I slipped through the sliding window of the master bedroom, tumbling onto the tatami mats with a very ungraceful thud.
The room was pitch black. I scrambled to my feet, brushing dust off my dark green tunic, and let out a massive sigh of relief. I had actually done it. I had broken into the most secure vault in the Empire, stolen from the Emperor, and made it back in one piece.
"Did you find what you were looking for?"
A deep, smooth voice rumbled from the darkness.
I shrieked, jumping three feet in the air.
With a snap of his fingers, Akira ignited a cluster of blue yokai fire, illuminating the room.
He was sitting on the edge of the massive silk futon. He had taken off his heavy court robes and was just wearing his white sleep tunic, his pink hair falling loosely over his broad shoulders. He didn't look angry. He looked completely, terrifyingly calm.
"You're awake," I squeaked, my heart hammering in my throat.
