Kael Varos wasn't like the other orphans in the slums.
While they begged, stole, or fought for scraps, Kael observed. Where they wept and cursed the world for their misfortune, Kael stayed silent. He had long ago accepted the truth of his existence: no one would save him. The strong ruled, and the weak were crushed underfoot. That was the way of things.
The other children feared him. Kael didn't play their games or share their dreams of escape. He was cold, unfeeling, and terrifyingly clever. When food was scarce, Kael always ate. When gangs came to collect "taxes," Kael was the only one who avoided their notice.
He had no friends, no allies except for Eren Alden.
"Kael!" Eren's voice echoed through the alley as he rounded the corner, a grin plastered on his dirt-streaked face. His arms were full of stolen fruit, a rare prize in the slums. "You're not going to believe this I got us something good this time!"
Kael stepped out from the shadows, his expression as blank as ever. "You're getting sloppy," he said flatly. "You made too much noise."
Eren rolled his eyes, tossing an apple to Kael. "You're welcome," he said.
Kael caught the fruit and inspected it. It was bruised but edible. Without a word, he bit into it, his sharp teeth tearing into the flesh.
"You could at least pretend to be impressed," Eren said, plopping down beside him. "Do you know how many guards I had to dodge for this?"
Kael chewed slowly, his gray eyes fixed on the horizon. Beyond the slums, the walls of Seryn City loomed, their tops bristling with spikes and watchtowers. Beyond those walls lay the wilderness, a world of monsters and chaos.
"Why do you even bother?" Kael said finally.
Eren blinked. "What do you mean?"
"Stealing scraps. Running from guards. Scraping by like rats." Kael gestured toward the walls. "Out there, people have power. Real power. They're not afraid of anything."
Eren laughed. "Yeah, if you're a tamer."
Kael turned to him, his expression dark. "Then why not become one?"
Eren's smile faltered. "You're joking, right? Tamers are nobles. They've got the money, the bloodlines"
"They weren't born tamers," Kael interrupted. "They made themselves strong. You could do the same."
Eren shook his head. "It's not that simple, Kael. Besides, tamers have to bond with their monsters. You can't just force them to follow you. It's… a partnership."
Kael's lip curled. "Partnership," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "You think monsters care about trust? They're beasts. You dominate them, or they kill you. That's how it works."
Eren stared at him, a flicker of unease in his eyes. He had known Kael for years, but moments like this reminded him of how different they were.
"You don't really believe that," Eren said quietly.
Kael didn't reply. He didn't need to.
The sound of distant howls broke the silence, a reminder of the world beyond the walls. Rift Beasts prowled the wilderness, their cries a warning to any who dared stray too far. Inside the city, the tamers ruled. Outside, the monsters did.
Eren shivered. "I should head back before it gets dark. You coming?"
Kael shook his head. "Not yet."
Eren hesitated, then nodded. "Suit yourself. Just… be careful, okay?"
Kael watched him leave, his mind already elsewhere. The tamers relied on their bonds, their partnerships, and their trust. Kael didn't trust anyone, not people, not monsters.
But that didn't mean he couldn't control them.