A New Life in Xylodia


    It had been almost four years since Orion, Ra, Gabriel, Nerpheus, Tsuki, and Kannie had found each other, scraping together a fragile but unbreakable bond in the slums of Xylodia. They had survived by watching each other’s backs, learning the art of stealth, thievery, and self-defense, all while avoiding the watchful eyes of Lucian’s enforcers and the dangers lurking in the underbelly of the city.


    Now, at ten and eleven years old, they were far from the helpless children they had once been. Xylodia’s streets belonged to them just as much as they belonged to Lucian’s men, and though they were young, they were not weak. Their skills had sharpened. Their instincts had hardened.


    Most importantly—they had found a new hideout.


    Their previous shelter had become too risky, too exposed. They now resided in a crumbling, abandoned tavern on the outskirts of the city, tucked away in a forgotten district where the city’s poorest resided. The building, though weathered by time and neglect, provided shelter, multiple escape routes, and—most importantly—privacy.


    From this place, they planned their nights. They stole what they needed. They sold what they could.


    And during the day, they lived.


    The streets of Xylodia bustled with life as vendors shouted their wares, the scent of freshly baked bread and sizzling meats filling the air. People weaved through the narrow alleys, haggling, chatting, and exchanging coins with greedy merchants. The city was alive, pulsing with an energy that never truly faded, no matter the time of day.


    Kannie hopped lightly through the crowd, her thick rabbit-like legs making her movements effortless as she weaved between shoppers with a natural grace. Her long ears twitched occasionally, picking up snippets of conversation, but her focus remained on the pouch of trinkets slung over her shoulder. Orion had sent her to sell last night''s haul to their usual buyer, Farrow—a sleazy, opportunistic fence who ran a pawn shop tucked away in the less reputable side of the market.


    She hated dealing with him, but he paid well, and more importantly, he knew better than to try anything. Orion had made sure of that two years ago when he broke Farrow’s nose for putting a hand on her. Tsuki, normally the quietest among them, had been livid, vowing to kill the man if he ever tried again. Even Ra had made it clear that any further incidents would end in Farrow''s early funeral. The man had gotten the message.


    Kannie smirked as she approached the shop, tapping a finger against her chin. Maybe she could squeeze a little extra coin out of him today.


    The bell above the door jingled as she stepped inside. Farrow looked up from behind the counter, his beady eyes narrowing slightly before a slick smile slid onto his face. The bruising on his nose had long since healed, but she knew he hadn’t forgotten the pain.


    “Well, if it isn’t my favorite little runner,” Farrow drawled, rubbing his stubby fingers together. “What do you have for me today, sweetheart?”


    Kannie’s nose wrinkled at the term, but she didn’t let her disgust show. Instead, she plopped the pouch onto the counter and grinned. “The usual—rings, lockets, a few nice trinkets. The good stuff.”


    Farrow untied the pouch and began inspecting the items, his sharp gaze flicking over each piece. After a moment, he let out a low hum. “Decent haul. Not bad, not bad…” He tossed a few coins onto the counter, but Kannie didn’t move to take them.


    She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. “That’s not enough, Farrow.”


    He grinned, showing yellowed teeth. “Oh, come now, sweetheart. You always get the best price from me.”


    Kannie leaned in, her yellow brown eyes narrowing. “If you want my business, you’ll do better.”


    Farrow studied her for a moment before sighing dramatically and adding a few more coins to the pile. “There. A little extra, just for you.”


    Kannie smirked, scooping up the money. “Pleasure doing business, Farrow.” She turned on her heel and strode toward the door, eager to leave before his gaze made her skin crawl.


    Just as she stepped back onto the busy streets, she nearly collided with someone.


    Books and scrolls tumbled to the ground.


    “Oh, no!” The girl in front of her gasped, crouching down to pick them up.


    Kannie blinked. “Oops, my bad! Let me help.”


    As she bent down to grab one of the scrolls, her gaze fell on the girl she had bumped into—a red-haired, freckle-faced girl with bright green eyes. She wore a finely made cloak over simple scholar’s robes, and the books she carried looked expensive.


    “You must really like this kinda stuff,” Kannie mused, handing her a scroll. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many books at once.”


    The girl laughed, adjusting her grip on the pile. “Yeah, my parents are researchers. They study magical artifacts. I was picking these up for them from the university archives.”


    Kannie tilted her head. “You study at the university?”


    The girl nodded. “Sort of. My parents pulled some strings to let me attend early. I love magic theory, so I study under a few professors.”


    Kannie’s nose scrunched. “Magic theory? Sounds fancy.”


    “It’s fascinating!” the girl beamed. “There’s so much about magic that people don’t understand—how artifacts retain power, how they react to different enchantments. My parents are trying to trace the history of some of the most powerful relics in Enchantera.”


