Prologue: Be Not Afraid

Machine-gun-like backfire scatters the currawongs from a dented guardrail. Void of streetlamps, the mountain road is lit only by moonlight sifted through swaying treetops. The RX-7 whirs through the sweeping bends, its fresh tyres biting the edge of the tarmac.

A gentle hand throws the shifter down to 2nd.

The rear snaps out.

White light streaks across its sky-blue body as it whistles past a reflector post. The rocky wall charges along the passenger window as leaves are sliced by the rear wing.

Keiko’s black ponytail jolts sideways as she charges out of one bend and straight into the next. Back on the brakes, her heel taps the throttle, drawing out every bit of speed the road offers.

For a moment, the moon shines on nothing but her car and the road.

Then she hears it.

A thunder rolls through the trees. Eight pistons in vicious harmony, a harbinger of an overtake yet to come. It’s far off, but she knows that distance will shrink imperceptibly.

Her blood freezes.

It’s been months since she last encountered the unheralded one. But the nightmare remains unchanged. No matter how she hunts it, it always finds her first.

Keiko's eyes flick to the mirror, breath stolen.

Every bit of asphalt it touches is hallowed in its wake. No one knows who, or what, pilots it. Most don’t believe it exists.

Those unfortunate enough to catch a glimpse of it in their mirrors all reach the same conclusion:

Whatever drives it is far removed from anything human.