Muzayaf Huia
Huia's vision blurred, a sharp migraine settling behind his eyes. He exhaled slowly, squeezing them shut as if that might drown out the decision being made. This wasn't like stealing scraps off the streets—this was the Alfheim Empire they were talking about.
"…Huh?" he muttered, his voice barely more than a breath. Am I the only one with a brain at this table?
His gaze flicked between Adinim and Akhaqia, doubt weighing heavy in his eyes. "Do you two even realize what you're trying to do?"
Akhaqia grinned. "Have I ever let you down? Every scheme I come up with works."
Huia held back a groan. Mad genius or not, this is suicide.
Adinim cut in before he could speak. "Don't tell me you're scared now, Huia."
Huia scoffed. "Scared? Me?" He spread his arms wide in mock grandeur. "I am a god. An immortal. Do you think I fear something as trivial as an empire's wrath?" He lowered his arms, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's not like they'd butcher us alive if we mess up or anything."
Adinim smirked. "Try again." His voice was dry, but his expression darkened. "They wouldn't let us try again. But that's fine." His smirk faded. "They've already taken everything from me. There's nothing left to lose."
Huia's stomach twisted. Oh, great. So he's got a death wish.
The worst part? Adinim might not be wrong. The Alfheim Empire had perfected the art of cruelty—killing families, drawing out suffering until death felt like a blessing. And yet, Adinim spoke as if none of that mattered.
Huia rubbed his temple. No one's looking after him, no one expects anything from him. That's why he's reckless.
And there was no stopping him.
With a heavy sigh, Huia clutched his hair in frustration. He already knew how this would end. He could protest, argue, scream at them about how insane this plan was—but it wouldn't change a thing.
"…Fine," he muttered, reluctant. "But when we're hanging upside down, getting tortured in ways we can't even imagine, don't say I didn't warn you."
Maadhela Akhaqia
Akhaqia perked up instantly. "So, about the tracklance—"
Huia cut him off. "How do you plan to get onto a train that moves at three hundred miles per hour?"
Akhaqia blinked. "That's our biggest problem?"
Huia gave him a deadpan look. "That's our biggest problem?" he echoed. "You do realize it levitates, right? You can't just shoot the tracks to stop it. The thing won't stop unless it's programmed to. And it moves insanely fast."
Akhaqia grinned, unbothered. "That just means we need a different approach."
Huia sighed. This is why I get migraines.
Still, despite the risks, something about the plan—like all of Akhaqia's plans—held an undeniable pull. His schemes always worked. Maybe this one would too.
The three of them sat in heavy silence, lost in thought. Akhaqia and Adinim envisioned wealth, power—an escape from Alfheim's grasp. Huia, meanwhile, thought of all the ways this could go horribly wrong.
And yet, as always… he was still in.
Little Lily
The quiet was shattered by the creak of the door.
All three heads snapped toward it.
A pair of huge, wide eyes peeked inside. Lily.
Huia sighed. Of course.
She stood hesitantly in the doorway, scanning the room until her gaze landed on Adinim.
"Are you guys playing the thief game again?" she asked, her voice small.
Akhaqia exhaled, his stern expression softening. She wasn't supposed to be here, but… how could he scold her?
"Yes," he admitted. "And you are supposed to stay away during discussions."
Lily's face fell. "So… I can't play?"
"No," Akhaqia said gently. "But you can play with Adinim tomorrow."
Lily hesitated. "T-Tomorrow?"
"Yes," Akhaqia ruffled her hair with a smile. "I, Akhaqia the Third, will personally make sure Adinim plays with you tomorrow."
Lily looked at Adinim, her big eyes filled with hope.
Adinim smiled. "You have my word."
That was all she needed. Her face lit up, and she dashed off, excitement bubbling in her tiny frame.
Once she was gone, Akhaqia exchanged glances with Adinim and Huia.
"All right. Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow," they echoed in unison—sharp as steel.
This was their ritual before every major heist.
And with that, Adinim and Huia stepped out into the night. The air was crisp, the sky darkening. Time to go home—if it could even be called that.
Tomorrow was coming fast.
And there was no turning back.