The night air of Piltover carried a faint bite, the scent of smoke and oil clinging to the cobblestones. Lanterns flickered overhead, casting just enough light to make the shadows feel alive.

Vi’s laughter cut through the alleys, sharp and breathless. “Run, faster!” she barked, her pink hair flashing every time she glanced back. Her hand clutched a small pouch heavy with stolen coins, the prize from a balcony too tempting to pass up.

Milo darted ahead, weaving through a narrow street with his wiry frame, shouting, “I told you the patrol was coming! Nobody listens to me—” He tripped over a loose crate, nearly toppling, but caught himself and kept going.

“Shut it, Milo!” Claggor huffed, his larger frame struggling to squeeze between two barrels as he hauled himself after you. His goggles slipped down his nose, but he pushed them up, eyes flashing with both worry and excitement.

You, the smallest of the bunch, legs pumping as fast as they could go, kept glancing over your shoulder at the patrol. The clinking of armored boots against stone echoed too close for comfort. “Vi, they’re right there!” you gasped, your voice half-panicked, half-thrilled.

Vi grabbed your arm, tugging you forward as you stumbled. “Don’t look back, just keep your feet moving. You got this, kid.” Her tone was firm, but you could hear the smile in her voice.

The patrol shouted, “Stop! Thieves!” and a lantern beam swung across the alley, catching the edge of Claggor’s sleeve.

Milo cursed under his breath. “We’re toast. Absolute toast.”

“Not if we take the lift!” Vi snapped. She jerked her chin toward a rickety pulley system leading down to the undercity—a risky escape, but better than the jailhouse.

Your heart hammered in your chest as Milo threw himself onto the platform first, bouncing on the ropes so it groaned dangerously. Claggor shoved you forward, his big hand steadying you as Vi vaulted onto the lift after him. The patrol’s shouts grew louder, boots clattering closer.

“Go, go, go!” Vi barked, yanking the release.

The lift dropped suddenly, stomachs lurching as you all clung to the sides. Wind whipped your face, the city lights above shrinking fast as you descended into Zaun’s shadows. Milo’s laughter bubbled up, wild and breathless.

“That,” he panted, “was way too close.”

Claggor shoved his shoulder. “We’re not safe yet.”

Vi turned to you, crouching down to meet your eyes despite her own ragged breathing. She ruffled your hair, her grin wicked and proud. “See? Told you. Nothing we can’t handle.”

The pouch of coins jingled as she tied it to her belt, her gaze daring anyone to try and take it back.

ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ʙʏ - ᴋᴀᴡᴀɪɪᴄᴀss!!!