Prologue

The hour is late when I return from my solo patrol. The lights are dimmed in the Lair and the living room is lit only by the television, which is set on standby.

A small smile appears on my lips as I take in the sight of my brothers curled up on the couches. Evidently they all fell asleep while watching yet another Super Robo Mecha Force Five marathon. I walk over, quietly pulling up the blankets around Mikey and Donnie again. I place a pillow behind Raph's neck so he doesn't get stiff overnight. Then my gaze falls on the figure in the armchair and my whole world freezes for a moment.

She's beautiful when she sleeps. There's an expression of peace on her face, and her breathing is near silent. My smile widens a little and I put a blanket on her, pressing a kiss to her forehead before I leave the room.

Sapphire. The name rings like a silver bell in my mind, bright and shining.

Sapphire is a human that we rescued one time from the Purple Dragons. She was effectively homeless, so we offered to let her move in. She accepted. But in the past few months, ever since Karai came to stay with us as well, Sapphire has become closed off and distant. There's a sadness in her eyes, a heaviness in her steps that wasn't there before.

I can't figure out why.

"You're up late."

The voice, smooth as river water over stones, snaps me from my thoughts. Karai leans against the doorway of my bedroom, her arms crossed and a teasing smile on her face. She pulls me in for a kiss when I get close enough.

"How was patrol?" she asks when we break apart.

"Same old same old," I reply, stepping into my room and taking off my belt and pads. "It was quiet out tonight."

"Hmm," is all Karai says. She watches me closely. "You're sad about something."

"I'm not sad."

"Yes, you are. Something's bothering you, Leo. I know you well enough by now to tell." She places a hand on my cheek, her eyes softening. "What is it?"

I can't tell her yet.

"Nothing," I reply, stepping away and climbing into bed.

With a sigh, Karai places a kiss on my head and makes for the door. "I'll see you in the morning."

I stare at the ceiling as her footsteps fade into silence. She's upset that I wouldn't tell her what was on my mind - that much is clear from the frown on her face. But I don't want to tell her - tell anyone - yet. Not yet.

I've still got time.

Plenty of time.