    Kannie’s ears twitched in amusement. “That sounds like a lot of thinking.”


    The girl laughed. “I love thinking! It’s like solving puzzles with magic.”


    Kannie grinned. “Well, I guess someone has to do it.” She extended a hand. “I’m Kannie.”


    The girl shook it. “Tara. Nice to meet you.”


    Kannie’s stomach suddenly growled, making her laugh. “Hey, since I bumped into you, how about I make it up to you with some food? There’s a good stall nearby.”


    Tara hesitated, then nodded. “That sounds nice.”


    As the two girls walked together, chatting about everything and nothing, Tara felt something she hadn’t expected—relief. A break from the heavy expectations of her studies,


    The midday sun hung high over Xylodia, casting a warm golden glow over the bustling streets. The air buzzed with the sounds of merchants calling out their wares, the clatter of cart wheels rolling over cobblestones, and the distant laughter of children playing in the alleyways. Amongst the city’s chaos, two girls sat on a worn wooden bench near a bustling food stall, sharing a meal and an unexpectedly deep conversation.


    Kannie had been the one to insist on treating Tara, waving a skewered piece of grilled meat in front of her with an enthusiastic grin.


    “As an apology for bumping into you,” she said, ears twitching slightly. “And also ‘cause you’re my new friend! I usually just hang out with boys, so this is kinda nice!”


    Tara, still adjusting to Kannie’s relentless energy, smiled as she accepted the food. “Thanks, Kannie. This does smell good.”


    “It’s my favorite! They marinate the meat in some kinda secret sauce,” Kannie said, chewing happily. “So, tell me about you! What’s it like living in the noble district?”


    Tara sighed, glancing down at the food in her hands. “Honestly? It’s not as nice as people think. The houses are big, the streets are clean, but the people? Ugh.” She wrinkled her nose. “They’re all so stuck-up, always looking down on everyone who isn’t them. Even when I go to the royal castle with my parents, I feel like I don’t belong there. They act polite, but it’s all fake.”


    Kannie nodded sagely, as if she completely understood noble politics. “Yeah, rich people are weird.” She took another bite of food, her cheeks puffing out slightly as she chewed. “At least you got your parents, though. Mine—” She paused for a second but quickly shook it off. “Well, never mind that. I’ve got my family now!”


    Tara tilted her head. “Your family?”


    Kannie grinned. “Orion, Ra, Tsuki, Nerpheus, and Gabriel! We’re a family. Not by blood, but by choice.” She straightened up, puffing out her chest. “Lemme tell ya about ‘em!”


    Tara leaned in, curious. “Go on.”


    Kannie held up a finger. “First, there’s Orion. He’s the leader! He’s got dark brown skin, white dreadlocks, and these intense golden eyes. When he gets mad? Hoo boy, you do not wanna be on the receiving end of that stare.”


    Tara shivered slightly at the thought. “He sounds… commanding.”


    “Oh, totally,” Kannie nodded. “And then there’s Ra! He’s huge for his age—like, I swear he’s half-giant or something. And his eyes? They’re green dragon eyes. I’m talkin’ insane! He’s super strong too. He and Orion are definitely the toughest out of all of us.”


    Tara listened intently, intrigued. “They sound impressive.”


    Kannie grinned. “And then there’s Nerpheus. He’s quiet. Like, really quiet. Doesn’t talk to anyone but us. But you know what’s crazy? He can swim as fast as a fish! Like, no joke, I think he might secretly be a fish. And he can hold his breath underwater forever! Every morning, he brings us fish for breakfast.”


    Tara’s eyebrows rose. “That’s… not normal.”


    “I know, right?” Kannie laughed. “But then there’s Gabriel.”


    She rolled her eyes dramatically.


    Tara smirked. “Let me guess. Trouble?”


    “More like chaos incarnate.” Kannie sighed. “He can fly. Or, like, hover and float. Just a few inches off the ground most of the time, but still! I mean, the more I think about it, the weirder it is. That’s not normal, right?”


    Tara’s jaw nearly dropped. “Not at all! That’s a high-level magic ability! How can he do that at his age?”


    Kannie shrugged. “Even he doesn’t know! Doesn’t even remember where he came from. But it doesn’t matter, ‘cause he’s one of us now.”


    Tara stared at Kannie, trying to process everything. “Your family is… unique.”


    Kannie beamed. “I know, right?”


    Tara chuckled, shaking her head. “What about Tsuki? You mentioned him before.”


    Kannie’s expression softened. “Tsuki’s special to me.”


    Tara blinked, surprised by the sudden shift in tone. “How so?”


    Kannie twirled a strand of her own hair around her finger, her voice quieter than before. “We’ve both been through… bad stuff. Before Orion found us. We were both trapped in the same place. That kind of thing—it bonds you, you know?”


    Tara nodded solemnly. “I think I understand.”


