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A thief's fall

The streets of Solmara were quiet. Tall buildings stood in neat rows, their metallic surfaces reflecting the soft glow of the streetlights. The air was still, undisturbed, nothing like the chaos of Dravoth. In Solmara, security was absolute. No one got in or out unnoticed.

At least, that was what they believed.

Kaelix had spent years slipping past their defenses. Alone, fast, and skilled, he moved through the city like a shadow. He never took more than needed, food, medicine, tools, enough to help the desperate back in Dravoth. He had never been caught.

Until now.

Dangling upside down, wrapped in his own malfunctioning trap, Kaelix found himself staring at a squad of heavily armed soldiers. They all had their guns pointed at him, standing in perfect formation. At the center, a woman stood with her own weapon raised. Her uniform was sharp, her presence commanding.

General Veyna.

Kaelix let out a slow breath. "Okay. So. This is a little awkward."

Veyna's expression remained unreadable. Her grip on the gun was steady. "No wonder we're getting fewer attacks from Dravothians. Or maybe we're not getting fewer. Maybe they're just working silently. Like this man here."

She moved her gun slightly, the barrel aimed directly at Kaelix's head.

The other soldiers followed without hesitation, their weapons locking onto him in unison.

Kaelix tried to look casual, despite being upside down. "Alright, no need for all that. I feel very included right now. Appreciate it."

Veyna didn't blink. "You're an idiot."

Kaelix scoffed. "Wow. Rude."

"You got caught by your own trap."

"In my defense, it's a very good trap." He twisted a little in the rope, testing if he could free himself. No luck. "I just didn’t expect to be the one caught in it."

A soldier took a step forward. "General, should we secure him?"

Veyna didn't respond immediately. The squad waited in silence. No one dared to question her.

Then, after a long pause, she lowered her weapon. "Cut him down."

The soldiers hesitated. No one spoke. It was clear they thought it was a mistake, but they wouldn't question her orders. Finally, one of them moved, slicing through the rope with a sharp blade.

Kaelix twisted midair, landed smoothly on his feet, and stretched. "Oof. Blood was rushing to my head. Thanks for that."

The soldiers tensed, their fingers still on their triggers.

Kaelix looked at them and grinned. "So. What's the plan? Are we doing the whole arrest thing, or—"

"I'm offering you a deal," Veyna interrupted.

Kaelix blinked. "A what now?"

"You work for me."

Kaelix rubbed his wrist, looking at her like she had just suggested he grow a second head. "Come again?"

"You become my bodyguard."

Kaelix laughed. Loudly.

No one else joined in.

He cleared his throat. "Okay. That's funny, but I feel like you're serious."

"I am."

Kaelix crossed his arms. "And why would I do that?"

"I’ll make sure Dravoth gets supplies."

Kaelix narrowed his eyes. "You’d actually do that?"

"Yes."

The answer was firm. No hesitation.

Kaelix studied her. She wasn’t lying. He knew how to spot deception, and she wasn’t giving him anything. But that still didn’t explain why she was doing this.

He leaned forward slightly, watching her. "Alright, so what’s the real reason? You could hire anyone. Why me?"

Veyna’s jaw tensed slightly.

Kaelix grinned. "Ohhh. This is personal, isn’t it?"

Veyna finally spoke, her voice calm but sharp. "I need someone who isn’t bound by Solmara’s rules. Someone fast, someone who can adapt, someone who isn’t predictable."

Kaelix raised an eyebrow. "And that’s me?"

"Yes."

His grin widened. "So, you’re saying I’m impressive."

"I’m saying you’re useful."

Kaelix put a hand over his chest dramatically. "Ouch. That almost sounded like a compliment, but then you ruined it."

Veyna ignored him and pulled out a small device, pressing a few buttons. "We need to draft the contract first. We’re going to the Registry."

Kaelix tilted his head. "Wait, wait, wait. You don’t even have the contract ready? So what, you just came out here, saw me dangling like a fool, and thought, ‘Oh, let me hire this guy’?"

"Something like that," Veyna said.

Kaelix let out a laugh. "Wow. I don't know if I should be flattered or concerned."

Veyna turned on her heel and started walking. The soldiers followed.

Kaelix sighed dramatically and fell into step beside her. "Alright, fine. Let’s go to the fancy Registry place. I assume it's nice? Cushioned chairs? Free snacks?"

"No."

"You Solmarians have no hospitality. It's very disappointing."

Veyna ignored him.

The Registry was a tall, sleek building, filled with glowing screens and strict-faced officials. Veyna walked straight to the front desk. "We need a contract drafted."

The clerk glanced at Kaelix. "For what purpose?"

"Bodyguard service."

Kaelix leaned in, whispering loudly, "She didn't even think about it first. Just decided right on the spot. Kind of reckless for a general, huh?"

Veyna shot him a sharp look. He held up his hands in surrender, grinning.

The clerk nodded, tapping a few buttons on his console. "The drafting room is open. Follow me."

Kaelix gave a low whistle. "Fancy."

Inside, the walls were lined with projection screens, displaying legal text. A table in the center flickered to life, revealing a digital contract.

Veyna stepped forward. "Standard service terms. You work as my bodyguard. You follow my orders. In return, I'll provide resources to Dravoth."

Kaelix rocked on his heels. "You’re really set on this, huh?"

"Yes."

He exhaled, then glanced at the contract. "Okay, but quick question. Do I get health benefits?"

Veyna didn’t answer.

"Paid vacations?"

No response.

Kaelix nodded to himself. "Alright, I see how it is. Guess I’ll have to negotiate better next time."

He took the stylus and, with an exaggerated flourish, signed his name. "Well, guess I’m officially yours now."

Veyna took the datapad, glanced at the signature, then turned to leave. "Let’s go."

Kaelix followed, grinning. "So, do I get a uniform or—"

"No."

"A badge?"

"No."

"A cool title, like Protector of the famous General Veyna?"

"No."

Kaelix sighed dramatically. "Man. Tough crowd."

Veyna kept walking.

Kaelix chuckled to himself.

This is going to be fun.