The golden shimmer flickered in Auri's eyes, her posture tensing like a coiled spring.
Adrien stepped off the carriage, sparks crackling at his boots. "What's wrong?"
Auri blinked twice, then shook her head. "Nothing. Thought I saw someone."
He raised an eyebrow but didn't press. "Well, don't wander. Blaise is already itching to light something on fire."
Meanwhile, several alleys away, Zane lounged behind a bakery, crumbs decorating his lap like medals of war. A meat pie in one hand and a loaf of bread in the other, he took a satisfied bite.
Nyx's voice echoed in his mind, sharp and mock-judgmental. "You really are a shameless rogue. Stealing from hardworking villagers now?"
Zane raised an eyebrow. "You literally told me to grab it. You even marked the bakery."
"That was a suggestion to observe local food customs, not pillage their supply!"
"You said, and I quote: 'That pie looks soft enough to steal,'" Zane said flatly.
Zane took another bite, unbothered. "Well, I was hungry."
"You could have asked! Maybe offered a chore or something!"
"I'm a mysterious drifter with void powers and no money. Not exactly hireable."
Nyx gave an exaggerated sigh. "One day, this reckless behavior will catch up to you."
"Yeah, probably after dessert."
He licked his fingers, then wiped his hands on his cloak. Still full of charm, even while technically a wanted prankster with a glowing sword of mass destruction.
He peeked around the corner of the alley. The academy students were still unloading, none of them noticing him yet.
"Okay," he murmured. "Now let's not run into golden-eyes again."
"Auri," Nyx reminded, her tone smug.
"Whatever. Just keep quiet, Nyx."
Zane rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help the grin pulling at his lips.