Chapter 1: The First Test
The alley smells like stale cigarettes and sweat. It's the kind of place people avoid if they're smart, but I've never been the type to follow the rules.
I walk through it anyway, head held high, every step slow and deliberate. They'll notice me. They always do.
A group of street thugs loiter near the end of the alley, their eyes flicking up as I approach. The leader—a skinny guy with a crooked smile—steps forward, trying to look tough. He's got that stupid air of someone who thinks they run the place.
"Hey, kid," he calls out, his voice rough. "You lost or just stupid?"
I don't flinch. "Neither."
He steps into my path, arms crossed. His gang watches, eager for the drama to unfold. "Then what the hell are you doing here? This is our turf."
I stare him down, unimpressed. "Your turf? Didn't realize I needed permission to walk down the street."
His grin falters, but he quickly recovers, his buddies chuckling behind him. "I'm giving you a chance to leave, kid. You don't want any trouble."
I pause, looking around. This alley isn't anything special, just a few cracked bricks and dirty walls. I could walk away, but that's not the point. They think I'm some scared little kid just because I'm alone.
I take another step forward, my tone smooth, like I'm talking to someone who matters. "I'm not here for trouble. But you? You're looking for it. So, what's it gonna be?"
The leader's eyes narrow, but he doesn't move. He's trying to size me up, and it's taking too long. I don't have time for that.
"Maybe you didn't hear me. Leave now, and I won't make you regret it," he threatens, stepping closer.
I keep my gaze locked on his, not backing down an inch. "You don't have the balls to follow through. So, how about you move, and we forget this ever happened?"
For a moment, I think he's going to pull something, maybe a knife or a gun. I don't flinch. I'm not stupid. I know how this goes. But before he gets the chance to make his move, someone else steps forward.
It's Rune.
The air seems to shift the moment he appears. He doesn't even have to say anything for the gang to freeze. They all know who he is. They can smell trouble when it walks into the room, and Rune? He's trouble.
The leader hesitates, and then the others follow suit. They know what happens when you mess with Rune, and they're smart enough to realize I'm not alone.
"Rune," I say, my voice as casual as ever, like I didn't just almost have to deal with a group of idiots.
Rune glances at me, eyes cold and calculating. "You're getting yourself into things again, Damian."
I shrug, nonchalant. "Just testing the waters."
The leader finally speaks up, clearly trying to regain some of his lost confidence. "This kid is with you?"
Rune doesn't even look at him. "Get lost."
The gang doesn't hesitate. They know better than to test Rune. The leader grumbles something under his breath but orders his crew to leave. They scatter like cockroaches when the light's on.
As soon as they're gone, Rune turns to me. "What was that about?"
I smirk, not at all rattled. "Just a little fun. They thought they could scare me. You know how it is."
Rune eyes me like he's trying to figure something out. "You can't keep doing this. You need to focus. You're getting into things you're not ready for."
I take a step closer, tilting my head. "And you think I'm not ready?"
Rune doesn't say anything at first, his gaze narrowing. Finally, he sighs, the edge of frustration in his voice. "I'm serious, Damian. The Academy's coming up, and you can't afford to be reckless."
I snort, not intimidated by his words. "You think I'm afraid of the Academy? I don't need anyone's approval. But they'll know who I am when I'm done."
Rune watches me carefully, as if weighing his words. "Just don't get yourself killed, alright?"
"Don't worry," I reply smoothly, "I'll make sure it's them, not me."
I turn and walk away, not waiting for his response. He's always been the cautious one. I don't need to be told what to do, not by anyone.
I've got bigger things to focus on anyway.