Robber

Ignareth grabbed the ring box with a quiet grin. "Let's go," he said.

The shopkeeper smiled brightly as they turned to leave. "Thank you for visiting! Come again!"

Outside, the sky was dimming, and the scent of rain lingered in the air. Sebastian glanced at Ignareth, eyes narrowing slightly.

"Are you from a rich family?" he asked, curious.

Ignareth chuckled. "Nope. That was all from my savings."

Sebastian gave a small hum of surprise. "I see… Let's go get some vegetables, then."

As they made their way through the crowded market, the bustle of people surrounded them. Suddenly, someone bumped into Ignareth's shoulder hard.

"Hey—" Ignareth's eyes sharpened, sensing something off.

The man who had bumped into him didn't stop. Instead, he broke into a sprint through the crowd.

Sebastian blinked, quickly checking Ignareth's side. "Where's the ring box?"

"It's gone," Ignareth growled.

Without hesitation, Sebastian dashed after the thief, weaving through the stalls. Ignareth cursed under his breath and followed, trying to keep up.

Should I use my magic? Ignareth wondered. No… too many people would notice.

They chased the thief into a narrow alley, empty and shadowed by stone walls. The man turned at the end, a knife glinting in his hand.

"Come and get it," he sneered.

Sebastian glanced back. No one was around. With a flick of his wrist, shadows curled at his fingertips. A surge of dark magic burst forth — a tendril of shadow gripped the thief and slammed him against the wall, pinning him mid-air.

The man gasped, paralyzed by fear, as Sebastian calmly retrieved the ring box from his coat.

From behind a nearby wall, Ignareth watched in silence, hidden but wide-eyed. A slow smile crept onto his lips.

So… I've finally found him. The dark magic user.

He stepped out casually, feigning breathlessness. "You're fast at running," he said.

Sebastian handed him the box without a word, visibly annoyed. "Here. Take it."

"Thanks," Ignareth replied, pretending not to have seen anything.

Sebastian released the shadow magic, and the thief collapsed to the ground just as a pair of knights arrived.

"What's going on here?" one asked.

Ignareth pointed. "He tried to rob us."

The knights nodded and apprehended the thief. "Be careful in the market," one advised before dragging the criminal away.

As they walked back into the market, Sebastian stayed quiet, his thoughts running wild. Did Ignareth notice anything? Was he suspicious?

They reached the vegetable stall, and just as Sebastian was picking out produce, the first drops of rain began to fall. Shoppers started casting magical shields and scrambling for cover.

Without a word, Ignareth raised his hand and summoned a dome of pure ice over them, crystalline and clear.

Sebastian blinked in disbelief. "Won't the ice melt in the rain?"

Ignareth chuckled. "Nope. It's crystallized — very durable."

"Oh…" Sebastian murmured. "You can only make one?"

Ignareth gave a small nod. "Unfortunately."

Sebastian glanced at him sideways, feeling the man inching closer within the shelter of the umbrella. Their shoulders brushed.

Why is he walking so close? he thought, flustered. Doesn't he know personal space?

Ignareth simply smiled to himself under the shimmer of the icy canopy, quietly enjoying the moment as they continued their shopping together.

By the time they arrived back at the house, the sky had turned dark and overcast. Rain pattered against the windows, and Oliver was busy closing them, glancing over his shoulder as Ignareth and Sebastian stepped inside, damp from the walk.

"Your clothes are wet," Oliver said, eyeing them both. "Go upstairs and change, or you'll catch a cold."

Ignareth shook his head with a soft laugh. "I didn't bring any spare clothes."

"Then borrow some of Sebastian's," Oliver suggested without hesitation.

Sebastian paused, his expression unreadable for a moment, then gave a slight nod. "Fine. Come with me."

They headed up the creaking wooden stairs to Sebastian's room. The space was small but neat, filled with faint traces of warmth—worn books, handmade charms, and faded photos on the walls. Sebastian opened his wardrobe and rummaged for something suitable.

"Here," he said, handing Ignareth a clean set of clothes. "Go take a hot shower first. Bathroom's right there."

Ignareth gave a lopsided smile. "You're surprisingly caring."

"I just don't want the floor wet," Sebastian said curtly, avoiding eye contact.

Chuckling, Ignareth disappeared into the bathroom. The sound of running water filled the air, and Sebastian sat on the edge of the bed, staring quietly at the closed door. His chest ached — a familiar pulse of dark energy flickered to life. He opened his shirt and looked at the mark over his heart: a glowing red sigil, faint but alive. He placed a hand over it, using his magic to suppress the flare. It dimmed slightly, but didn't disappear.

When Ignareth emerged a while later, towel-drying his hair and wearing Sebastian's clothes, he looked around the room curiously. His eyes landed on a photo pinned above the desk.

Sebastian stepped out from the bathroom next, his damp hair clinging to his neck, wearing fresh clothes. He noticed Ignareth staring at the picture.

"Is that your father?" Ignareth asked, pointing at the man in the photo.

Sebastian shook his head. "No. That's my master."

"I see," Ignareth murmured, studying the image for another second before turning his gaze back to Sebastian — but something in his eyes lingered, thoughtful.

A beat of silence passed between them. Outside, thunder rumbled faintly.

Sebastian turned away and began towel-drying his hair, trying to ignore the strange flutter in his chest that always came when Ignareth was too close.