The City of Sins pulsed with life, a chaotic symphony of sights and sounds that told the story of its lawless existence. Its streets were a sprawling chaos of every race imaginable—elves, orcs, dwarves, beastfolk, and others whose origins I couldn't begin to guess. Merchants shouted over each other, hawking strange wares and enchanted trinkets, their voices rising above the constant clinking of coins exchanging hands. The air reeked of spice, sweat, and an acrid tang I couldn't quite place.

  Here, ambition ruled. Power was currency, and mercy was a weakness none could afford.

  I scanned the crowd, my hood low to conceal my face. Not a single human walked these streets. This city had long since devoured any who dared try, grinding them into tools, slaves, or worse. Humans were considered weak, unworthy of survival here. If there were any left, they would need rescuing—and fast. As for the human king—a key piece in my mission to reclaim the kingdom—I doubted I'd find any clues in this cesspool.

  But something else caught my attention.

  There she was. A girl. Human.

  She stood frozen in the middle of the bustling chaos, her wide emerald-green eyes darting around like a lost child. Her chestnut-brown hair framed a face that was far too innocent for this place. Dressed in a simple cloak over a modest dress, she stood out like a lamb among wolves, utterly unaware of the danger surrounding her.

  I wasn't the only one who noticed.

  The crowd parted as a group of three elves made their way toward her. Their leader, a silver-haired elf with sharp blue eyes, carried himself with a cruel confidence. His lips twisted into a smirk as he approached.

  "Well, well," he said, his voice like silk hiding a dagger. "A human. Here of all places?"

  The girl blinked up at him, confusion clouding her face. "Oh, hi! I think I'm lost. Could you tell me where I am?"

  The elf's smirk faltered, replaced with disbelief. "You don't know where you are?" He laughed coldly. "This is the City of Sins. Humans don't belong here."

  "Oh… I didn't know," she said softly, her naivety almost painful to witness. "I was just trying to find my way…"

  Another elf stepped forward, taller and more menacing, with green eyes and black hair pulled into a tight braid. "Humans don't just wander in here by accident," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Do you know what we do to pretty little humans like you?"

  The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  The girl took a step back, her innocence finally giving way to fear. "I… I didn't mean to—"

  "Enough," the silver-haired elf snapped. He leaned in close, his smirk returning. "You've made a mistake coming here, girl. And mistakes have consequences."

  My grip tightened on the hilt of my blade, hidden beneath my cloak. I'd been watching from the shadows, weighing my options. Stepping in would mean making enemies—not just of these elves but likely of the entire city. Yet, leaving her to her fate wasn't an option. She wouldn't last a minute against them.

  I stepped forward, my voice cutting through the tension like steel. "Let her go."

  The silver-haired elf turned, his cold gaze locking onto me. "And who are you supposed to be? Trying to play hero, are you?"

  "Just someone who doesn't like bullies," I replied calmly, keeping my hood low to avoid drawing too much attention. "Let her go, and no one gets hurt."

  He laughed, a cruel, mocking sound. "You think you can tell me what to do? Tell me who you are first. Maybe we'll share her."

  "I'm not telling you," I said, as a blade formed in my hand. Its edge gleamed, sharp enough to split the air. "I'm giving you one chance."

  The taller elf snarled, drawing his own weapon. Magic flared along its blade, crackling with elemental power. "You'll regret this, stranger."

  I moved before he could strike. In one fluid motion, I closed the distance between us and severed his arm at the elbow. Blood sprayed across the cobblestones as he stumbled back, clutching the stump with a howl of pain.

  "Anyone else?" I asked, my voice cold as I leveled my blade at the remaining two.

  The silver-haired elf's smirk faltered, replaced by a flicker of doubt. His remaining companion hesitated, his hand hovering over the hilt of his weapon. The onlookers murmured, their gazes sharp and calculating.

  "You… you'll pay for this," the silver-haired elf spat, his composure slipping.

  "Maybe," I said, lowering my blade slightly. "But not today."

  Before they could recover, I grabbed the girl's arm and pulled her into the shadows, weaving through the maze-like streets as quickly as possible.

  "Mira," I called out in my mind, my guide's voice a welcome anchor in the chaos.

  "Yes?" came her calm reply.

  "Is there a safe place nearby?"

  "Head east," she instructed. "There's an alley that leads out of the market district."

  I followed her directions, the girl stumbling to keep up as I dragged her through narrow alleyways and over crumbling bridges. Finally, we emerged into a quieter corner of the city, where the shadows were deeper and the air felt less oppressive.

  I released her arm, turning to face her. "Are you okay?"

  She nodded, though her hands trembled. "I… I think so. Thank you. I didn't realize how dangerous this place was."

  "You shouldn't be here," I said bluntly. "This city will eat you alive."

  "I didn't have a choice," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "I just… happened to enter the city and got lost."

  "You should be more careful next time," I warned, my tone firm.

  She hesitated, then managed a faint smile. "What's your name?"

  "Ethan," I said simply.

  "Aria," she replied.

  For now, she was safe. But I knew the trouble was far from over. The way the elves and onlookers had stared at me—it was a promise of vengeance. I'd made enemies today, and they wouldn't forget.

  End of Chapter.