    Kannie exhaled, but quickly perked up again. “So I take care of him, in little ways. Like, I dye his hair! He’s got silver hair, but he likes it black, so I fix it up for him when it fades.”


    Tara smiled. “That’s really sweet of you.”


    “Eh, it’s nothing,” Kannie said, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly. “He’d do the same for me.”


    They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the sounds of the market surrounding them. The scent of spices and roasting meat filled the air, and a cool breeze carried the distant chatter of passing strangers.


    Then, Kannie clapped her hands together. “Oh! If you ever wanna visit, you can find us at our hideout!”


    Tara raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”


    “Yup! It’s in the old business district, in the slums. Used to be a tavern, but it’s abandoned now. We fixed it up, though! Got beds, a kitchen, even a little rooftop spot where we can see the whole city!”


    Tara hesitated, considering it. “Are you sure it’s okay for me to visit?”


    Kannie gave her a playful nudge. “What, you too noble to come see me?”


    Tara laughed, shaking her head. “Not at all. I think I’d like that.”


    Kannie grinned. “Good! I’d love to have a girl around for once. Tsuki and the boys are fun, but ugh, boys.” She rolled her eyes dramatically, making Tara giggle.


    Tara finished the last of her food and stood up, brushing off her skirts. “Well, Kannie, I think I’m glad I bumped into you today.”


    Kannie hopped up as well, stretching her legs. “Same!


    Tara gave Kannie a warm smile. “I will. And thanks again for the food.”


    Kannie grinned. “Anytime, bookworm.”


    With that, the two parted ways, each walking away with a new friend they hadn’t expected—but one that, in their own way, they both needed.


    Tara’s thoughts lingered on her conversation with Kannie as she walked through the noble district toward her home. She had never met someone like her—bubbly, fearless, and completely unbothered by social standing. It was refreshing, in a way she hadn’t realized she needed. The world of nobles was rigid, full of rules and expectations, but Kannie… she was free.


    The sun had set, casting a golden hue over the pristine streets of Xylodia’s wealthiest quarter. Towering manors lined the avenues, their windows glowing with candlelight, their marble facades untouched by the filth of the city. The air smelled of fresh bread and fine perfumes, a stark contrast to the slums where she had spent the afternoon.


    As she approached the grand iron gates of her family estate, something felt off. The usual warm glow of home felt colder, heavier. The guards at the entrance averted their gazes as she walked past. She pushed the feeling down and continued inside.


    The moment she entered, their housemaid, Yvette, was there to greet her. Yvette was older, kind, always fussing over her like a second mother. But tonight, her hands trembled as she smoothed her apron.


    “Miss Tara,” she whispered urgently, “your parents are in the study… with a guest.”


    Tara blinked. “A guest?”


    Yvette’s face paled further. She leaned in closer, voice even softer. “You should go to your room.”


    Tara didn’t need to ask who. The sheer fear in Yvette’s eyes told her everything.


    Lucian.


    A shiver ran down Tara’s spine. She had only heard of him in whispers—his name carried the weight of nightmares. The true ruler of Xylodia’s underworld, a man whose power stretched far beyond crime. He had influence within the royal court, his hands dirtied with every unimaginable sin. Even the king kept him close, indulging in the sick pleasures he provided.


    Her parents had spoken of him in hushed voices, always fearing the day he would come knocking on their door.


    And now, he was here.


    Tara’s feet moved on their own, carrying her toward the grand oak doors of her father’s study. Her heart pounded against her ribs as she pressed her ear to the wood.


    She could hear her father’s voice, trembling yet desperate. “We’re working as fast as we can, Lucian. The Starbeam Necklace’s location isn’t just hidden—it’s protected by magic.”


    A low chuckle. Smooth, unhurried, but laced with a promise of violence. “I don’t tolerate excuses,” Lucian said.


    Her mother’s voice followed, softer, pleading. “We need more time. We’re uncovering maps, ancient references, but rushing could cost us everything.”


    Silence.


    Then the doors flew open.


    Tara gasped, stumbling backward as Lucian’s piercing gaze met hers. He was seated leisurely in a high-backed chair, one leg crossed over the other, dressed in dark, elegant clothing. The candlelight flickered, casting shifting shadows beneath him that seemed… alive. For a split second, she swore she saw them slither back, retracting into his form.


    Her parents knelt before him, heads lowered in submission, like broken servants before a god.


    Lucian tilted his head, a cruel smile curling on his lips. “Ah, the little scholar,” he mused. “Curious timing, don’t you think?”


    Tara’s blood ran cold.


    Her father looked at her, his face filled with barely concealed panic. “Tara, go to your room.”


    Lucian chuckled. “No need to be so hasty.” His gaze never left her. “Would you like to come live with me, little one?”


    Tara’s throat tightened. Her knees felt weak. She had never felt fear like this before—deep, suffocating, all-consuming.


