The sun was high above Crownhold, nearing midday, and the bustling market square brimmed with activity. Voices overlapped—vendors energetically advertised fresh fruit, weaponsmiths showed off newly forged swords, and merchants from distant lands displayed exotic fabrics and glittering gems. The aromas of roasted meat, fresh spices, and warm bread filled the air, mingling into a sensory tapestry typical of a thriving city.


    Amid the sea of people darted a slim figure, swift and agile—Lioris, nearly fifteen, a troublesome but clever street rat known to many. His gray hair flashed silver in the sunlight as he dodged through the crowded stalls, his bright blue eyes shining mischievously. A loaf of fresh bread was clutched securely in his hand.


    "Stop him!" shouted the baker furiously, pointing at the disappearing boy. "Guards, catch that thief!"


    Two armored guards responded, pushing their way through the crowd, armor clanking heavily, struggling to match Lioris’s nimble pace. The boy laughed openly, spinning around a vegetable stand and effortlessly leaping over crates blocking his path. Several vendors shouted his name—some in anger, some in amusement.


    "Lioris, you little rat!" called out an elderly fruit seller, shaking his head with a knowing smile. "Causing trouble again!"


    Ignoring their shouts, Lioris slipped between stalls and dodged a guard’s grasping hand, his feet barely touching the ground. Heart pounding, breath steady, he ducked into a narrow alley, weaving expertly between shadowed walls, then quickly turned again into another dark passage, certain the guards were falling behind.


    He jumped gracefully, grabbing hold of a wooden ledge and hoisting himself onto a rooftop. Gripping a hanging rope with practiced ease, he climbed swiftly upward, muscles tensing beneath his thin but fit build. Soon, he reached his secret hideout—a cramped space nestled between rooftops, hidden from the eyes of those below yet granting him an unmatched view of the sprawling city of Crownhold.


    Just as he arrived, a small, feathered creature darted toward him, chirping excitedly as it landed softly on his shoulder. The bird-like being, known as a Vyren, had elegant feathers of midnight-blue speckled with shimmering silver. It tilted its head, intelligent golden eyes studying Lioris warmly.


    "Hello there, Zylo," Lioris said fondly, scratching Zylo gently under its beak. "Did you miss me?"


    Zylo chirped happily in reply, rubbing affectionately against Lioris’s neck as the boy settled onto the wooden floor. Leaning back, Lioris gazed over the vast city, rooftops stretching far and wide beneath the brilliant sky.


    He tore off a piece of bread, savoring each bite as he spoke to Zylo, his voice soft yet determined. "Only two more months, Zylo. Two more, and I''ll finally be old enough to apply as a Sentinel."


    He glanced thoughtfully toward the distant Sentinel Guild building towering over the city, shaking his head slightly. "But not here. They know me too well. I’ll have to travel to another village—somewhere with a Sentinel outpost where my reputation doesn’t precede me. What do you think, Zylo?"


    The Vyren tilted its head, offering another melodic chirp as if voicing its agreement. Lioris laughed softly, reaching up to gently stroke the bird’s feathers.


    "I knew you''d agree."


    He lay back, the bread finished, eyes tracing the busy streets below. Soon, everything would change. Soon, he''d leave the streets behind and take the first steps toward his destiny.


    Lioris relaxed on the wooden floor of his hideout, enjoying the rare moment of tranquility. The vibrant hum of the city drifted upward, the distant shouts and laughter forming a comfortable backdrop. He watched lazily, hands folded behind his head, Zylo perched quietly beside him.


    Suddenly, a loud commotion echoed from the market square below. Lioris sat up, eyebrows raised as he peered downward, spotting two clearly intoxicated men stumbling from the tavern. They shouted incoherent nonsense at passersby, laughing obnoxiously.


    Lioris smirked, shaking his head slightly. "Bit early for those fools to start causing trouble, isn''t it, Zylo?"


    Zylo chirped in agreement, its sharp eyes fixed on the spectacle below.


    Amidst the scene, a hooded figure approached the men quietly, cloak billowing gently in the breeze. Lioris squinted, intrigued. The figure seemed to speak calmly to the drunkards, apparently urging them to go home peacefully.


    The two men reacted defiantly, one even daring to sling an arm casually around the cloaked figure''s shoulder, drunkenly laughing and inviting the stranger to join their revelry. Before Lioris could even blink, the cloaked figure seized the man''s arm and twisted it sharply, causing the man to yelp in pain.


    The figure’s hood slipped back, revealing a young woman about twenty-one, her striking features illuminated by the midday sun. Lioris’s eyes widened slightly, letting out a low whistle. "Well, she''s cute, isn''t she, Zylo?"


    The Vyren chirped playfully, flapping its wings as if amused by Lioris’s observation.


