Veilbound: The Hidden Pact

The oppressive stillness hung in the air after Amara's departure, her sly smile and cryptic words lingering in Kai's mind. He could still feel the tension in his chest, the weight of her unspoken threats pressing down on him. Ignis seemed unaffected, his sharp golden eyes scanning the dark alleyway as they began to move again.

"She'll be watching us," Ignis said, his voice low. "Amara's not one to let go of an advantage."

Kai adjusted the strap of his bag, the fragment's hum faint but constant. "Yeah, I got that impression. You think she'll follow through on giving us information?"

Ignis snorted softly. "If it benefits her, maybe. But don't rely on her for anything. Kitsune only play their own games."

Kai sighed, exhaustion creeping into his bones as they turned down another narrow alley. "So what now? Keep walking until we stumble into another trap?"

Ignis shot him a sidelong glance. "We find a place to regroup. The clans will be on us soon enough, and if we're not ready—"

The sound of shuffling feet cut him off. Ignis froze, his flames flickering to life in his hands. Kai's pulse quickened, his eyes darting toward the source of the noise. From the shadows ahead, a group of mercenaries stepped into view, their armor gleaming faintly in the dim light. Their weapons glowed with the same eerie blue energy as the enforcers they'd faced before.

"Well, well," the leader drawled, his voice smooth and cold. "The rogue prince and his little pet. You're making quite the name for yourselves."

Kai bristled. "Really getting tired of that nickname."

Ignis ignored him, stepping forward with fire dancing in his palms. "You have one chance to walk away. Take it, or I'll make sure you regret it."

The mercenaries laughed, spreading out to block the alley. The leader raised a hand, his weapon crackling with energy. "Bold words, prince. But the clans want that fragment—and your head. And we're more than happy to deliver."

The tension snapped like a bowstring. The mercenaries charged, their movements sharp and coordinated. Ignis met them head-on, his flames roaring as he slammed into the nearest fighter. Kai stumbled back, clutching the fragment as he tried to summon its power.

But the mercenaries were faster than he'd expected. One of them broke past Ignis, lunging at Kai with a blade of shimmering energy. Kai barely managed to dodge, the fragment's hum growing louder as panic surged through him.

Before the mercenary could strike again, a blur of motion swept through the alley. A streak of fire arced through the air, slamming into the attacker and sending them sprawling. Kai blinked, his heart racing as a figure stepped into the light.

She was young, with auburn hair that gleamed like copper in the dim glow of the alley. Her green eyes burned with intensity, and flames flickered faintly around her hands. She moved with precision, her movements fluid and confident as she stepped between Kai and the mercenaries.

"Looks like you could use a hand," she said, her voice steady but tinged with amusement.

Kai stared at her, momentarily stunned. "Who... who are you?"

"Febe," she replied without looking at him. Her eyes were locked on the remaining mercenaries, her posture tense but controlled. "And you're lucky I was passing through."

Ignis, still locked in combat, glanced her way, his expression briefly startled before narrowing. "You're Phoenix Clan."

Febe smirked faintly, her flames flaring brighter. "Was. The clan's long gone. But I'm not."

The mercenaries hesitated, their leader barking orders as they regrouped. Febe didn't give them the chance to recover. With a flick of her wrist, she sent a wave of fire surging toward them, forcing them to retreat.

"Ignis, get your human moving," she called over her shoulder. "This fight's about to get a lot messier."

Kai bristled at the word "human" but didn't argue. Ignis dispatched his opponent with a final burst of flame, turning to Kai with a sharp nod. "She's right. Move."

Together, the three of them darted down the alley, leaving the disoriented mercenaries behind. Febe led the way, her movements swift and sure as she guided them through the maze-like streets of the industrial district. When they finally stopped, it was in a small, abandoned courtyard tucked between crumbling buildings.

Kai leaned against a wall, gasping for breath. "Okay... now that we're not about to die... who the hell are you?"

Febe turned to face him, her expression unreadable. "I already told you. My name's Febe. And unless you want those mercenaries catching up, you should be thanking me, not interrogating me."

"She's Phoenix Clan," Ignis said, his tone wary. "Or what's left of it. That makes her... complicated."

Febe arched an eyebrow. "I'd say it makes me resourceful."

Kai frowned, glancing between them. "Okay, hold on. Phoenix Clan? What does that mean?"

Ignis crossed his arms, his golden eyes locked on Febe. "The Phoenix Clan was wiped out decades ago. They were a rare hybrid group—part human, part beast. Her kind shouldn't exist anymore."

Febe's gaze hardened. "And yet, here I am. Funny how life works."

Kai opened his mouth to respond, but Febe cut him off. "Look, I'm not here to explain my existence or make friends. I saw you were in trouble, and I helped. Now, do you want to keep running blind, or do you want someone who actually knows this city to guide you?"

Kai hesitated, glancing at Ignis. The dragon prince didn't look happy, but after a moment, he gave a reluctant nod. "She's right. We need help."

Febe smirked, her confidence returning. "Smart choice. Now, let's get moving before those mercenaries regroup. There's a place not far from here where we can lay low."

Kai adjusted his bag, the fragment's hum quieter now. He still wasn't sure what to make of Febe, but one thing was clear—she wasn't going anywhere.

---