    Her mother’s hands curled into fists on the floor. “Please, Lucian. She’s just a child.”


    Lucian leaned forward, his fingers tapping the armrest of his chair. “Children grow up. And if you two don’t produce results soon, I might need some… collateral.”The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Tara couldn’t breathe. She felt trapped in place, her body screaming at her to run. But she forced herself to stay still. To show no weakness.


    Lucian smirked at her silence. “You may leave,” he said, waving a hand lazily. “For now.”


    Tara fled before he could change his mind.


    That night, she made her decision.


    Tara sat by her window, gripping a quill so tightly her fingers ached. Her note was short, shaky, but final:


    I love you. But if I stay, he’ll take me. I won’t be used against you. Don’t look for me.


    Tears blurred the ink, but she didn’t let them fall. She folded the letter and left it on her desk.


    Slipping on a hooded cloak, she grabbed a satchel, stuffing it with essentials—a loaf of bread, water, a small knife.


    Then she climbed out the window.


    The cold air hit her like a slap, but she didn’t hesitate. She dropped down into the garden, moving as fast as she could toward the back gate. The streets were emptier at night, but the fear of being caught turned every shadow into a threat.


    She didn’t have a plan. All she knew was that she had to get as far from the noble district as possible. She had to find Kannie.


    The slums weren’t hard to find.


    The cobblestone roads faded into dirt paths. The grandeur of Xylodia melted into crumbling buildings, broken windows, and streets littered with waste. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and damp wood. Ragged figures huddled in alleyways, eyes watching her as she passed.


    Panic clawed at her chest. The night was colder here, guided only by the vague directions Kannie had given her earlier that day. The streets were unfamiliar, twisted into dark alleys filled with the smell of stale alcohol and filth.


    Tara quickly realized she had made a mistake.


    She was lost.


    A drunken man leered at her as she passed. “You look lost, little miss,” he slurred, stepping into her path. “Maybe I could—”


    Tara turned and bolted.


    She ran, her breath coming in sharp gasps, until she skidded to a stop near a crumbling stone fountain. Her heart hammered as she tried to think. The old tavern, she reminded herself. Kannie said their hideout was near an abandoned tavern.


    Spotting an older man loitering near a fire pit, she forced herself to approach. “Sir,” she said breathlessly, “do you know where the old tavern is?”


    The man’s lips curled, his eyes raking over her. “Yeah, I know it.”


    Tara’s stomach churned. She saw the way his gaze lingered, the way his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. He was lying.


    She ran again.


    Just when the panic began to set in, she spotted two figures standing near a dimly lit alley. At first, she nearly passed them, too focused on trying to retrace her steps. But then something tugged at the back of her mind—recognition. One of them was massive for his age, arms crossed over his chest, his piercing green dragon-like eyes practically glowing in the low light. The other… was floating slightly above the ground, his blond hair tousled, turquoise eyes gleaming with mischief.


    Tara stopped in her tracks, realization hitting her. “Ra! Gabriel!”


    The two boys turned in surprise. Gabriel’s smirk widened immediately as he tossed a small pebble in the air. “See, Ra?” he said smugly. “My handsome features are drawing in admirers already.”


    Ra exhaled, his face unreadable as he studied Tara. “Who are you?” His voice was calm but firm, like he wasn’t in the mood for games.


    Tara struggled to catch her breath. “I—I met Kannie earlier. Please, I need to find her.”


    Gabriel raised an eyebrow. “What’s the rush, princess?”


    Tara’s hands curled into fists. “Please,” she begged. “It’s important.”


    Ra exhaled sharply, clearly debating. Then, after a moment, he turned. “Follow me.”


    Gabriel floated ahead lazily. “Man, I wanted to get some food first.”


    Tara trailed behind them, keeping close as they led her through winding paths. She swallowed back her nerves, but the weight of Lucian’s shadow loomed over her. She had no choice now—this was the only place she could go.


    When Tara stumbled into the abandoned tavern, she was greeted by the warmth of flickering lanterns and low murmurs. The space was worn, but comfortable—a mismatched collection of blankets, crates, and stolen furniture made it feel more like a home than she expected.


    “Kannie!”


    Kannie had been lounging on a couch, playfully flicking Tsuki’s ear while Nerpheus dozed nearby, his breathing slow and steady. Orion was across the room, balancing on his hands in some form of training. At the sound of her name, Kannie sat up, blinking in confusion.


    When she saw Tara standing in the doorway, flanked by Ra and Gabriel, her eyes widened. “Tara?”


    The noble girl took a shaky step forward before breaking down entirely. Her legs gave out, and she collapsed to her knees, sobbing. The sheer weight of everything—the fear, the running, the danger—hit her all at once.


    Kannie was on her feet in an instant, rushing over and wrapping her arms around her. “Hey, hey, what happened?” she whispered, rubbing Tara’s back soothingly.


