The bustling market was alive with chatter, colorful stalls, and the smell of fresh bread. Zane and Sera were wandering through, enjoying the break from academy life.
Suddenly, a loud shout pierced the air.
"Thief! Stop her!" a vendor yelled, pointing at a girl darting through the crowd.
The girl dashed, clutching a small bundle tightly. Guards quickly gave chase.
Zane's eyes narrowed. Without thinking, he stepped forward.
"Wait! What's going on here?" he called to the guards as the girl skidded to a halt—right into his path.
The guards caught up and glared. "She stole food from the vendor. The fine is one silver coin."
Zane glanced at the girl, her face flushed and eyes wide with worry. Sera dug into her bag, pulling out a few coins.
"Here," she said, handing them over. "Let's settle this before it gets worse."
Zane counted out the money—one silver coin, worth a hundred bronze pieces.
The vendor, eyeing the coin, nodded and waved the guards off.
Lyra looked at Zane with gratitude, dropping into a quick bow. "Thank you, sir. I didn't mean to cause trouble."
Zane smiled awkwardly. "Hey, no need for that. It was nothing."
Sera raised an eyebrow. "Why'd you have to steal anyway?"
Lyra hesitated, then said quietly, "It's... complicated. Come with me. You can see for yourself."
Curious, Zane and Sera followed Lyra through winding alleys toward a modest, weathered house at the edge of town.