Brant had the uncomfortable feeling that he was being watched. Hed had it since he was a child. He grew up knowing that any second, he could be found and hurt by people who didnt understand him. The feeling was unusually strong now, though.

Brant was walking in the cool evening air, planning to rent a movie and have a quiet night. But goosebumps were forming on his skin, and the hair on the back of his neck was standing up. He stopped and turned his head, trying not to make it obvious that he was nervous. He looked from side to side, feeling panic rise within him. There was someone watching him, someone getting close.

He started walking faster, bumping into people as he went, and finally tripping over something. He put his hands out, but still landed flat on his face. He squeezed his eyes shut, tasting blood in his mouth and feeling burning from the new cuts on his face and hands. He started to get up, but felt a hand on his shoulder.

He slowly turned his head, knowing whos face he would see.

My, my youve certainly grown up, a familiar voice said, and Brant began to shake.



Chapter One

Pandora carried the misplaced books back to their correct spots on the shelf, working slowly without needing to think about what she was doing. She usually worked alone, and working alone didnt bother her a bit. It gave her plenty of time to sort through her thoughts.

Pandora crouched down and shoved some books onto the bottom shelf.

Excuse me, a male voice called from the end of the aisle. She stood up and looked at him.

Can I help you? she asked, putting her hands on her hips. The store owner, Mimi, had said that she looked antisocial when she did that. The man was wearing an expensive gray suit and black shirt; his spiked hair was out-of-the-box blonde.

Im looking for a certain series of books from my childhood, he said. He had a hint of a British accent, and kept flashing her a cocky smile that was all white teeth and some strong breath mint. I was told your store might have them.

What series?

Written by a Japanese author. The Moon Children Series, the man said, looking her in the eyes. His concentration was broken by his cell phone ringing. He raised his index finger as a signal for her to wait. He fished his cell phone from his pocket and answered it. Yes, my dear looking for some books right now.

Pandora went back to straightening books, deciding to ignore him if he was going to ignore her.

Maam? the British man called.

Pandora glanced at him for a moment, and then went back to working.

Do you have them? he asked.

No. We only had one of them. It sold at Christmas time, she answered. The man had his hand over his cell phone, and seemed to be waiting for something.

Youre not even going to look? he asked.

No. I know we dont have any of them.

Then, do you have a suggestion? he demanded, shaking his head and lowering his eyebrows.

Ebay, Pandora said with a shrug.