    Tara couldn’t find the words. She just clung to Kannie, shaking.


    Gabriel sighed dramatically. “Great. Another stray.”


    Kannie shot him a glare. “Shut up and put on some tea or something.”


    Gabriel groaned.


    Orion had lowered himself from his handstand, his golden eyes sharp and calculating. He walked over, arms crossed. “Who is this?”


    Kannie looked up, still holding Tara tightly. “This… is my friend.”


    Orion studied Tara for a long moment, then gave a slow nod.


    Tara sat on the worn-out couch, her fingers gripping the edges of her sleeves. The weight of what had happened settled over her like a heavy cloak, suffocating and inescapable. The hideout was dimly lit, but the flickering lanterns cast a warm, uneven glow that made the place feel lived in. Safe. Something she hadn’t felt in hours.


    Kannie knelt beside her, her usually energetic demeanor tempered by quiet concern. “Okay, Tara. Take a deep breath,” she said gently. “Tell us what happened.”


    Tara looked up, her throat tightening. She hadn’t even had time to process everything herself. But she knew one thing—if Orion and the others didn’t understand the danger she was in, they wouldn’t take her seriously.


    She exhaled slowly. “Lucian… he was at my house tonight.”


    The words sent a shiver through the room. Even Gabriel, who had been lazily floating mid-air, stilled, his smirk fading. Orion’s golden eyes flickered like a dying ember, his attention sharpening. Ra cracked his knuckles but said nothing.


    Tara continued, her voice barely above a whisper. “He was threatening my parents. I overheard everything. He told them they were wasting his time searching for the Starbeam Necklace. He even—” She hesitated, feeling the bile rise in her throat. “He told them if they didn’t hurry, maybe he’d just take me instead.”


    A cold silence settled over the room. Tara saw the barely restrained anger on Orion’s face, the way his jaw tensed.


    “Lucian has the king’s favor,” she went on. “He has power in the court. The king lets him do whatever he wants as long as he brings in gold, women, and does all the things the king won’t dirty his own hands with.”


    Orion said “we know of Lucian everyone in the slums do”


    Tsuki, who had been sitting quietly in the corner, suddenly sat up straighter. His silver eyes flashed dangerously. “Did you ask someone for directions on your way here?”


    Tara hesitated before nodding. “I didn’t know where to go. I only remembered an old tavern. I asked a man…. A older man loitering near a fire pit but I think he was lying he was. He looked at me weird.”


    Orion turned his head toward Ra, his expression unreadable. He didn’t have to say a word. Ra simply nodded and stood up. “Tsuki, Nerpheus. Let’s go.”


    Tsuki grabbed his cloak, his movements quick and precise. Nerpheus, who had been quiet, rose from his seat without hesitation, his oceanic gaze unreadable. Without another word, the three of them disappeared into the night.


    Tara swallowed hard. “Will they… kill him?”


    Orion met her gaze. “Depends.”


    She wasn’t sure if that answer made her feel better or worse.


    Kannie clapped her hands together. “Alright. Enough heavy talk.” She turned to Tara, eyes scanning her critically. “We need to change your hair.”


    Tara blinked. “What?”


    “Your hair,” Orion repeated, crossing his arms. “Red is too noticeable.”


    Tara’s fingers instinctively went to her long red strands. “You want me to cut it?”


    Kannie grinned and grabbed scissors from a crate in the back of the hideout. “Yup. New hair, new you. We can’t have Lucian sniffing around.”


    Tara hesitated, but then, slowly, she nodded. There was no going back now.


    Gabriel, who had been lounging on his back mid-air, tilted his head at her. “Just so you know, she thinks she’s a hairdresser,” he remarked. “But she’s really about to make you look fugly.”


    Kannie growled and kicked him in the side. “Shut up and go make some tea or something.”


    Gabriel groaned dramatically. “Why is it always me?”


    As Gabriel floated off to the small fire pit, Tara sat stiffly on a crate, hands folded in her lap as Kannie got to work. The scissors glided through her hair with surprising precision.


    “I usually dye Tsuki’s hair,” Kannie said as she worked, her voice light. “He has silver hair naturally, but we keep it black. Keeps him hidden. And also, he lets me do it, which is nice. I think he just likes when I mess with his hair.”


    Tara sniffled but smiled slightly.


    That made Tara think. There was more to this group than she had initially realized. And maybe more to Gabriel than even he knew.


    By the time Kannie finished, Tara reached up hesitantly. Her once long red hair was now shoulder-length and dyed a deep brown. She barely recognized herself.


    Kannie beamed. “You look good! Now you officially don’t look like a noble.”


    Tara let out a weak laugh. “Thank you.”


    Kannie stretched and yawned, flopping onto the couch. “Alright, I’m beat. You should sleep too.”


