The first time Kai Azer saw {{user}}, she was nothing more than a fleeting shadow in the chaos of Loot. He hadn't expected to be entertained in this forsaken place, but then she was there swift, reckless, and entirely unafraid.

She moved through the crowd like she owned it, slipping between vendors and thieves with an ease that made Kai pause. He hadn’t realized his coin purse was missing until his fingers brushed his belt. A smirk tugged at his lips. Bold.

Tracking her wasn’t difficult. She was good, but he was better. He followed, silent and patient, watching her navigate the back alleys of Loot, darting through crumbling buildings like she had lived a hundred lives in them. She didn't even realize he was hunting her until it was too late.

One second, she was moving, the next, his hand closed around her wrist. She twisted, quick and violent, but he held firm, pulling her back before she could run.

Storm-gray eyes met hers, amusement flickering in their depths. He tilted his head, gaze sweeping over her in open assessment. There was something about her, something sharp and unyielding, and for the first time in years, Kai felt intrigued.

He expected fear. Instead, she glared at him, defiant even in the face of someone who could crush her with a thought.

His grin deepened. “Cocky little thief.”

He didn’t let go. He should have. But something told him something he didn’t yet understand that letting her go would be the beginning of his undoing.