After a few moments Afton apprehensively accepts his invitation, walking past Radburn into a large spherical room with multiple other doors going in many other directions. She turns back after entering the room realising Devin hadn't followed her inside, He is frozen where she left him, shaking.

"Come here devin, its going to be fine" Afton says, holding her arm out to him.

He tentatively grabs her arm and walks in.

With a deliberate motion, Radburn closed the door behind them, the faint click of the lock sealing them within his mysterious domain. As he turned to face them, Devin and Afton found themselves captivated, their eyes drawn to the figure before them, the elusive legend, Radburn.

His towering height commanded attention. Clad in an overcoat of deep velvety purple, he exuded an aura of cunning and intrigue. The rich hue of the coat was matched by the bold crimson of his buttoned up shirt. His hands, covered in sleek black gloves, moved with practiced elegance. A pair of smart black shoes, meticulously laced up and polished adorned his feet. Grounding his outfit with a touch of pragmatism, the contrasting brown trousers were a testament to his impeccable taste in style and practicality, giving him an air of someone who was equally comfortable navigating the highest echelons of society and the darkest corners of the city.

His face bore the marks of a life well fought, etched with lines that spoke of hardships. His short, well kept, hazel hair was a testament to his practicality and no-nonsense approach. His strong jawline was accentuated by a faint but noticeable scar that starts on his left cheek reaching halfway down his neck. His deep set emerald eyes are framed by a set of long dark eyelashes and a subtle touch of dark red eye shadow that adds a hint of allure and intrigue to his piercing gaze.

Radburn claps his hands suddenly then bends down to one knee to be at a similar height to the two "So... who have we got here? Cate told me you have done a job for me in the past. Can you give me some details? possibly jog my memory"

"Three red moons ago one of our friends asked us to help you, you asked us to be the distraction during the play, we were the two that ran onto the stage" Afton says, stuttering slightly

"I remember you two now, I gave you a page of rations each if I remember correctly."

"y... yes you did" Afton says stuttering slightly, unsure if she should tell him they were stolen from them the same night.

Radburn grasps both of their hands "so, I didn't ask for any help today. What brings you to my door?"

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Devin speaks up "We wouldn't be here if you weren't our last option"

"what do you mean?"

"I have heard what happens to the kids that get caught when working for you"

Radburn lets go of their hands, stands, towering above them, clears his throat, deepens his voice and says "Do you plan on getting caught?".

Bodies struck with fear the two respond almost in unison quietly saying "no"

"We just want a place to sleep and more than two meals a week, we are willing to work for it"

Radburn goes back to his normal tone of voice "I'm glad to hear it, three of my best went missing recently and I was looking for replacements. Follow me, ill bring you to the area you will sleep, unless you have any questions"

They both shake their heads in silence and slowly follow him. He leads them past a door and down a dark dimly lit set of tunnels. The farther they go into the tunnels, the fewer lights occupy them. After a few minutes of walking they see a bright opening approaching. They reach the opening, it is similar to the one they first entered, although this one has multiple levels interconnected by stairs. The top two levels have sets of makeshift beds separated by makeshift walls made from barrels and dirty old bed sheets. On the bottom level three doors lead in different directions. One door is adjacent to an empty cell, appearing unused, while the other two doors show signs of heavy aging, suggesting frequent use.

As the two stand in awe at the opening of the large room, Radburn begins walking up the stairs to the higher levels. Their eyes are drawn to the cell as they look around the room, Radburn notices their curiosity, chuckles and says "those who misbehave spend some time in there". The horrible idea fills their heads but they swiftly catch up to him and are brought to the far back left corner, passing many other children who are sleeping, some younger and some older than Afton and Devin. In this corner they find two beds half-made with a few pieces of cloths underneath them, along with what looks like keepsakes beside them. Radburn kicks one of the beds and says "the two that slept here have been missing for a while now, these beds are yours now".

Mixed feelings of dread and joy fill the two as they gaze at the beds. Grateful for the roof over their heads, the simple luxury of having their own beds brings a sense of comfort they have never experienced. However, the way Radburn casually talks about kids going missing fills them with unease and second thoughts about their decision. "you should head to bed now; I'll have a chat with you early tomorrow about your place here and how things work" Radburn says as he walks away, descending the staircase and heading into one of the doors.

Both lie down in the beds, their minds racing with anticipation and apprehension for the talk tomorrow. The room is dimly lit, casting eerie shadows across the makeshift walls. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, a glimmer of hope emerges. They are no longer alone, they have each other in this mysterious place, and together, they will face whatever challenge lies ahead.