Shadows of Avarice (BxB)

Chapter 1

There was a clink as he added another piece of gold to his bag. This temple had plenty of gold coins lying around, but this wasn't what he truly sought out. He picked up what he could to add to his collection as he wandered through the halls of the old temple. However, the true treasure waited for him at the top. With it, it would change his life forever.

The young elf walked through another hall, only to find another room with small gold and silver trinkets. This temple was filled to the brim with more treasure than he would be able to bring home. Perhaps next time, he would come here with his group. The more hands to grab the treasure, the better. He just wanted to scope this place out on his own first to make sure that it was safe. The elf didn't want to endanger the few people that he cared about in this world.

Xia picked up one of the necklaces that lay among the pile before trying it on. He then grabbed an ornate mirror to check out his reflection. Xia was never a fan of the way that he looked. His appearance always stood out, which wasn't exactly the best thing for him. He knew that he was attractive with his tan skin and baby-blue eyes. Those were the normal parts of him. However, the parts of him that he hated were his pointy ears and his purple-to-pink ombre hair. He could at least hide his ears with his long hair, but he couldn't hide the color. He always caught the attention of those around him, since elves tended to be rare around these parts. He despised everyone's eyes always on him.

It made stealing so much harder for him.

Xia was a thief and despite catching the people's attention, he was damn good at what he did. People tended to flock to him, which gave him the opportunity to steal from them right under their noses. They were none the wiser and when they finally did notice that they were robbed, it was already too late. Xia would be long gone by then.

He thought that he heard a noise behind him, making Xia quickly turn around. It sounded like one of the treasures fell, but he saw nothing when he looked behind him. He shrugged it off, knowing that it was probably an animal that disturbed the loot. This temple had been here undisturbed for decades. The only reason no one ransacked the temple before was because this place was out in the middle of nowhere. Without a guide, people couldn't navigate the desert or the sandstorms. Very few who came out this far made it back alive. It was easy to get stranded in these harsh conditions.

Xia was an expert, though. He could navigate the desert in any condition, and he knew where to find many hidden temples like this one. The only reason he didn't make these trips more often was because of how dangerous the desert could be. Even though he knew how to handle a sandstorm, it didn't make it any less dangerous. There was also the chance of dehydrating, overheating, and hallucinating while out there. The desert sun could be brutally unbearable. If he weren't accustomed to this type of climate, then he didn't think that he would be able to survive. Rasea, his home, didn't attract many visitors from the outside. Not many were brave enough to venture out into the sand, even with a talented guide. They still received tourists from time to time, but it was rare.

If Xia were in a better position, then he would leave Rasea to explore the world outside. However, he had his family to think about. He couldn't abandon them. Exploring these temples and stealing was how he made his living. Perhaps he could find another way to make money, but this was the life that he knew. Why should he stop what he's talented at?

The steps leading up were covered in sand and dust, making it hard to get solid footing as he made his way up. Considering the state that the temple was left in, it was clear to him that no one had been there for a long time. Like many of the other ancient temples, this one was claimed by the sultan. Any treasure left within belonged to the sultan of Rasea. Xia knew that he was committing a crime by stealing from the temple, but it wasn't like the sultan would ever find out about it. That man had more power and money than he knew what to do with. He wouldn't miss a few treasures from a temple that was rarely visited.

Besides, if the sultan had this much treasure just lying around, then why didn't he use it to help the people of Rasea? There were plenty of poor and hungry people roaming the streets. The sultan could make a change, but he didn't lift a finger to help his people. While Xia may have never met or seen him, he despised Rasea's ruler. He hated bowing down to a sovereign that ignored the suffering of the people. If the sultan refused to make a change, then Xia would. He would do whatever he needed to protect his family, even if that meant stealing.

Xia finally reached the top floor of the temple, which didn't take him long. This temple wasn't very tall; only about three stories high. There was only one room at the very top, which held the treasure that he wanted.

A tiara made of gold and rubies sat atop a pedestal, just waiting for someone to claim it. Based on his research, this shouldn't be a trap. This tiara originally belonged to the very first sultana of Rasea. After her passing, her belongings were taken to this temple, where they eventually became lost to the world. The room was covered in dust and cobwebs, which was to be expected after years of neglect.

Though he knew that it was safe to approach, Xia was still cautious. He glanced around the room, looking for any sort of trap. When he saw nothing amiss, Xia walked up to the treasure. He picked up the tiara, then carefully placed in it his bag. This would fetch him a fortune, and maybe it would be enough to get him and his family out of this damn nation. Even a small start would be better than nothing.

Xia quickly turned around when he heard the sound of footsteps coming from the stairs. He heard the sound of people talking as well, which made Xia panic. There was no place within the room where Xia could hide, and he couldn't go back down the steps. He would run into whoever was approaching otherwise. Why did people have to show up here today of all days? This place had been abandoned for so long, but of course, when he decided to steal the treasure, others would show up.

Xia muttered a curse. The only way out would be through the window. Xia ran up to the window and glanced down. He could make the jump. The sand would break his fall. He was still nervous and his heart was racing, but jumping was better than getting caught by those people.

The others had reached the top of the steps. They were dressed as the sultan's men. The leader of the group saw Xia at the window, taken by surprise that there was an intruder. He yelled, "Halt!"

But Xia wasn't going to listen to one of the sultan's knights. He stuck his tongue out at the men and gave them the finger, before jumping out the window to make his escape.

Instead of landing on the sand as he expected, Xia was shocked when he landed in someone's arms. Perhaps he should have looked before he jumped. The person now holding him was a man with dark skin, long black hair, and purple eyes. Xia also noticed a beauty mark under his left eye. He wasn't dressed like one of the sultan's knights, but Xia could tell that this man was a noble due to his attire. The man looked down at Xia, whom he was holding, completely confused by the situation that he found himself in. It wasn't every day that someone jumped from a third-story building and into his arms.

Xia didn't have time for this right now. He rolled out of the man's arms, his feet landing on the sand.

"Don't let him escape!" the knight yelled from outside of the window.

That was his cue to get out of there. He waved to the nobleman and said, "Thanks for catching me!"

Without waiting for a response or for anyone to try to stop him, Xia made a run for it.