Viktor stepped into the dining hall, and the silence met him like a wall. The vast space felt hollower than usual, as if it had been abandoned mid-breath.

  At the counter, an attendant leaned lazily against the wooden frame, arms folded. He barely glanced up.

  "Hey, Viktor. You’re later than usual. Long night?"

  Viktor exhaled, the weight of the evening still pressing on him. "Something like that."

  The man nodded, already moving. The scrape of metal against ceramic filled the quiet as he scooped food onto a tray. "Figured as much. Saved you a good portion—roasted vegetables, grilled meat. You look like you need it."

  Viktor took the tray. "Appreciate it."

  The attendant smirked. “Yeah, yeah. Eat before it turns to stone. I'm off."

  Viktor carried the tray to one of the long wooden tables, the room stretching wide and empty around him. He sat, the meal untouched in front of him. His fingers drummed against the wood—quick, restless beats, a rhythm his thoughts couldn't quite keep up with.

  Jorvan Nivario. The king’s confidante. His father had met with the man the same day as his testing. That wasn’t coincidence. Why had his father never spoken of it? What had been said behind closed doors? Had that meeting sealed their fate?

  His grip tightened around the knife, the cool metal grounding him even as his pulse spiked. The murders hadn’t been random. Someone had ordered them. If Nivario had been involved, then so had the crown.

  And if that was true—

  His jaw locked. The blade bit against his palm. He forced himself to breathe, to loosen his hold.

  Then there was his power. The wave he had unleashed during training—wild, unchecked. In that instant, he hadn't hesitated, hadn't second-guessed. The force had bent to his will. And a part of him had relished it. The release. The sheer, undeniable power surging through his veins.

  His stomach twisted. The food in front of him suddenly felt foreign, unappetizing. He pushed the plate away.

  He let out a slow breath, dragging a hand down his face. He needed something to ground him, to pull him out of his own head. Maybe company would help. Maybe distraction was the only thing that could.

  He had made his decision. Picking up the tray, he set it on the counter before heading toward the sleeping hall, where his friends were likely lounging at this hour.

  Mira noticed Viktor stepping into the sleeping hall, his shoulders taut, his brow deeply furrowed. Something weighed on him, pressing into his spine like an iron brand.

  He didn’t hesitate, moving toward his usual group where Fenric, Arelos, and Soren huddled around dice, their laughter cutting through the quiet murmur of the room. Fenric grinned as he tossed a die across the floor, the clatter sharp against the wooden boards.

  “I’m just saying, one more person would make this way more interesting,” Fenric said, tilting his head toward Viktor.

  Arelos didn’t look up. “No.”

  Fenric gasped, clutching his chest like he’d been mortally wounded. “No? Just like that? No heartfelt consideration?”

  Arelos sighed as if he’d aged ten years in the span of a breath. “No.”

  Mira smirked, shaking her head. Fenric had been at this all night, poking and prodding at Arelos’s patience like a child testing a sleeping bear. Arelos, as always, refused to be moved.

  Fenric turned, eyes gleaming. “Vik’s always saying we could stand to make more friends here. What better way than a friendly game of dice?”

  Soren, rolling another die, barely spared a glance. “Gods, just give it a rest already, Fen.”

  Fenric threw up his hands. “You’re all so boring.”

  Mira let their bickering fade into the background as her attention shifted to Jax, standing across the room with arms crossed, his jaw tight. The way he stared at Fenric was unsettling—sharp, measured, like he was waiting for a reason to strike.

  Neros, lounging on Mira’s bunk with a book, caught the tension too. He whispered, “He’s going to start something again.”

  Mira exhaled slowly. “I know.”

  Neros frowned. “Didn’t we talk him down?”

  “Yeah, I thought we did too.”

  Jax had been wound tight since training, simmering with something Mira didn’t quite understand. She and Neros had spent the better part of the evening talking him down, but looking at him now, it was clear that effort had only delayed the inevitable.

  Mira rubbed her temple. “At least tomorrow’s a free day.”

  Neros’s eyes lit up. “So you’re thinking what I’m thinking?”

  Mira smirked. “Oh, absolutely.”

  A week of drills and routine had squeezed the air out of the place, making the walls feel too close. She needed to get out. They all did.

  Neros stretched, rolling onto his side. “As long as Jax doesn’t swing at Fenric before then.”

  Mira flicked another glance at Jax. “If he does, he’s on his own.”

  Minutes passed, dragging heavy and slow. Mira flipped through her book, struggling to focus. Her gaze drifted between Jax and Fenric, waiting for something to ignite. For now, the tension only smoldered.

  Neros yawned. “Alright, I’m heading back to my bunk. But if I doze off, don’t shake me awake like last time. Nearly took a swing at you.”

