Alexia hummed a tune as she happily walked through the busy market.
She had exchanged the necklace at a nearby pawn shop and received three hundred silver coins, that was largest amount she had ever had in her life.
Calculating quietly, she realized that if she continued at this rate, she could probably repay Scorpion within a year.
But as soon as that thought came, she quickly dismissed it.
She couldn't keep stealing like this; it was too dangerous.
Remembering today's encounter when she was almost caught, a shiver ran down her spine.
Better to stick to her petty thefts.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice when a cloaked figure emerged from a narrow alley.
Before she could react, a strong hand clamped over her mouth, abruptly silencing her hum.
Panic surged through her as another arm coiled tightly around her waist, yanking her into the alley.
She struggled, her heart pounding like a drum in her chest.
Desperation fueled her movements as she tried to scream, but only a muffled "mmph" escaped.
Refusing to give in, she parted her lips slightly and sank her teeth into the assailant's hand.
The man grunted in pain, his grip loosening just enough for her to break free.
She darted forward, but before she could take more than a step, he grabbed her again, dragging her back into the alley.
His hand clamped over her mouth once more, stifling her cries.
"Alexia, wait! It's me," the person said, pulling down his hood to reveal a handsome face.
He had golden-brown hair that fell in waves around his shoulders, contrasting with the darkness of his cloak. His features were sharp and angular, and a bright smile lit up his face, revealing a pair of pearl-white teeth. Despite the cloak, the outline of his muscular physique was evident.
Alexia's eyes widened in surprise, her brows furrowing before softening into crescents as a smile spread across her face.
Seeing her reaction, the figure quickly released his grip on her mouth.
"Alex, when did you get here? Why did it seem like you were about to abduct me?" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of relief and annoyance.
She placed a hand over her chest, feeling the rapid beat of her heart. "I almost had a heart attack, you know, my poor heart"
"Can you just shut up for a moment? I'm hiding from someone," he replied urgently, pressing a finger to his lips, scanning their surroundings.
"Is that why you're dressed like some sort of phantom?" she asked, a hint of amusement tugging at her lips despite his obvious tension.
"I said be quiet. Come on, we don't have much time. Let's go," he urged, gripping her hand tightly and pulling her along.
With a swift motion, he darted through the back of the alley.
Alexia's heart raced, partly from the sudden rush and partly from fear of who Alex was running from.
She struggled to keep up with his pace, her hand firmly clasped in his, trusting his lead even as questions flooded her mind.
They darted through several alleys, Alex leading with urgency, constantly glancing over his shoulder.
After navigating numerous twists and turns, he finally halted, his breath ragged.
He turned to scan the empty alleyways behind them.
"Phew," he exhaled heavily, wiping beads of sweat from his brow.
Without hesitation, he swiftly removed his cloak and tossed it aside. He couldn't go around wearing that—it would creep people out.
Alexia stood nearby, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her eyes locked on him, as she waited for an explanation.
"What's with that look?" he asked, noticing her stance. She looked like a wife who just caught her husband cheating and was waiting for an explanation.
He couldn't help smiling slightly.
"Did you just ask me what's with that look?" she groaned sarcastically, her voice carrying a tinge of frustration.
Her hands now firmly planted on her hips. "Well, if someone sneaks up on you, nearly gives you a heart attack, and then drags you through a maze of alleys without even giving you an explanation, what would you do, huh?"
"If you want to die, better do it alone."
"Ouch! My heart, that really hurt, Alexia," he replied, wiping away his imaginary tears.
"Hmph," she snorted coldly, her gaze deliberately avoiding his playful demeanor.
Caught between amusement and a desire to soothe her irritation, Alex expression softened, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Okay, my feisty queen," he teased gently, exaggerating a bow and cupping his hands as if in submission. "This humble servant asks for your forgiveness. Please, have mercy."
His attempt to please her made Alexia smile lightly, though she still tried to hide it.
"Hmph," she snorted once more, her eyes piercing as she fixed them on him.
"But why were you running and going as far as to cover yourself with a cloak? Did you kill someone?" Her voice lowered, a hint of mischief in her whisper as she leaned closer to his ear.
Alex's smile faltered, replaced by a furrowed brow as he ran a hand through his hair.
"Actually," he began slowly.
He paused, briefly scratching his brow, choosing his words carefully. "I ran into some trouble along the way... but it's under control now,"
Alexia stared at him curiously for a moment, her eyes probing his face for clues.
She shook her head slowly. "You've taken care of it? Yet a moment ago, you were running with your tail between your legs," she retorted.
Alex just chuckled somewhat sheepishly.
"What kind of trouble?" she pressed, raising an eyebrow expectantly.
Alex shifted uncomfortably, rubbing the back of his neck.
