days later they made it to the Capitol city, Snebor, without any trouble. Eli was concerned about that, considering they'd had assassins waiting at the gates of Nozup. He expected to at least run into Bounty Hunters or more assassins, but there had been nothing.

The palace came into view and their journey seemed to be coming to an end. It sat in the very center of Snebor like a shining beacon of hope. Its golden spheres gleamed in the early morning light, and glass panels caught the sun and held it like a flame.

Snebor was a vast expanse of tall buildings and housing, shops and booths. People everywhere bustled about with cheerful faces and laughter. The trio passed through many streets like this and came upon several buildings that blocked the glorious castle from view.

Greer sighed in relief. It was almost over. Now all she had to do was get the king to believe her. Which shouldn't be too hard considering he was the wisest man in the kingdom. Legend said he could always see between truth and lie

Greer looked to her right at Loki, then to Eli with a grin. They both grinned back, seeming to be just as relieved as she did.

Ten men jumped out of the shadows of the buildings, flashing swords. Greer took notice of the symbol on their armor. They were from Nozup, the Mayor's guards. One guard stood out amidst the others. He was tall and hulking with a serious set face. His surname matched her own.

Bayne Greer. Her brother.

"Bayne." Greer whispered. He looked just as horrified as she felt.

A slow clapping drew her eyes to the chubby man who walked out next. The Mayor was gloating with his self proclaimed victory. "I am really very impressed, little girl, that you managed to slip out of my city like you did." He stopped between Bayne and another guard. His grin made his cheeks go cherry, causing his white hair to stand stark against his skin.

Greer swallowed. They were doomed.

Eli casualty shifted his hands behind his back, standing as though he'd simply clasped them together, but he gripped both daggers as he met Bayne's eyes.

Be ready. Bayne seemed to be saying. Eli gave a subtle nod, not sure what he meant, but he'd keep his eyes open for whatever brilliant plan Greer's brother came up with. Hopefully it involves fire.

"I'm not a little girl." Greer said tightly. "I stopped being a girl when you made me an outcast." Her voice was tired. "It doesn't matter what happens here today, someone will find out what you've done and your life will be over."

The Mayor gave her and sly grin. "No, my sweet, the evidence will be lost with the three of you."

Bayne's eyes lit with anger, then quick as an also, he lunged. Grabbing the Mayor, he held his sword at the man's throat tightly.

"Unhand me!" The Mayor shrieked, cheeks growing crimson now.

The nine other guards stood in horror, unsure of what to do.

Bayne eyed his fellow soldiers with a deathly glare. "Dare lay a hand on any of them and it will be the last of this man's life!" He shouted. His stare was so fierce it would've put the bravest lion to shame. He met Greer's wide eyed stare. "Run, get to the king!"

The Mayor squirmed but quickly went still. "This is treason! Guards, kill him!" He sputtered.

Eli drew his daggers and jovially sauntered to Bayne. He winked an eye at the guards. "Any of you so much as move gets a dagger in the right eye. And you best make some room for my two friends here." He gestured to Loki and Greer with a dagger.

The guards shuffled back; making a path.

"Treason!" The Mayor shouted.

"Quiet." Bayne ordered.

Greer slipped past with Loki, both with wide eyes. Eli watched then go with relief, the turned to the guards. "Okay, now that they're gone, let's get on with this "

Greer didn't stop running until a palace guard demanded their names and business.

Panting, Greer looked into the man's eyes, hoping he'd see her desperation. "Greer. Serene Greer, Sir. And I must see the king. It's urgant!"

The sun glinted of his dark skin and he studied the two for a moment. "What about you, son? What's your name?"

"Loki Burroughs, Sir." Loki said earnestly. "Please, there isn't a lot of time."

The guard nodded. "You're in luck. The king is in the Great Hall as we speak. You can speak with him momentarily. Follow me." He turned and led them through the high palace gates and through a stone pathway that wound around to the palace doors.

Greer's heart pounded in her chest. It was happening. She prayed to God, if He was listening to her, that the king would believe her. The Mayor was a thief and a liar. But it was her word against his. An outcast, and an albino no less. A girl whose life was ruined at the hands of the Mayor. Who was she to call him a liar?

As the high, wooden doors neared, she had her answer.

She was Serene Greer, a human like everyone else. She was the Albino Girl, and she would be heard.

In a small library lit with warm lanterns and candles, for people sat reading. A hulking man sat in a corner by himself reading a book titled "Running for Mayor", and a small boy of fifteen was reading a book titled "Hear my words; My thoughts: The key to Speaking in Public".

And at a table in the center of the room, a man with midnight hair sat with a girl as pale as snow.

With a callosed finger he pointed to a line on the page. Her brow furrowed as she focused in it.

"The... girl... lit... the... match." She looked up at the man. "Is that right?"

He grinned softly, eyes sparkling. "Yeah, Greer, that's right."