  Mira chuckled. “Not my fault you sleep like the dead.”

  An attendant appeared at the doorway, his voice sharp. “That’s enough for today. Lights out.”

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  The last lanterns flickered out, plunging the hall into darkness. Mira lay back, listening carefully. Thirty minutes later—

  “You awake?” Jax whispered.

  Mira murmured without opening her eyes. “No, I’m having a very involved dream.”

  Jax exhaled a quiet chuckle. "C'mon, let's go."

  She sat up, stretching as she reached for her warmer clothes.

  Jax glanced toward the a row of beds further down the hall “Neros?”

  Mira nodded, already moving. “Let’s go.”

  They crept across the hall, careful with every step. The cot creaked as Neros sat up, half-dressed, yanking on his boots.

  Neros pulled on his coat with a grin. “Took your sweet time.”

  Jax muttered, “We were waiting.”

  Neros rolled his eyes. “Longer than necessary.”

  He finished tying his laces and tilted his head. “Back or front?”

  Jax grimaced. “Back. Darin’s been too alert since that chewing-out. If we try the front, we won’t make it ten steps.”

  Mira cast a quick look around. “Back it is. But keep quiet. We’re not the only ones slipping out tonight.”

  They moved slowly, sticking to the walls as they navigated the quiet corridors. Every creak in the floorboards made them pause, breath caught in their throats. Eventually, they reached the cool night air.

  Mira eyed the fence. “You sure Darin doesn’t check this side anymore?”

  Jax had already started moving. “Hasn’t since last month. Thinks no one’s dumb enough to try it again.”

  The fence loomed tall but unguarded. Their way out.

  Neros cracked his knuckles. “Alright, who’s first?”

  Mira smirked. “What, scared you’ll fall?”

  Neros’ grin widened. “No, scared you will.”

  Mira scoffed and grabbed the fence, beginning to climb.

  Jax, watching from below, remarked dryly, “If she falls, I’m not catching her.”

  Neros laughed. “Oh, absolutely not.”

  One by one, they scaled the fence and landed on the other side. The night stretched out before them, full of possibilities.

  Mira shivered, hugging her arms around herself. "It’s a bit chilly tonight."

  Neros blew into his hands, rubbing them together for warmth. "Yeah, just a bit. Colder than last week. I didn’t think I’d need my thick coat tonight."

  Jax scowled, rubbing his arms vigorously. "Should’ve brought warmer clothes."

  Mira smirked, nudging him playfully. "Oh, come on. A little cold builds character!"

  "My character is fine without frostbite, thank you very much," Neros quipped, rolling his eyes.

  Jax huffed, shaking his head. "I didn’t sign up to be an icicle! Seriously, how did I let you two talk me into this?"

  Mira chuckled. "It didn't take much persuasion to be fair."

  Jax grumbled something under his breath, but he didn’t argue.

  They made their way toward an abandoned house a few streets over from the orphanage. The place had become something of a second home—a hideaway for the trio, untouched by prying eyes. For over a year, they had come and gone as they pleased, their secret little refuge.

  The old wooden door creaked as they stepped inside. The chill from outside didn’t fade immediately, and the air inside was thick with dust, the faint scent of damp wood lingering in the darkness. It was a smell they had grown used to over time, though it still clung to their clothes whenever they stayed too long. The place had once been lived in, but now, time and neglect had left it frozen in decay.

  Mira ran her fingers along a wooden shelf, dragging a line through layers of dust. A cobweb stuck to her hand, and she shook it off with a grimace.

  “Still feels like walking into a tomb,” Jax muttered, scrunching his nose as he stepped around a broken chair.

  "Better than dealing with the warden back at the orphanage," Neros replied, moving further inside.

  A gust of wind slipped through the cracked window, making the shutters rattle.

  "Alright, let’s get to the stash," Neros said, his voice hushed but eager.

  Mira and Jax followed him into the dining hall. Neros crouched, lifting one of the loose floorboards with practiced ease. The hidden compartment revealed a bottle and three mismatched mugs. He handed one to each of them before settling into one of the rickety wooden chairs, whiping a section of the table from dust with his sleeve.

  Neros poured each of them a drink, the liquid sloshing slightly. He grinned as he raised his mug. "This should help warm us up."

  They each took a sip—and immediately winced.

  Jax coughed, face scrunching up in disgust. "I’m seriously going to kill him."

  Neros raised an eyebrow. "Fenric? Come on, Jax, don't let a kid get to you."

  Jax clenched his fists. "Who does he think he is?"

  Neros gestured vaguely. "Man, is he even worth your energy?"

  Jax crossed his arms. "Someone needs to teach him his place."