    Tara hesitated. She had been running for so long she had forgotten what it felt like to rest. But here, in this worn-down old tavern, with the sounds of laughter and banter around her, she felt… at home.


    She curled up beside Kannie, the exhaustion washing over her like a wave.


    Before she drifted off, she heard Orion’s voice, low and firm. “She doesn’t leave until I say so.”


    No one argued.


    For the first time in a long time, Tara felt safe.


    And as sleep took her, she realized—this was only the beginning.


    Part 2: Morning of Revelation


    The scent of grilled fish wafted through the tavern’s upper floors, mingling with the crisp morning air. Tara stirred, her eyes blinking open to the warm glow of dawn spilling through the broken shutters. For a moment, she forgot where she was. Then, memories of last night crashed over her, and she turned her head, realizing she had fallen asleep beside Kannie.


    The bunny lycanthrope was sprawled out, one arm draped over Tara’s side, her fluffy ears twitching slightly. Tara carefully slipped out from under her grip, stretching as she followed the irresistible aroma of food.


    In the main room, Kannie was already up, perched on the wooden counter, grinning as she saw Tara approach. “Morning, princess,” she teased. “Sleep well?”


    Tara yawned, rubbing her eyes. “Better than I thought I would.” She took a deep breath. “You weren’t lying about the fish.”


    Kannie smirked. “Told ya. We get fresh fish every morning thanks to our resident swimmer.”


    Tara glanced around. “Where’s Orion? And Ra? Tsuki?”


    “They’re out training,” Kannie replied, swinging her legs. “Those guys love to fight. Sparring, running, climbing—Ra calls it ‘getting stronger,’ but I think they just enjoy punching each other.”


    Tara raised an eyebrow, amused at the thought of the three boys battling it out first thing in the morning. “And Nerpheus?”


    Kannie pointed to the corner where a figure sat, arms crossed, wrapped tightly in cloth as usual. Nerpheus barely acknowledged their presence, but Tara could tell he was listening.


    Kannie hopped down. “Come on, let’s eat! I wanna show you my favorite spot.”


    As Tara followed her upstairs, she heard Gabriel’s voice echo from below. “Hey! Who ate my fish?!”


    Kannie rolled her eyes. “Here we go.” As if on cue, Gabriel stormed up, his blond hair messy from sleep, his turquoise eyes blazing with outrage


    “Kannie,” he accused, crossing his arms. “Where’s my fish?”


    Gabriel’s jaw dropped. “You ate it, didn’t you? You ate my share! You—”


    “I *shared* my share with Tara,” she corrected, smirking. “Which means you should be blaming yourself for not waking up earlier.”


    Gabriel dramatically threw his hands in the air. “This is a crime! A betrayal of the highest order! I work hard—”


    “You float around and annoy people,” Kannie interjected.


    Gabriel ignored her, pacing. “—and what do I get in return? Nothing! No food, no respect, no love!”


    Kannie flicked a fish bone at him. “Shut up and go get more fish if you’re so hungry.”


    Gabriel gasped. “You *expect* me to work for my food?”


    Kannie rolled her eyes. “I need you to fly into the university and steal some books for Tara.”


    Kannie kicked him lightly on the shin. “Shut up and do it.”


    “Ugh, fine,” Gabriel groaned, rubbing his leg.


    “I’ll go with you today, Kannie.”


    Kannie arched an eyebrow. “Also to the market?”


    Gabriel gave her an incredulous look. “No! To the university. You said you were gonna grab some books for Tara, right? I’ll come with you. Since *I* can fly, I’ll make it easy.”


    Tara smiled. “Thank you.”


    Gabriel groaned. “Yeah, yeah, we’re all sweet and sentimental. Now *hurry up* so we can leave before I die of starvation.”


    With a wave, the two vanished down the stairs, leaving Tara alone with Nerpheus.


    Silence settled between them as Tara turned to face Nerpheus. He sat still, wrapped in his usual coverings, his posture rigid. She hesitated before speaking. “Are you… sick or something?”


    Nerpheus finally looked at her. His gaze was unreadable, but after a moment of deliberation, he exhaled. Slowly, he reached up and unwrapped part of his cloth, revealing his face fully for the first time.


    Tara sucked in a sharp breath.


    He wasn’t human.


    His skin shimmered faintly in the light, the blue tint of his Aquarian heritage now unmistakable. Gills lined his neck, and his features were sharp, almost too perfect, his eyes dark and endless like the abyss of the ocean.


    “You’re an Aquarian,” she whispered.


    Nerpheus nodded.


    Tara understood immediately why he hid. The nobles of Xylodia would pay a fortune for someone like him. Aquarians were rare—more than rare. To surface-dwellers, they were myths, creatures whispered about but never seen.


    “How did you… end up here?” she asked softly.