    Lioris’s amusement quickly shifted to astonishment as he caught sight of a distinct mark on the woman’s arm—the unmistakable emblem of a Sentinel. His expression turned to a mixture of awe and pity as he whispered, "Those two idiots are doomed."


    Below, the captive man squirmed and shouted, while his companion staggered forward angrily. "What d''you think you''re doin'', lass?" he barked drunkenly.


    "My job," the woman replied coolly, shoving the man she held toward the other, sending both tumbling gracelessly onto the cobblestones. "Now, go home before things get worse."


    One of the drunkards, clearly humiliated, rose with an enraged snarl, clumsily attempting a punch. Effortlessly, the woman sidestepped, delivering a precise chop to his neck. The drunkard crumpled instantly, unconscious. His companion paled visibly, hastily muttering apologies as he struggled to drag his unconscious friend away.


    "Next time," the Sentinel woman warned sternly, eyes blazing with authority, "it won''t be so gentle."


    Lioris leaned forward, watching the scene unfold, admiration glittering in his eyes. "Sentinels really are something else," he murmured to Zylo.


    Then, unexpectedly, the woman''s gaze lifted directly toward his distant hiding spot. For a fleeting moment, their eyes met. Startled, Lioris pulled back slightly, heart skipping a beat. But he quickly dismissed it, chuckling softly to himself.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    "Must be imagining things," he muttered, settling back down. Zylo gave another quiet chirp, nudging him gently as if reassuring him.


    Lioris shook his head and smiled, returning his eyes to the busy streets, mind now filled with new thoughts and endless possibilities.


    Late afternoon sunlight bathed the busy market streets in hues of amber and gold, casting warm shadows on bustling vendors. Lioris strolled casually through the market, blue eyes scanning the colorful array of food stalls. The scent of sizzling meat skewers, steaming bowls of hearty soup, fragrant spiced porridge, and ripe fruits made his mouth water.


    He paused momentarily, pondering his choice for dinner, when he suddenly bumped into someone, nearly stumbling.


    "Forgive me," he quickly muttered, eyes still locked hungrily on a vendor’s delicious-looking meat skewers, barely sparing a glance at the figure he collided with.


    Without another thought, Lioris darted forward, swiftly grabbing a skewer right off the grill.


    "Thief! Guards!" the vendor shouted angrily, pointing at the silver-haired blur disappearing into the crowd.


    Lioris laughed, taking a triumphant bite from the juicy skewer as he dashed away. Mid-stride, he spotted a fruit stand and smoothly snatched a ripe apple from the table, winking at the baffled vendor. More angry shouts followed, and once again, the guards pursued him through the crowded streets.


    Expertly navigating the familiar route, Lioris slipped into the alleyways, the shouts and footsteps of the guards fading behind him. He climbed leisurely, confident he had eluded them again, making his way up to his hidden base.


    As he reached the top, he froze. The apple slipped from his hand, thudding softly to the ground. Sitting calmly, legs crossed, playing with Zylo, was a familiar figure.


    The meat skewer hung limply from his teeth as he stared wide-eyed. "Who are you?" he demanded, grabbing a wooden plank defensively from nearby. "What are you doing here?"


    The figure rose gracefully, turning toward him, the late sun illuminating her face. Lioris’s heart skipped a beat. It was the Sentinel woman from earlier in the square.


    Realizing the futility of his resistance, Lioris sighed and lowered the plank. "I...won''t stand a chance against you," he admitted sheepishly, setting the plank aside. "How did you even find this place?"


    The woman offered a faint smile. "I saw you watching me earlier," she replied simply. "Finding this spot was easy enough."


    Lioris’s jaw dropped in shock. He chuckled, raising his arms slowly in mock surrender. "Well, I guess you''ve caught me—first time for everything, right?"


    She laughed softly, a pleasant sound that eased his tension. "Relax," she assured him. "I''m not here to arrest you or turn you in. I''m just curious about you."


    Taking a step closer, she extended her hand in greeting. "My name’s Aria."


    Lioris hesitated, his mind racing with caution. Should he reveal his real name to a Sentinel? But before he could decide, she continued, a knowing smile crossing her lips.


    "And you''re Lioris, aren''t you?"


    He stared in disbelief, eyes narrowing suspiciously. "How did you—"


    "Your name travels fast," she interrupted with a playful shrug. "The vendors shouted it enough for the entire city to hear. So, I assumed."


    Lioris relaxed slightly, smiling despite himself. "Guess I''m more infamous than I thought."


    "Seems that way," Aria replied warmly. Zylo fluttered from her shoulder back to Lioris, settling comfortably beside him.


    Lioris picked up the fallen apple, brushing it off casually as he regarded her curiously. "So, Aria...what exactly do you want to know?"


    She smiled thoughtfully, her eyes reflecting genuine interest. "Everything."


    Lioris hesitated for a moment, suspicion flickering in his eyes. He tilted his head slightly, studying Aria carefully.


