Back in Zone 12 of Grandeur City, Liam and Ariana had stepped out beyond the academy's walls, wandering into the lively central district—part food hunt, part casual tour.
They walked slowly at first. Ariana took the lead, pointing things out like a seasoned local.
"That tavern's got the best flame-roasted turkey legs," she said, motioning to a place with banners flapping in the wind. "And that stall over there? They make honey-glazed flatbread that melts in your mouth."
Liam gave it all a passing glance. "Haven't heard of any of these."
"You wouldn't," she teased. "You're always training or something else."
They kept moving. The stone-paved streets were lined with wooden carts and open-air shops. Vendors called out, waving trays of fresh goods—meat pies, spiced stew bowls, skewers dripping with gravy, hot rolls stuffed with minced beef and garlic butter.
Ariana's eyes sparkled at the variety. "I've tried that mutton pasty. That stall over there makes fruit-stuffed dumplings. Oh—I've been dying to try that fire-seared boar strip wrap."
Liam, still neutral as ever, simply looked. It was all foreign. The smells, the noise, the people. The food meant little to him. He saw it all, but none of it meant anything yet.
Then a burst of sharp scent hit Ariana's nose—savory and smoky.
Her eyes lit up. "That smells amazing!"
She didn't think—just grabbed Liam's arm, completely forgetting how she normally hesitated around him, and pulled him through a gap between two carts.
They stopped in front of a food stall with iron pans over open flames. A wooden sign hung above, painted with: "The Boiling Fang: Stews, Skewers & Hearth Wraps."
"This is it," Ariana said, finally letting go of his arm. "That's the scent I followed."
Liam looked around. "Smells like burnt meat."
"It's chargrilled venison, thank you very much."
The vendor, a burly man with a thick beard and a stained apron, grinned. "What can I get you two? Got fresh boar wraps, honeyed root stew, spitfire lamb skewers—hot and loaded."
Ariana turned to Liam. "Spitfire skewers or boar wrap?"
Liam glanced at the sizzling meat. "Boar wrap."
"Same," Ariana said. "Two wraps. Extra herb sauce."
As the vendor worked, the two stepped aside, waiting. Liam leaned against the stall while Ariana stretched her arms out.
"You really don't know anything about Grandeur, huh?" she asked.
"Nope, only been on these streets on my first day coming to the academy."
"Well, today might just be the day you learn about Grandeur, even if just the central district."
The wraps came wrapped in waxed parchment, warm and dripping slightly with sauce. They sat on a nearby bench, tucked between two tall lantern posts.
Ariana bit in first. "Okay—definitely worth dragging you here."
Liam took a bite, chewed slowly, and nodded once. "It's good."
She smirked. "That's a good compliment, coming from you."
"Well, it's not bad."
They ate in silence for a bit, surrounded by the warm clatter of dishes, footsteps on stone, and the occasional shout from a nearby vendor.
After a while, Ariana spoke. "You know, I'm glad I came out here with. Thanks for letting me."
"Don't make it sound like I dragged you here. I was hungry, and you are the only one available to guide me through this place."
"Still," she said, wiping her mouth, "Thank you. It's been fun, so far."
Liam stayed quiet as he finished the last bite of his wrap. 'I only came because she looked down when I asked that question earlier, he thought. Didn't want her stuck in her own head, not because of me.' His gaze drifted to Ariana. She was smiling, eyes bright with excitement.
I don't even feel hungry. Still don't want to be here... but she does. And honestly, it's not that bad out here.
Soon, both had cleaned off their food and were sitting back, relaxing on the bench, soaking in the district's energy.
"So," Ariana said, tilting her head toward him, "we heading back to the academy, or you wanna keep walking around?"
"You're technically the guide," Liam replied, arms resting lazily on his knees. "Your call."
"Ooh, giving me power? I won't let it go to waste," she said, hopping to her feet. She brushed off some food crumbs clinging to her leggings and boots, then looked at him with a grin. "Alright, fine gentleman, more touring it is."
Without waiting, she grabbed his hand and pulled him up with her. Her joy was written all over her face—carefree, a little wild even. She was doing stuff her usual self would overthink ten times—but here she was, holding his hand and walking like it was natural.
Later though? She'd totally lose her mind over it.
The two blended into the crowd, moving with the flow of the streets as Ariana took the lead, throwing out facts and pointing at random corners with confidence.
"That right there is Slice Alley," she said, gesturing to a narrow path crammed with taverns and food stalls. "Best place for late-night cravings. Trust me."
"You really do like food," Liam said offhandedly, walking beside her.
"What? Is that a problem?"
"No. Everyone likes food. Doesn't matter how much."
She smiled at that and kept walking.
Eventually, their path brought them to the very edge of the central district. Beyond it, the buildings began to shift in style—more elegant, quieter. The eastern district loomed ahead.
They slowed as they approached a cobbled path that led out of the main street.
"You see this path here? It leads to the—"
"Avanclare Estate," Liam said before she could finish.
Ariana blinked, surprised. Then it clicked. "Right… you were at that party with us a few months ago."
She grew quiet. "That was the night of the blood demon attack..."
Liam nodded, but his voice was calm. "No need to feel sorry for me. I chose to leave the party and tag along with those knights. Just wanted some quiet."
"And ended up in a fight," she said softly.
"It's in the past. Doesn't matter now," Liam replied. "Besides, we shouldn't bring that up out here. Someone could be listening."
Ariana glanced around instinctively, then nodded, understanding.
"And the sun's almost down," Liam said, his tone flat as he glanced at the sky. "We should probably head back now, yeah?"
Ariana blinked, realizing just how dim the streets had become. "Yeah… you're right. Totally lost track of time. Come on, I know a shortcut." She started walking ahead, her steps light and casual.
Liam lingered for a moment, sweeping the area with a slow, quiet glance. Then, without a word, he followed behind her.
They moved through backstreets and tight turns, Ariana leading the way while Liam kept a few steps behind with his gaze fixed on the buildings.
Then, out of nowhere, Liam spoke up. "Can we take that curve?"
Ariana turned, slightly confused. "That one? It's a dead end, Liam."
"I know," he said, eyes steady. "Just trust me."
Something in his voice—calm but unshakable—made her nod without questioning. "Alright."
They turned into the narrow alley. The walls were tight and tall, light barely touched the stone. They didn't say a word.
Seconds after they stepped in, five men staggered around the corner behind them. They looked wild—drunk, reeking of cheap ale and smoke. Cigars burned between their teeth, eyes red with whatever they'd been drinking.
But when they stepped into the alley, they stopped.
The couple they were tailing was gone.
"The hell?" one muttered, looking around.
"They were just here," said another, voice slurred but tense.
The leader—broad-shouldered, with a jagged scar down his neck—grunted in frustration. "Where the hell'd those kids vanish to?"
They bickered for a bit, passing blames, clearly too fogged up to think straight.
Then the boss snapped, "You, check the back."
One of the men grunted and walked toward the end of the alley. He barely made it halfway when something dropped from above like a reaper from the void.
A hand smashed his face into the wall with brutal force.
He groaned, dazed, and tried to lift his head—only to meet two eyes. Cold. Lifeless. Unblinking.
Liam stared at him like he was already dead.