    For a long time, Nerpheus said nothing. Then, finally, he spoke. “I didn’t mean to leave the Aqua Domain. An underwater stream caught me and threw me into a fishing net. Orion and Ra freed me before I was sold off.”


    Tara shuddered at the thought. “Your family…?”


    He went silent again, his jaw tightening. “Dead.”


    At that, Nerpheus’ expression darkened. “Mercure He’s the ruler of the Aqua Domain. He controls the seas. And he does not tolerate those who leave.”


    Tara swallowed. “What do you mean?”


    “The penalty for surfacing is execution,” Nerpheus said, voice hollow. “Not just for the one who left, but for their entire bloodline.”


    Tara’s stomach twisted. “He… killed your family?”


    Nerpheus didn’t answer. He didn’t need to.


    Silence stretched between them, heavy and unspoken. Tara struggled to find the right words, but nothing felt sufficient.


    Then, to her surprise, Nerpheus lifted a hand, and with a fluid motion, water from a nearby bucket rose, twisting and curling in the air like a ribbon.


    Tara watched in awe. “You can control water?”


    Nerpheus nodded. “All Aquarians can.”


    The water formed into a delicate shape—a spiraling shell—before he let it fall back into the bucket with a soft splash.


    Tara exhaled slowly. “That’s incredible.”


    Nerpheus tilted his head slightly. “What do you want to do, Tara?”


    She blinked. “What do you mean?”


    “You’re here now,” he said simply. “So what’s next?”


    Tara hesitated, looking out over the cityscape. “I… don’t know,” she admitted. “But I think I’d like to stay.”


    Nerpheus nodded once. “Then you should.”


    The air inside the hideout carried the fresh, smoky scent of grilled fish as Tara sat on the wooden floor, still adjusting to her new surroundings. She had spent the morning with Nerpheus, who had shown her his water manipulation abilities in a quiet yet impressive display, but now a new shift of energy had entered the room. Orion, Ra, and Tsuki had returned from training.


    Tara looked up just as Tsuki sat down next to her, his black-dyed hair still damp from sweat, his silver eyes piercing yet calm. Up close, she noticed the soft edges to his face, the sharp jawline yet the lingering traces of youth. He was undeniably handsome. A strange nervousness crept into her chest, and she found herself looking down at her lap, too flustered to meet his gaze for long.


    Ra, as expected, sat down with a separate sack of fish—something he had clearly been expecting. Given his size and strength, it wasn’t surprising that he needed to eat more than the others. He tore into his food with the efficiency of a soldier, his green dragon-like eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he ate.


    Tara then turned her attention to Orion, and for a moment, she forgot everything else.


    She had never seen anyone like him before. His skin was a deep, rich brown, unlike anything she had encountered among the nobles. His white dreadlocks framed his face in a way that made him look almost ethereal, his golden eyes glowing under the dim light of the hideout. There was something regal about him—not in the way nobles carried themselves, but in the sheer presence he commanded. Despite being only eleven, he moved and spoke with the authority of someone much older.


    Orion took a bite of his fish, chewed slowly, then looked up at the group. “Where’s Kannie and Gabriel?” he asked casually.


    Nerpheus, still quietly eating his own meal, answered in his usual calm tone. “They went to get books for Tara.”


    Orion nodded, taking another bite before glancing at Tara. “You should stay inside for a while,” he told her. “A few weeks at least. We’ll listen around, see if Lucian is looking for you. If the coast is clear after a while, then you can start coming outside with us.”


    Tara was slightly taken aback. “You’d do that for me?”


    Orion’s golden eyes softened. “Of course.”


    The warmth in his gaze caught her off guard. She had expected a group of rough thieves to be much less… welcoming. But Orion, despite his intensity, carried himself with a quiet kindness she hadn’t expected.


    She took a deep breath. “I… I like reading,” she admitted. “And studying history. I know it sounds boring, but I love learning about old artifacts and magic.”


    Ra chuckled, his deep voice amused. “You and Kannie are complete opposites.”


    Orion smiled slightly. “That’s not a bad thing.”


    Just then, the hideout door creaked open, and loud bickering filled the space before the figures had even stepped inside.


    “I told you to grab books, not just anything, you absolute idiot!”


    Gabriel groaned loudly. “What the hell, Kannie? You just said ‘grab books’! How was I supposed to know you didn’t want cookbooks?”


    Kannie stormed in first, a large sack of books slung over her shoulder, her long rabbit-like ears twitching in frustration. Gabriel floated in behind her, looking equally annoyed, his turquoise eyes rolling dramatically as he held a second, much smaller sack.


    Orion raised an eyebrow. “Let me guess. Gabriel did something stupid again?”


    Kannie threw her hands up. “He is USELESS sometimes! You should’ve seen him—just grabbing books off the shelves like some mindless buffoon!”


    Gabriel scowled. “You never said what kind of books! I saw books. I grabbed books.”