  Mira arched an eyebrow. "Stop being so dramatic. So the kid doesn’t know when to shut up—someone else will put him in his place sooner or later. Let them be the arbiters of fate instead."

  "By the way, what’s with Arelos showing up with the warden?" Neros asked.

  "I’m more curious about where he disappears to every day," Mira said, swirling her drink. "It’s been ages since he last attended one of Mikos’ lessons, and no one’s questioned it."

  "Yeah, that is odd. I've asked around, and none of the other recruits seem to know what his deal is." Jax said.

  Mira frowned. "He’s... I don’t know. Something about him unsettles me."

  "Things have been strange ever since they got here," Neros admitted.

  Jax scoffed. "That whole group is weird."

  Mira shrugged, twirling her mug idly. "Viktor doesn’t seem too bad."

  Jax snorted, elbowing her. "Didn’t realize you had a thing for younger boys."

  Mira scowled, cheeks tinting slightly. "That’s not what I meant! I'm just saying that he seems friendly."

  Jax grinned. "Uh-huh."

  Mira huffed. "Besides, he’s what, a year younger?"

  Neros leaned back. "What's up with the extra training he’s been getting from the new instructor? I’ve never heard of a recruit getting private lessons at the orphanage before."

  Jax shrugged. "Whatever it is, it doesn’t seem to be working."

  Mira tilted her head. "How so?"

  "I mean, he’s improving, sure, but no faster than anyone else. Doesn’t seem worth the special treatment," Jax said.

  Neros nodded. "Yeah, especially considering who’s instructing him."

  Mira’s brow furrowed. "Voralis?"

  "Yep," Neros confirmed.

  She hesitated. "What’s so special about him?"

  Neros snorted. "Seriously? He’s considered one of the best fighters in the entire guild."

  "Maybe he's just a little daft," Jax offered.

  Neros blinked. "Voralis?"

  "No, dumbass. Viktor."

  Mira crossed her arms. "What the hell is he even doing at the orphanage training recruits? If he’s such a big deal, shouldn’t he be handling high-risk assignments?"

  Neros exhaled, shaking his head. "Telling you—things are getting strange."

  Silence settled over them for a moment as Neros refilled their mugs.

  Then Mira shifted, her tone softening. "So, Nero, how do you feel about graduating soon?"

  Neros stared at the table. "Just another step. Feels like a routine at this point. Just keep moving forward."

  Jax leaned back. "Must feel good, though. Finally get out of the orphanage, earn some real coin."

  Neros smirked slightly. "Yeah. Definitely looking forward to that. And I’ll finally get to do some real assignments."

  Jax narrowed his eyes. "What are you talking about? You’ve done plenty of real assignments."

  Neros crossed his arms. "Sure, but it’ll be different without constant supervision."

  Mira grinned. "Admit it—you’ll miss us. Who else will you complain to?"

  Neros chuckled, shaking his head. "Pft, you guys are alright... for sidekicks. But I could do better."

  Mira smacked his shoulder. "Sidekicks? I ought to beat you for that."

  "You can try," Neros said, grinning, "but I’d drop both your asses. Hence—sidekicks."

  Jax laughed. "Good luck finding sidekicks as understanding as us once you’re out."

  "I’ll manage. Besides, believe it or not, I had friends before you two sorry asses showed up as recruits," Neros teased.

  Mira’s smile turned softer. "I’m gonna miss you."

  Jax chuckled, then lazily gestured towards Mira. "I don't know about all that, but I’ll grant you—things will be pretty boring with nothing but this dullard to entertain me."

  Mira glared. "I’m plenty fun. You’re the boring one."

  Neros chuckled at their banter. "Eh, only a few more years until you guys graduate. Plus, there are no rules against visiting. I'll check on you every now and then, just to make sure Fenric hasn't killed you or something."

  Jax snorted. "As if, I could beat his ass with my eyes closed. He's like half my size!"

  Neros looked skeptical. "I hate to say it, but that boy is pretty wicked with the knife."

  "I'm honestly glad Cadugan didn't even bother matching me up to spar with him," Mira stated.

  Jax smirked. "Yeah, you're just hoping that he'll match you up with Viktor instead."

  "Just drop it already, " Mira hissed in response.

  Neros poured everyone another drink, and they continued their night, weaving between various topics. Eventually, they decided to call it a night. They stashed away what little of the alcohol remained and started walking back to the orphanage.

  "Let’s head to town tomorrow. There’s a tavern in the burrows. Supposed to have real good food at a good price." Jax suggested as they walked.

  Neros looked unconvinced. "In the burrows? That’s quite a walk."

  Mira nodded. "I'd be up for it. What’s the place called?"

  "Outrider's Den."