Then we started approaching the place Asars had designated as the meeting point.

  I stopped and thought about the consequences if Asars found out what had happened. He wouldn't kill me, but he would expel me, and I couldn't steal without a hiding place to escape the guards.

  I looked anxiously at Lant. Lant noticed my gaze. "Don't worry, Cyrus. We won't tell Asars what happened with the guards because he might kick you out of the group."

  I looked at her as if she were an angel. "Thank you, Lant."

  Lark looked at me, smiling. "Cyrus, we've known each other since we were 12, so don't worry, we'll have your back."

  "Thank you, guys." I looked at them happily. "I'm lucky to be your friend."

  Lark looked at me. "Ha, of course. You've always been our leader and you always will be." Lant added sarcastically, "And who else would this beauty find to make fun of but you?" She spoke while waving her hands, her gaze full of vanity.

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Then we arrived and met Asars. We were panting because we hadn't stopped running.

  He was standing by an alley so that we wouldn't... I noticed him, and judging from his facial expressions, he seemed angry as usual.

  After he saw us, he came walking quickly. "So, you scoundrels, the amount you stole should be worth the commotion you caused in the market."

  I looked at him. "I collected enough for us and you." I handed him the bag, and he opened it. Inside were a silver piece, rings, accessories, and copper pieces. He hummed and said,

  "Good, good. This will cover about three pieces of silver. That's a lot." He added, his greed evident in his voice, "I'll sell them. I'll come tonight and give you your share, of course, after deducting the cost of protection, lodging, and food."

  Damn him! As usual, he sweetens his words to steal from us and take 85% of the stolen money.

  I glared at him with hatred, and Lark frowned. "Well, I don't blame them, or rather, I wasn't upset. After all, I'm older than them, and I know Asars is a scoundrel who loves money."

  "But I'm used to him and his greed. He's bad, but he's not the worst either." Then I turned away, trying to escape Lant and Lark's displeasure and their conversation. I memorized it from repeated reading.

  After a busy day, I was surprised to find a slightly secluded place to hide from Lark and Lent.

  After I arrived,

  I lay down and looked at the stars of the night. The view was beautiful,

  but I didn't enjoy it because my mind was full of questions. I remembered what happened, but I couldn't comprehend it. Well, this isn't strange to me because I live in a world where a person can make fire come out of their hand,

  but what happened is very strange. Although I lived it, I feel like it's a dream. No matter how hard I try to understand, my mind doesn't respond.