    Ra leaned back, smirking. “And what exactly did you end up grabbing?”


    Kannie yanked a book from the bag and dramatically held it up. “Cooking for Beginners.”


    The room went silent.


    Gabriel crossed his arms. “Hey, food is important!”


    Orion exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Gabriel… we needed books for Tara.”


    “Well, excuse me for not being a mind reader!” Gabriel huffed, floating down onto the floor, crossing his arms. “You should be thanking me. You want to know how to cook fish a thousand different ways? I got you covered.”


    Kannie shot him a glare. “We don’t even have a kitchen.”


    Tara, despite herself, let out a small giggle.


    Gabriel’s eyes darted to her. “See? She gets it.”


    Tara smiled. “It’s… nice to have a variety of books, I suppose.”


    Gabriel pointed at her dramatically. “Finally, someone who appreciates my genius.”


    Kannie groaned. “Orion, can we trade him for a smarter idiot?”


    Orion, clearly amused but trying to maintain order, shook his head. “We’re stuck with him.”


    Gabriel grinned smugly. “You’re all lucky to have me.”


    Ra snorted. “Debatable.”


    Kannie dumped the rest of the books in front of Tara, ignoring Gabriel’s continued protests. “Here. These should be better.”


    Tara’s eyes widened as she sorted through them. “These are incredible… There are some university-level books in here!”


    Kannie grinned. “Told you I’d make you feel more at home.”


    Tara’s chest warmed. She had never expected to find friends in a place like this.


    The afternoon sun filtered through the broken windows of the old tavern, casting golden streaks across the worn wooden floor. The scent of grilled fish still lingered in the air, mixing with the faint mustiness of old wood and dust. Orion sat with his arms resting on his knees, his golden eyes locked onto Tara, watching her with quiet intensity.


    Tara felt her stomach flutter under his gaze..


    “You ever think about going back home?” Orion finally asked.


    Tara hesitated, fingers curling around the hem of her tunic. Her home. The noble district. The towering estates, the marble halls, the endless lectures on etiquette and responsibility. The constant weight of her parents’ expectations, the suffocating grip of their world.


    And now, the looming shadow of Lucian.


    She exhaled slowly, shaking her head. “I don’t think I can go back. Even if Lucian wasn’t looking for me… I don’t want to return to that life.” She glanced around at the others—Ra, still eating with steady, focused bites, his green dragon-like eyes half-lidded as he listened; Tsuki, sitting next to her, absently running a hand through his dyed-black hair; Nerpheus, quiet as ever, arms crossed, watching the conversation unfold with his unreadable gaze. “I… I feel at home here.”


    Kannie grinned. “Of course you do! Who wouldn’t? We’re awesome.”


    Gabriel, sitting upside down on the couch with a book over his face, snorted. “She says that, but she’s the most annoying one here.”


    Kannie kicked his leg. “Shut up.”


    Orion leaned forward slightly. “If you want to stay with us, it won’t be just for a little while. You’d be family.”


    Tara blinked, her heart skipping a beat. “Family?”


    Ra finally spoke, his voice low and steady. “We don’t just take people in. If you stay, you’re one of us. That means we look out for each other.”


    Kannie nudged Tara. “And it also means you’re stuck with us forever.”


    Tara hesitated, the weight of their words settling over her. She had never felt this before—not just kindness, but something deeper. A bond that wasn’t forced by blood or duty, but by choice.


    She swallowed, looking up at Orion. “I want to stay.”


    Orion nodded, reaching to his belt and pulling out a small dagger. The firelight glinted off the sharp edge as he turned it over in his hand. “Then we do this properly.”


    Tara’s breath hitched as Orion flipped the dagger in his palm and sliced a shallow cut across his hand. A thin line of blood welled up before he closed his fist. Without hesitation, Ra followed, then Tsuki, Nerpheus, Gabriel—who muttered a dramatic, “We really need a less painful tradition”—and finally, Kannie, who winced but grinned through it.


    Then they all turned to Tara.


    She stared at the blade Orion offered her. It wasn’t just a test of bravery; it was an initiation, a promise. Her fingers tightened around the handle, and she drew a small cut across her palm, wincing at the sting.


    Orion extended his hand, and one by one, the others placed theirs on top. Tara hesitated for only a moment before pressing her palm against theirs, feeling the warmth of their skin, the faint stickiness of shared blood.


    A moment of silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken vows. This was more than a ritual—it was a bond. A pact.


    Then, in typical fashion, Gabriel ruined the moment.


    “Well, that’s done. Now, does this mean I get first dibs on food, or—”


    Kannie smacked him upside the head. “Absolutely not.”


    Orion smirked, shaking his head. “Welcome to the family, Tara.”


    She let out a shaky breath, a small smile tugging at her lips. Family.


    For the first time in her life, she belonged.