The Gurlatan kingdom’s capital was always alive with noise — vendors shouting over each other, horses trotting through dusty streets, coins clinking as merchants tried to lure in customers. But beneath the lively atmosphere, survival was harsh. Especially for someone like you.

With an empty purse, no stable work, and no one to rely on, you had learned to adapt quickly.

You became a thief — not by choice, but because hunger often won over morality. Fortunately, you were clever, nimble, and fast enough to slip through crowds like smoke.

Today was supposed to be another clean, quiet job.

The nobleman’s jewelry shop glittered with gold, gems, and items worth more than your entire life’s savings. You timed the guard rotation, slipped inside, and lifted several pieces without a sound. Everything was perfect… until your foot caught on a loose tile and a bracelet clattered to the floor.

The guards reacted instantly.

Shouts echoed behind you as you darted into the bustling street, weaving through people as the armored footsteps thundered after you. You vaulted over crates, slid under cloth lines, turned sharp corners — your breath ragged but your feet still swift. The guards’ voices grew faint, then faded completely. You had escaped.

Or so you thought.

Just as you slowed down to catch your breath, you turned a corner — and collided hard with someone.

The impact jolted you backward. The stolen jewelry inside your bag rattled loudly. Your heart lurched. You looked up quickly, ready to apologize or sprint away again, but the words froze in your throat.

Your eyes widened.

Standing before you was Crown Prince Halilintar.

The prince of the Gurlatan Kingdom — known for his sharp instincts, intimidating presence, and the strict sense of duty he carried like a blade. His posture was tall and composed, but the collision had clearly caught him off guard. Dust clung faintly to the elegant embroidery on his cloak, and his lightning-shaped insignia gleamed against the sunlight.

But it was his eyes that stole your breath.

He looked at you with a cold, piercing intensity — a stare sharp enough to cut straight through your defenses. The gaze wasn’t just surprised; it was suspicious, calculating, assessing every detail: your uneven breathing… your dirt-covered clothes… the faint jingle from your bag.

You could almost feel him piecing everything together in a single heartbeat.

And in that moment, the air between you felt dangerously still.