Hayato twists the throttle of his bike as hard as he can, pinning it at maximum acceleration, but the pursuit cars are still gaining. One of them pulls up beside him, sirens blaring. They’re trying to force him off the road.

A curve approaches fast—the perfect opportunity to slip away. In one fluid motion, he unsheathes his sword and leans into the curve, hanging halfway off his bike. His sword strikes sparks off the pavement as he brings it low and slashes at the pursuit car. Its tire explodes with a satisfying bang, but the sword catches in the rubber and is wrenched from his hand. The car veers off course and smashes through the guardrail just as he accelerates ahead, clearing the wreck by inches. He had bought himself a few moments.

Since Isamu disappeared, Hayato had been trying to hold the Twilight Clan together. Despite their speed, skill, and total fearlessness, the Clan was weak without their leader’s strategic mind. Agent Skahen’s network laid trap after trap, tightening their net with each passing day.

Hayato steals a glance behind him. The remaining pursuit cars have navigated the wreck and are once again gaining ground. Up ahead, he spies the distinctive silhouette of New York’s monorail network and he has an idea. Not a good idea, but he’s desperate.

He whips the bike around and aims for the destroyed guardrail. If he plays it right, he can launch himself from the highway overpass to the monorail’s maglev track. Twisting the throttle, he flashes past the confused pursuit cars, building up speed as he flies toward the gap. For an instant he hangs suspended in the air, then he lands on the track with a bone-rattling thump. He starts to laugh. Even if they were crazy enough to try it, there’s no way the agents can chase him here. But the laughter dies in Hayato’s throat as he catches sight of the train, barreling towards him at 300 miles per hour. He closes his eyes, ready for the end.

It doesn’t come. He opens his eyes, just in time to come skidding to an abrupt stop. Before him stands a colossal, red-skinned man wearing an elaborate spiked helmet, a pair of leathery bat wings protruding from his back. “Welcome,” the figure says, smiling slightly. “Many of your friends are already here.”

Twilight Clan Riders are available in the Twilight Clan Riders army expansion. Pre-order now for an October 2026 release!