The tunnel stretched endlessly ahead, the dim light from the group’s lanterns barely illuminating the damp walls and slick ground. Water dripped steadily from above, the sound echoing ominously through the narrow passage. The air was thick with the stench of mildew and rot, and every so often, a rat scurried out of the way of their footsteps.

The rich man, his cloak pulled tightly around him, minced his way forward with obvious disgust. His face twisted every time his boots splashed into a dirty puddle, and he muttered under his breath about the indignity of it all. "Filthy... absolutely filthy," he grumbled, his voice carrying just loud enough for the group to hear.

The group trudged on in silence, the sound of boots splashing through puddles and the occasional muttered complaint from the rich man filling the tunnel. Kadoc kept his head down, his thoughts swirling as he focused on the slick ground beneath his feet.

“Hey,” a voice chirped from beside him, startling him slightly. “You look like someone stole your last piece of bread.”

Kadoc glanced up to see one of the other kids—a girl with bright eyes and a grin that seemed far too cheerful for their surroundings—walking alongside him. Her short, messy hair stuck out beneath her hood, and there was a bounce to her step despite the grimy tunnel.

“Not much to smile about down here,” Kadoc muttered, glancing away.

“Oh, come on,” she said, nudging him playfully with her elbow. “A little misery is fine, but you’re practically swimming in it.”

Kadoc scowled, pulling his cloak tighter around him. “What do you want?”

The girl’s grin widened. “Just thought I’d introduce myself, since we’re stuck on this lovely little adventure together. Name’s Auina.” She gave a mock bow, nearly slipping on the wet ground but recovering with a laugh. “And you are?”

“Kadoc,” he said reluctantly, keeping his eyes forward.

“Kadoc,” she repeated, rolling the name around like she was testing its flavor. “Not bad. Sounds tough. You got the look to match, too—well, minus the sulking.”

Kadoc sighed. “Do you always talk this much?”

“Only when I’m bored,” Auina replied with a wink. “Or when I see someone who needs cheering up.”

Kadoc shot her a glare but didn’t respond. She didn’t seem fazed, her grin never wavering as she studied him. Then, with a flick of her wrist, she held something up—something familiar.

“Nice dagger,” she said, twirling the blade in her hand. “Where’d you get it?”

Kadoc froze, his hand instinctively going to the hidden pocket where the dagger had been. “Give that back!” he hissed, lunging toward her.

Auina laughed, easily dodging his grab and tossing the dagger lightly in the air before catching it again. “Relax, tough guy. Just wanted to see if you’d notice.”

“Of course I noticed!” Kadoc snapped, his face flushing with anger. “You had no right—”

She handed it back with an exaggerated flourish, cutting off his rant. “There. No harm done. But you might want to work on your hiding skills. Someone less friendly might’ve kept it.”

Kadoc snatched the dagger from her hand, shoving it back into his pocket. “Why are you even talking to me?”

“Because you looked interesting,” Auina said simply, falling into step beside him again. “And because I’m good at reading people. You’re not like the others.”

Kadoc didn’t respond, his grip tightening on the hilt of his dagger as they continued walking. Auina didn’t press him, her grin softening as she let the silence stretch between them. But her presence lingered, her bright energy cutting through the gloom like a flickering torch.

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After some time of walking, the tunnel eventually widened into a narrow alcove, where a rusted metal ladder ascended to an unseen exit above. The group climbed up one by one, until they found themselves in a small courtyard surrounded by the crumbling walls of an old building. Snow had gathered unevenly along the edges of the courtyard, the cold night air refreshing compared to the damp, claustrophobic tunnels.

“Ugh, finally out of that miserable place,” muttered the rich man, adjusting his cloak as he looked around the courtyard with distaste. He shot Sir Oren a stern look, emphasizing, “A week. I'll be back in a week, Sir Oren. Have them ready.” With that, he spun around and strode out of the courtyard, disappearing into the shadowy streets beyond.

Sir Oren led the rest of the group inside. The safehouse was utilitarian at best—a large room partitioned into separate sections with wooden walls, a scattering of bunks, and an iron stove in the corner that wasn’t yet lit. It wasn’t much, but it was dry, and to Kadoc, it was better than the filthy tunnels below.

Once they were all inside, Sir Oren addressed them curtly. "This will be your base for next week. Train, prepare, and learn to trust each other. When I return, I expect all of you to be ready for the heist." He paused, letting his gaze linger on each member, his expression as cold as the winter air. "Failure to meet my expectations means you won’t be part of this job. Do not disappoint me."

With those parting words, Sir Oren left them, the door closing heavily behind him.