    "Everything?" he repeated cautiously. "Why would you want to know anything about me?"


    Aria smiled softly, the corners of her lips curving into an amused expression. "Just like I said—I find you interesting."


    Lioris raised an eyebrow, humor lacing his voice. "Sorry, but I''m not really into older girls."


    Aria laughed genuinely, the warm sound filling the small hideout. "See? That''s exactly what I meant. You''re interesting, Lioris."


    Slightly annoyed by her cryptic responses, Lioris frowned. "You keep saying that. Let’s get one thing straight—why would a Sentinel find a simple street rat interesting?"


    Aria’s expression softened, eyes reflecting sincerity. She took a breath, choosing her words carefully. "Because I watched you earlier in the market. You stole bread, yes—but the vendors weren’t truly angry with you. Some even smiled as they shouted after you. It was almost as if... they were happy to feed you. They call guards out of habit, knowing full well that you’re too quick to catch. You''re not hated, Lioris. People genuinely like you—even when you do silly things. That''s why I find you intriguing."


    Lioris stared at her with a blank, unimpressed expression, finally shaking his head slowly with exaggerated disappointment. "You''re delusional."


    Aria laughed again, not offended in the slightest. Turning away slightly, she gazed thoughtfully out over the sprawling city below, whispering softly, almost to herself, "You think?"


    Lioris watched her quietly, uncertainty and curiosity battling within him, wondering just what else this unusual Sentinel might reveal.


    Lioris sighed deeply, shoulders relaxing in reluctant acceptance. "Fine," he said, conceding defeat. "I’ll share some of my story, but in exchange, you owe me some of yours."


    Aria smiled warmly and nodded. "Fair enough."


    Lioris settled onto the floor, leaning against the wooden wall as Zylo nestled comfortably beside him. "Well, the truth is, I don''t remember my parents. I''ve always been just...a street rat, even back in my village," he began quietly, eyes distant as memories resurfaced.


    He paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "When I was ten, our village was attacked by beasts—Savrok, those wild, barbaric humanoids from the mountains. They destroyed everything, killing people, burning houses. I only survived because I''d learned how to escape quickly when caught stealing. Speed became second nature to me."


    Aria listened intently, eyes filled with compassion but silent, allowing him to continue uninterrupted.


    "I hid in a merchant''s cart afterward," Lioris explained softly. "Didn''t care where it was going, just needed to get away. Ended up here in Crownhold and never managed to leave. But in two months, that’ll finally change—I’ll head to another village, somewhere far away from here, and apply to become a Sentinel."


    Surprise flashed briefly across Aria’s face. She tilted her head slightly, genuinely curious. "Why do you want to become a Sentinel?"


    Lioris’s gaze became serious, voice earnest. "I’m tired of this life—stealing, causing trouble just to survive. I want to protect people, to make sure what happened to my village never happens again. And…" his expression softened, a sense of wonder filling his eyes, "I want to become stronger and see the world. There’s so much more out there, I can feel it."


    Aria nodded slowly in agreement, understanding evident in her thoughtful gaze. She spoke softly, sincerity coloring her voice. "I''m sorry about your village."


    Lioris offered a gentle, reassuring smile, laying back comfortably and looking toward the sky. "It’s fine," he replied quietly. "It happened years ago."


    After a brief silence, Lioris turned his head slightly, curiosity overcoming him. "Why did you become a Sentinel, Aria?"


    Aria glanced at him, her expression gentle yet distant. "Just like you," she began softly, "I wanted to become stronger."


    As she turned back toward the view of the city below, Lioris noticed a fleeting sadness pass through her eyes. He sensed that her reasons went deeper but chose not to press further.


    Instead, he asked casually, "So, what were you doing in town today anyway?"


    She smiled softly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Visiting my aunt. She’s one of the vendors in the market."


    Immediately, guilt flashed across Lioris’s face. "Ah—I''m sorry," he mumbled sheepishly, "I... may or may not have stolen from her before."


    Aria laughed, warm and genuine. "It’s alright," she assured him, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Really."


    Feeling somewhat relieved, Lioris turned serious again. "Actually, I''m leaving this city tomorrow. Heading to another village, far enough away to wait until I turn fifteen. Then I’ll apply to become a Sentinel."


    Aria studied him quietly, recognizing the resolve in his gaze. After a moment''s consideration, she spoke again, "I know a village that might be exactly what you’re looking for—far away and it has a Sentinel outpost. If you’d like, I could accompany you there."


    Ever street-wise and cautious, Lioris narrowed his eyes playfully. "And what''s the cost?"


    Aria smiled warmly, eyes twinkling with amusement. "Just let me rest here for the night."


    Surprised yet again by her answer, Lioris chuckled softly, easing back into his relaxed posture. "Be my guest," he said with a quiet grin, looking back out over Crownhold as the sun slowly began to set, marking the close of a life he was about to leave behind.