eyes in the sky

The city of Lyssar shimmered like a jewel in the distance, its towering spires of white stone gleaming under the light of the twin moons. As Rayan, Kael, and Azura approached, the noise of the bustling market reached their ears—traders haggling, children laughing, and the occasional cry of a street performer drawing a crowd.

Rayan adjusted his cloak to conceal Skyfang as they passed through the gates. Azura had to remain outside the city walls, much to her dismay, as gryphons were forbidden in Lyssar unless bearing the crest of royalty. She chirped indignantly, and Rayan gave her an apologetic pat.

"I'll be back soon, girl. Stay close," he murmured. The gryphon huffed but settled by the gates, her golden feathers drawing curious stares from passersby.

Inside, Kael leaned heavily on his staff, his exhaustion from the previous battle still evident. "We'll need to be careful here," he said. "Lyssar is known for its charm, but danger lurks in every shadow. The shard we seek is hidden in the Vault of Light, beneath the Temple of Stars."

"And I'm guessing it won't be unguarded," Rayan muttered.

Kael nodded. "The vault is protected by starlight wards. They can be bypassed, but only with a key—a relic held by the city's Grand Keeper. Getting it will require… finesse."

"Finesse isn't exactly my specialty," Rayan said, scanning the crowded market. His hand instinctively rested on Skyfang beneath his cloak.

Before Kael could respond, a commotion erupted nearby. A burly merchant was shouting, waving his fists as a young man darted through the crowd, clutching a small pouch. The thief weaved effortlessly between people, his movements fluid and practiced.

"Stop that rat!" the merchant roared.

Rayan caught sight of the thief's face as he sprinted past—a cocky grin beneath dark, tousled hair. He moved like a shadow, vanishing into an alley before the merchant could even take a step forward.

Rayan chuckled. "Looks like finesse might've just found us."

Kael frowned. "You can't be serious. A common thief?"

"Uncommon, from the looks of it," Rayan said, already moving. "Stay here. I'll handle this."

Rayan slipped into the alley, his hunter's instincts guiding him. He followed the faint scuff marks on the stone and the echo of hurried footsteps. The thief was fast, but Rayan had spent years tracking prey far more elusive.

The chase ended in a narrow courtyard. The thief stood with his back to the wall, flipping the stolen pouch in his hand. His grin widened when he saw Rayan.

"Well, well," the thief said. "You don't look like the city watch. What do you want?"

Rayan stepped closer, keeping his movements deliberate. "That little stunt you pulled back there. Quick hands, sharp reflexes. I need someone like that."

The thief raised an eyebrow. "And why would I help you?"

"Because if you don't, I'll drag you back to that merchant myself," Rayan said, his voice low and steady. "Or worse, leave you to the watch."

The thief laughed, tossing the pouch aside. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But threats won't get you far with me. The name's Eron, by the way. Not 'rat,' or 'thief.' Eron."

"Fine, Eron," Rayan said, crossing his arms. "I'm Rayan. And if you're half as good as you think you are, I've got a job for you."

Eron tilted his head, curiosity sparking in his dark eyes. "What kind of job?"

"The dangerous kind," Rayan replied. "The Vault of Light. We need the Grand Keeper's key."

Eron's grin faltered for a moment before returning, sharper than before. "The Vault of Light? You're either insane or desperate."

"Maybe both," Rayan said. "Think you're up for it?"

Eron hesitated, then shrugged. "Why not? I've been looking for some excitement. But I don't work for free."

"You'll get your share," Rayan said, already turning back toward the market. "Let's move. Kael's waiting."

As they left the courtyard, Eron glanced at Rayan with a smirk. "You're not like most hunters I've met. Most of them would've just shot me and been done with it."

"Most of them wouldn't need your help," Rayan replied.

Eron laughed. "Fair enough. Let's see if you're as good as you think you are, Skyhunter."