As soon as he was gone, the room fell into an awkward silence, broken only by the shuffling of feet and the occasional murmur as everyone began claiming a bunk. Kadoc watched as some of the older members moved to the back of the room, staking claim over the better spots. Auina, of course, immediately scrambled onto a top bunk closest to the window.

Kadoc hung back for a moment before moving towards a corner, laying his small pack on the least conspicuous bed. He glanced around, taking in the other members of the group. They all looked uneasy, uncertain—just as lost as he felt.

Once everyone had been somewhat settled, the silence that permeated the room was broken by one woman as she rose from her chosen bunk near the center of the room. She was tall, with a presence that seemed to command attention without effort, perhaps due to the number of scars covering her arms and face. Her gaze was sharp, sweeping over everyone in a way that felt like she was assessing each person's worth.

“Alright, listen up,” the woman said, her voice carrying easily through the quiet room. She folded her arms, her posture straight and authoritative. “If we’re going to do this, we need to know who we’re working with. Names, strengths, weaknesses. Keep it short.”

The group exchanged uncertain glances, some looking like they wanted to object but ultimately staying silent. The woman didn’t wait for a response. “I’ll go first. Mira—lockpicker, trap expert, good with a dagger. I’m not the fastest, but I know how to get in and out of places without getting caught.” She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. “And I don’t tolerate slackers.”

Kadoc watched her, noting the way she stood, the confidence in her voice. It was clear she had experience—more than any of them, probably. She nodded at the group, her expression expectant.

“Your turn. Step up and tell us what we’re working with.”

The first to step forward was the stocky teenager. He hesitated, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. “Orin,” he said, his voice low but steady. “I used to be a blacksmith’s apprentice before he kicked me out. I’m strong, and I can handle myself in a fight.” He looked down, his expression tightening. “But I’m not quiet. I don’t have much practice sneaking around.”

Auina hopped down from her bunk, her grin as bright as ever. She gave an exaggerated bow before speaking. “I’m Auina! I’m sneaky, quick, and very good at taking things that aren’t mine.” She glanced at Kadoc, giving him a wink. “My weaknesses? Well, I get bored easily, and maybe I don’t always think before I do something.” She flashed Mira a cheerful smile, clearly unbothered by her stern demeanor.

When it was Kadoc’s turn, he hesitated. He could feel everyone’s eyes on him, especially Mira’s sharp gaze. “Kadoc,” he said, trying to keep his voice even. “I’m good at sneaking, and I’m fast. I’ve... worked jobs like this before.” He swallowed, adding quietly, “But I’m not strong. And I haven’t done anything this big.”

A grizzled older man spoke next, his voice gravelly. “Rulf. Used to be a mercenary. I know how to use a blade, but I’m not as young as I used to be.” Beside him, a wiry woman gave a brief nod. “Lena. I’m good with ropes—climbing, tying, whatever you need. I’m not much of a fighter, though.”

Mira scanned the group as they stood around her, each person showing varying degrees of anxiety and determination. She seemed to be weighing each of them before giving her orders.

“Alright, here’s how this is going to work,” Mira said, her voice cutting through the silence. “If we’re going to make it through this, we need to be smart about what we focus on.”

She pointed at Orin, her gaze unyielding. “Orin, you need to work on moving quieter. Kadoc, you’ll help him with that. Teach him how to stay light on his feet and not sound like a charging bull.”

Kadoc nodded, a bit of surprise crossing his face. He hadn’t expected to be given a leadership role, even a small one like this. Orin gave a reluctant grunt, clearly not thrilled about the assignment but accepting it nonetheless.

Mira turned her sharp gaze to Auina. “Auina, you’re quick, but you need control. Focus is everything, and if we can’t rely on you when things get tense, it could cost all of us. So, this week, you’re working on control with Orin.”

Auina’s grin faltered just a little, but she gave a mock salute. “Yes, ma’am,” she said with a light tone, though there was a seriousness behind her eyes that showed she understood the weight of the order.

Finally, Mira turned to Rulf, the older, grizzled man. “Rulf, you’re with me,” she said, her voice steady. “You’re good with a blade, but we’re going to need to cover each other’s backs when things get rough. And we’ll be working on climbing—this place has enough ledges and walls for us to get some practice in.”

The group nodded, determination settling in as they began to settle in for the night, ready to begin training in the morning. Kadoc felt a mix of fear and resolve swirling inside him. He glanced over at Auina, who gave him a thumbs-up, her grin never faltering.

“Guess we’re partners now, huh?” she said, her voice bright even in the dim, cold room.

Kadoc managed a small smile in response. “Yeah. I guess we are.”