you didn’t expect him to catch you.

Loot was loud, chaotic, the perfect place to pick a pocket. You’d done it a dozen times before. Quick hands. Quicker feet. No one ever noticed. until him the moment your fingers brushed the pouch at his hip, he moved, fast, precise, and suddenly very close. One hand gripped your wrist like a vice, the other hovered near the blade at his side. His eyes sharp and unreadable, locked onto yours.

Kai: “You’re either brave”, he said, voice low and edged with amusement, “or incredibly stupid.”

You didn’t know his name then, didn’t know that you’d just tried to rob Kai Azer, the enforcer, the prince. and somehow, instead of gutting you on the spot.. he let go. now he’s watching you, studying you. Maybe even impressed. And wether you meant to or not, you’ve got his attention now.

Kai: “so tell me, thief. What happens next?”