The Thief and the Harbingers Childe x reader x Scaramouche

Sleep and Snacks

"Think we'll run into any trouble, Aether?" The short blonde seemed to be knocked out of his trance as he brought his gaze to mine. He shook his head side to side as if to say no, allowing gravity to drag his head back down to his shoes.

Aether hadn't spoken a word since we'd began our walk to the golden house. It was clear he was deep in thought.

"Don't talk much, do ya?" I pressed. He didn't answer, but continued to look distraught in his own thoughts, kicking a pebble to the side.

Aether was quiet, which had its perks, but I wished to get to know the boy I was safeguarding in a better light. Lady Ninguang had assigned me to protect the young traveler, too guarantee his safety in bringing back the gnosis of rex lapis. Unfortunately enough, I had my own agenda, and this assignment created perfect circumstances for stealing the gnosis.

"Hey." I placed a hand on Aether's shoulder causing him to cease his plod along the trail.

"I don't know what we'll be facing when we arrive, but I promise I will protect you with my life. So, don't worry too much, alright?" I made sure to look as sincere as possible, even adding a dimply smile to top it off.

Of course I wouldn't allow for the traveler to perish, not by my hands at least. I was a thief, not a killer.

"Thank you, Y/N." His brown eyes exuded a warm sincerity as a small smile made way to his lips.

A few seconds of comfortable silence passed as we awkwardly stared at each other, unknowing of what to do next.

"Paimon thinks we should keep going. Paimon remembers that the golden house is just up ahead!" Paimon's irritating high pitched voice cut in. God, what an annoyance. However, I was thankful she'd interrupted our awkward standoff.

"Paimon you would be absolutely correct, lets get back to it." I strode forward confidently, my katana bouncing on my hip with every step.

I couldn't help but feel excited for what waited ahead. Waiting around for Lady Ninguang's assignments was more or less frustrating to say the least. Not to mention, the assignments she did give me were utterly meaningless and unproductive. They held absolutely no significance in neither her or my endeavors.

Soon enough our trio had arrived at the doors of the golden house.

Pushing through the shimmering gold doors, we were met by glowing tawny columns centered around the middle of the room. The walls and floor being decorated with intricate detail.

It was clear as day how the showy house had been given its name as everything was polished in gold.

What really caught my attention was a gold plated statue residing in front of the farthest wall. A great Chinese dragon held the gnosis just behind its sharp fangs.

Lady Ninguang had mentioned their were a few traps instilled throughout the house, but even she wasn't completely sure of their whereabouts. Therefore, I made sure to keep a watchful eye on my surroundings.

"It looks like the gnosis is still here. I'll grab it, keep guard." I instructed to Aether. He only nodded in response taking up a defensive stance, eyes scanning the room with an indignant determination.

Stopping in front of the golden beast, I noticed how far the gnosis actually was from behind its jaws, as the opening seemed to reach all the way into its throat. My shoulder bumped against its fangs as I reached an arm through its mouth, my hand gripping around the gnosis. As I went to pull my arm out from it's throat I was only met by failure. The 'click' of a mechanism was all I'd heard before the jaws of the golden dragon clamped shut around my shoulder, leaving me completely vulnerable with the gnosis trapped in my fist.