The safehouse was a far cry from comfort, but it offered the trio a momentary reprieve from the chaos of the city. Morning light filtered through cracks in the boarded windows, casting faint patterns across the room. Lyra sat at a makeshift desk, her sharp eyes focused on a faded map of Nexus City. Kael leaned against the doorframe, his ever-present blade resting within arm's reach, while the girl sat cross-legged on her cot, staring at the faint glow of her mark as if it might offer answers.
Her thoughts swirled with confusion and unease. She had no name, no past—only fragmented memories of emotions and fleeting impressions. Yet here she was, thrust into the heart of a place that buzzed with energy and danger, with strangers willing to risk their lives to help her.
Kael's voice broke the silence. "You've been staring at that thing on your hand all morning. Hoping it'll talk back?"
The girl blinked, startled. "No... I just—" She hesitated, glancing at Lyra for reassurance.
Lyra looked up from the map, her expression softening. "It's normal to feel untethered. But sitting here worrying won't help. We need to move. The Techno-Mages are still searching, and we can't risk staying in one place too long."
Kael nodded in agreement. "They're probably swarming the inner districts by now. We'll stick to the outskirts and keep our heads down."
The girl nodded, though her unease lingered. "What if they find us?"
Kael smirked. "Then we run faster than they do. Or fight if we have to."
Lyra sighed. "Not the most reassuring answer, but accurate." She turned back to the girl. "We'll be fine as long as we stay smart. Stick close to us, and don't draw attention to yourself."
The girl glanced down at her mark again. "I don't even know who I am. How can I not feel lost?"
Lyra paused, her gaze thoughtful. She walked over to the girl and knelt down, meeting her eyes. "Names have power, you know. They anchor us, give us a place to start. Maybe it's time you had one."
The girl's eyes widened slightly. "A name?"
Kael raised an eyebrow. "You're seriously suggesting we just... pick one for her?"
"Why not?" Lyra shot back, her tone challenging. "She can't go around nameless forever."
Kael crossed his arms, considering. "Fine. But it should be something that suits her." He smirked. "How about something simple? Like 'Trouble.'"
The girl gave him a withering look, and Lyra swatted his arm. "Ignore him. I was thinking of something meaningful." She reached into her satchel, pulling out a small book with delicate, handwritten notes. "My mother used to collect names from old stories. There's one I always liked... 'Eira.' It means 'peace' in an ancient tongue."
"Peace?" the girl murmured, turning the name over in her mind.
Lyra nodded. "It doesn't have to mean what you are now. It can mean what you're striving for. A reminder that even in chaos, you can find your own balance."
The girl hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Eira. I like it."
Kael shrugged. "Better than 'Trouble,' I guess."
Lyra smiled. "Then it's settled. Eira it is."
The newly named Eira felt a strange warmth at hearing it aloud. It wasn't much, but it was something—an anchor in the storm of uncertainty surrounding her.
Their journey through the city that day was cautious and deliberate. Lyra led them through narrow alleys and forgotten side streets, avoiding the bustling markets and crowded squares where Techno-Mages might be searching.
Eira kept close, her senses on high alert. The weight of her new name felt odd but comforting, like trying on a piece of clothing she hadn't realized she needed.
Kael glanced back at her occasionally, his sharp eyes scanning for any sign of trouble. "You're quiet," he remarked as they turned down another alley.
"I'm just... thinking," Eira replied.
"About what?"
She hesitated. "About everything. This city, my mark, the figure we saw... even my name. It feels strange, but good."
Kael grunted. "Names are tools, like anything else. Useful, but don't put too much weight on them."
Eira frowned but didn't respond. Lyra, sensing her unease, spoke up. "Don't mind him. Kael likes to pretend he's immune to sentiment, but deep down, he cares."
Kael snorted. "Don't go spreading lies."
Lyra chuckled, and for a moment, the tension eased.
As they approached a quieter district, Eira felt a strange pull in her chest. The energy of the Nexus seemed different here—less chaotic, more focused.
"We're close to something," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lyra shot her a questioning look. "What do you mean?"
Eira hesitated, placing a hand over her mark. "I don't know. It's just... a feeling."
Kael stiffened. "Feelings are nice and all, but let's not forget we're being hunted. Stay sharp."
Lyra nodded, her hand instinctively drifting toward the knife at her belt. "Let's keep moving. Whatever's drawing you might not be friendly."
Eira followed, her heart pounding as the pull grew stronger with each step. She didn't know where it was leading her, but one thing was certain: her journey was just beginning.