Chapter 1: Of Thieves and Tales (Part 1/7)

Callen’s feet pounded against the cobblestones, his heart racing as he darted through the narrow streets of the village. The shouts behind him grew louder, but he didn’t dare look back. His hazel eyes darted ahead, scanning every corner and alley for their escape route. In his hand, he clutched a half-loaf of bread. It was still warm, its scent teasing his senses as he sprinted through the narrow alleyways of Eldridge. He ducked around a corner, his heart hammering against his ribs and a stitch forming in his side. Sweat dripped down his face, his chest heaving, but the faint glimmer of exhilaration in his eyes revealed that, to him, this wasn’t just survival – it was also a game.

“Stop, thieves!” A voice roared from behind, but Callen didn’t slow down.

“Come on, Mae! Hurry!” He called over his shoulder, his lean, wiry frame barely slipped between two market stalls, nearly toppling a basket of apples.