"It's... complicated," he admitted reluctantly, his gaze flickering away momentarily before meeting hers again.
Alexia furrowed her brows slightly. It was obvious he didn't want to tell her, and she decided not to pry. He must have his reasons.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she spoke reassuringly, her voice gentle yet firm. "It's obvious you don't want to tell me, but that's okay. Just know I'm always here for you, whenever you're ready to talk," she said, her hand gripping his arm tightly, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Now come on, let's find a place to eat," she continued, trying to shift the subject.
Without giving him a chance to refute, she pulled him gently out of the alley.
"Let go of me," he ordered.
"Why?"
"People might misunderstand," he said helplessly.
Alexia was currently dressed as a boy; of course, their relationship would appear ambiguous.
"But you're my friend," she refuted, pouting her lips.
"You're dressed as a boy right now. If people see us holding hands so tightly, they'll misunderstand our relationship," he explained, his voice strained. He had already noticed a few people looking at him with disgust.
Alexia's eyes widened in realization, her grip on his hand loosening almost instinctively.
A flush of embarrassment tinted her cheeks as she quickly comprehended the situation.
"I... I didn't think about that," she murmured softly, her gaze flickering as she noticed the judgmental stares around them.
After that, they quietly wandered through the bustling marketplace, absorbing the vibrant sights and sounds.
Suddenly, a commotion caught their attention, a large crowd was gathered around a particular area, their voices raised in urgent discussion.
"Let's see what's going on," Alexia urged, her curiosity piqued.
She darted toward the crowd, and Alex followed closely behind.
"Excuse me, what's going on here?" Alexia asked, tapping a middle-aged man on the shoulder.
He spun around, a scowl creasing his weathered face.
"Leave me alone, kid," he groaned, his voice dripping with irritation.
Alexia recoiled slightly, confusion flickering in her eyes. Why was this stranger so hostile towards her? she didn't remember ever offending him.
Alex appeared behind her, a protective hand on her shoulder.
"He's just asking a question. Why are you so angry?" he demanded, his brow deeply furrowed.
The middle-aged man opened his mouth to retort, but his eyes widened as he took in Alex's bulging muscles.
He quickly swallowed back his words.
"It's nothing," he muttered, waving a dismissive hand.
"Please, explain what's going on here," Alex insisted.
The man hesitated, glancing between Alex's determined expression and Alexia's curious gaze.
After a tense moment, he sighed and pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket, handing it to Alexia with a reluctant frown.
"Training future guards?" Alexia muttered after reading the contents of the paper.
"Yes, His Royal Highness, the third prince of this kingdom, just passed by," the man explained, his tone now more respectful. "He announced they are recruiting and training future guards, any man is allowed to apply and the pay is quite high."
Alexia's eyes widened in astonishment. The numbers on the paper were indeed impressive, but her mind raced beyond the offer. The royal palace?
Her heart quickened at the thought of the treasures that might lie within its walls.
If she could secure a position as a guard, it would be the perfect cover to steal something valuable.
With that, she and Luke would never have to worry again, and she could finally free Beatrice.
Her pulse quickened with a blend of excitement and determination, a sly smile tugging at her lips as she glanced at Alex.
She hurriedly pulled him out of the crowd, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Seeing her so happy, a bad feeling suddenly welled up inside Alex.
"I want to train at the palace!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with anticipation.
Alex's heart sank.
"Nonsense!" he rebuked, his voice sharp. "Do you think working as a guard is some sort of joke?"
"I know, but I'm confident in my skills. Besides, that's just part of the reason," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "The main reason is that I want to steal from the palace."
Alex's eyes widened in shock, his heart pounding. "Are you crazy? The palace isn't somewhere you can just walk in and out whenever you wish!" He couldn't believe the courage of this girl.
Alexia rolled her eyes, wasn't he was overreacting a bit? it was just training to be a guard, then she would steal a few things and quickly run away, what was so dangerous about that?
Her mind buzzed with excitement at the thought of her not having to steal anymore and having Beatrice by her side. She couldn't understand why Alex was being so worked up.
"Besides, the palace isn't somewhere you should be," he added softly.
"What do you mean?" She asked, a frown creasing her forehead as she tried contemplating his words.
Alex's eyes darted around nervously before locking onto hers with a firm, unwavering gaze. "You don't need to know the details," he said, his voice low and intense. "Just trust me, the palace isn't good for you."
What did that possibly mean? Alexia mused searching his eyes for answers but finding nothing.
She chuckled, though her laughter lacked genuine happiness. "Thanks for your concern, but I can take care of myself," her voice steady and determined. "I've made up my mind to go to the palace. This concerns the future for Luke and me."
Done speaking, she turned on her heel and walked away.