Veilbound: The Hidden Pact

The streets of Arcanova twisted around them like a living maze, every alleyway and overpass carrying the weight of years of neglect. Neon lights flickered overhead, painting the shadows in eerie shades of green and blue. Kai stuck close to Ignis, his nerves stretched taut as every sound seemed to promise danger.

"You're quiet," Kai said, breaking the silence. "I mean, you're usually grumpy, but this is a new level."

Ignis didn't glance back, his sharp golden eyes scanning their surroundings. "Amara doesn't show up unless she thinks she has the upper hand. That means she knows more than we do."

Kai frowned, adjusting the strap of his bag. The fragment rested against his chest, its faint hum a constant reminder of the trouble he carried. "So, what does that mean for us? Are we walking into another trap?"

"Not yet," Ignis said. "But we're being watched. She's right about one thing—the clans are moving faster than I expected. We'll need to disappear, at least for a while."

Kai groaned. "Disappearing sounds great. Can we find a safehouse with snacks? I feel like I've burned enough calories today to last a lifetime."

Ignis snorted softly. "You'll live."

"Not comforting," Kai muttered under his breath.

They reached a narrow alley that led to a rusted metal staircase, spiraling down into the bowels of the city. Ignis stopped at the top, his expression grim as he gestured for Kai to follow. "Stay close. This part of the city isn't friendly."

Kai hesitated, staring down into the darkness below. "And the rest of the city is?"

"Fair point," Ignis said, starting down the stairs.

The further they descended, the more oppressive the air became. The hum of the city faded, replaced by a distant, rhythmic pounding, like the heartbeat of some enormous machine. The walls grew damp, streaked with grime and rust, and the flickering neon above gave way to dim, flickering utility lights.

Kai wrinkled his nose at the smell—oil, metal, and something faintly acrid. "Where are we going?"

"An old maintenance level," Ignis said. "Few people know it exists. Fewer still would dare to come down here."

Kai glanced around warily. "Why's that?"

Ignis didn't answer immediately. When he did, his voice was quieter, more cautious. "Because it's home to the forgotten."

Kai frowned. "The forgotten?"

"Humans and beasts who've fallen through the cracks," Ignis explained. "Outcasts, criminals, and those the clans don't want to acknowledge. It's dangerous, but it's also one of the only places we can hide."

Kai's stomach churned. "So, let me get this straight. We're walking into the city's most dangerous underground, full of people who might want us dead, because... it's slightly less dangerous than staying topside?"

"Exactly," Ignis said, smirking faintly. "You're starting to understand."

Kai sighed, gripping the fragment tighter. "Great. Love that for us."

The staircase finally ended in a narrow corridor, lit by flickering fluorescent lights. The sound of machinery was louder here, accompanied by faint voices and the occasional metallic clang. Ignis led the way, his movements confident but cautious.

As they turned a corner, the corridor opened into a sprawling underground market. Makeshift stalls lined the walls, selling everything from rusted machinery to glowing vials of liquid that pulsed faintly with magic. The air was thick with smoke and the hum of conversation, though most of the market's patrons barely glanced their way.

Kai's eyes widened as he took in the scene. "This... isn't what I was expecting."

"Stick close," Ignis said, his tone low. "Don't talk to anyone, and don't touch anything."

Kai frowned. "Not even—" He reached toward a glowing fruit on a nearby stall, only for Ignis to grab his wrist.

"Especially not that," Ignis said sharply. "Unless you want to owe someone your soul."

Kai yanked his hand back, muttering under his breath. "Noted."

They weaved through the market, the air growing heavier with every step. Kai could feel the fragment pulsing faintly, as if responding to the magic that permeated the space. He kept his head down, trying to ignore the way some of the patrons stared at them with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

Ignis stopped in front of a small, unassuming stall near the back of the market. The vendor, a wiry man with sharp features and piercing green eyes, looked up as they approached. His gaze lingered on Ignis for a moment before flicking to Kai.

"Well, well," the man said, his voice smooth. "It's not every day I see a dragon prince and his... pet in my market."

Kai bristled. "I'm not—"

Ignis held up a hand, cutting him off. "We're looking for a place to lay low, Wren. Somewhere off the radar."

Wren raised an eyebrow, his sharp gaze narrowing. "Off the radar, huh? You must've really pissed someone off if you're down here asking for favors."

Ignis didn't flinch. "Are you going to help us or not?"

Wren leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming on the counter. "Depends. What's in it for me?"

Ignis's golden eyes hardened. "I'm not in the mood for games, Wren. You owe me."

Wren smirked, tilting his head. "Ah, but debts are so tricky, aren't they? What I owe you and what you want aren't necessarily the same thing."

Kai glanced nervously between them, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. He could feel the fragment pulsing harder, as if reacting to the danger in the air.

"Fine," Ignis said finally. "Name your price."

Wren's smirk widened, his green eyes glinting. "I'll give you a safehouse, no questions asked. But in return, you'll owe me a favor. And you know how I like to collect."

Ignis's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Deal."

Wren leaned forward, sliding a small, rusted key across the counter. "There's an abandoned service hub two levels down. Quiet, secure, and far from prying eyes. Just don't trash the place—it's bad for business."

Ignis took the key without a word, turning to leave. Kai hesitated, his gaze lingering on Wren. Something about the man made his skin crawl.

"Come on," Ignis said, his voice cutting through Kai's thoughts.

Kai followed reluctantly, glancing back at Wren one last time. The vendor's piercing green eyes followed them until they disappeared into the shadows.

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