1 Prologue

Dick's POV

I waited for the guards to pass before running across the courtyard, seeking shelter behind a pillar. I waited for the next group of guards before running along the next bit to the wall. That wall was the only thing keeping me from my freedom, and I was not going to let it stop me. Before I could climb it, however, another small obstacle darted from the shadows, coming to stand in my way.

"No, Dick," the high-pitched voice of my three year old brother said, "I'm not letting you leave."

"Dami," I sighed, bending down to his level, "you know better than anyone why I can't stay here."

"But you're the heir to the league of Shadows ," he protested, "you can't just leave!"

"Dami," I said, placing a hand on his shoulder, "I don't belong in this life, you know that. It's just not who I am. Besides, I think we both know that you'd be a much better assassin than me."

He gave me a sad smile.

"I suppose so."

I gave him a quick hug.

"I promise that I'll sneak in to visit," I told him, winking at him before jumping up onto the wall.

"And, Dick?"

"Yes, Dami?"

"Don't die, okay?"

I grinned at him.

"What, me? Richard Al Guhl, son of Talia Al Guhl and some unknown man I've never met, die? Wouldn't dream of it."

Damian grinned back at me. That was the last I saw of my brother before I jumped over the wall. Little did I know that it would be another seven years before I next saw him.