Serendipity

A New Level Of Difficulty

Frustrated, I reread the file. This was not enough intel. Any plan I could form based on this could easily fall apart on me. I closed the folder and tucked it into my backpack. I would have to deal with that later. I carefully walked the trail that led to the village I would be calling home for the duration of this heist. As I neared the village I got a sick feeling as I felt the gaze of many villagers turn to me. I tried to dismiss it as I found an inn to stay at. Once I closed the door to my room I walked over and collapsed onto the mediocre bed. I groaned and grabbed my backpack pulling the file out again.

"So stupid." I grumbled to myself as I rubbed my temples.

Most of the file was blank. I had the name of the person I was to steal from. Some guy named Kingston Briar. I scoffed at the name. He seemed like a big deal. I continued reading and reviewing the address of which he lived. According to the file it was a two level house, decked out with too many rooms for this one resident. I huffed maybe that meant he was likely to have company. Apparently the crown I was meant to steal was in a library on the first level. It was guarded by lasers and kept in a safe. Luckily I had the code for the safe right here in the file. 0798. Way too simple for what it was supposed to be protecting if you ask me.

"Ughhhh." I groaned, my focus shifting to some noise outside.

I got up and looked out the window. There were some kids playing soccer near the fountain in the center square. I grinned as I closed the folder and tucked it away. I had some time to kill before I went to steal a crown tonight, why not spend some time having fun? I made sure to lock my room up before I bounded outside and approached the kids. They glanced at each other at first unsure why I was so forward and friendly. I cocked my head to the side when they seemingly conversed by locking eyes.

"Sorry I was so abrupt. Just couldn't resist a game when I saw you having so much fun out here." I said awkwardly as I made them giggle.

"It's okay, human. You can play too." The younger girl said beaming up at me.

"Human?" I muttered aloud.

The kids didn't say anything more about it so I just moved on. We played soccer and I taught them a few tricks. I seemed to have impressed them. We were having a good time and I realized how much I enjoyed the company of kids. I frowned, feeling a bit sad. I knew I enjoyed their company because I envied their childhood unlike how I grew up so fast. I winced as the ball hit me in the face. I apologized for zoning out as the concerned little girl checked on me.

"Really. I'm okay." I said smiling as she seemed distressed.

Just then two women started walking towards us. I glanced up and was met with a glare from the two women. I stood up and took a step back as the kids ran to what I could only assume was their mothers. They obviously didn't like that an 18 year old girl had been playing games with their kids while they weren't around. I didn't know whether to apologize or not as they turned and left without another word. I just blinked in shock.

"Alright then." I muttered confused.

I headed back up to my room in the inn and decided to suit up. After getting dressed in all black I reviewed the file one last time. I worked out a few plans in my head not bothering to get too detailed. I laid back in the bed and chilled out until 1 am hit. I snuck out the window and climbed up onto the roof. It had been a while since I'd done some free running. On my way to the house I was going to steal from I took it upon myself to have some fun running across the rooftops. I couldn't remember the last time I had been in such a good mood. I felt free, and after this job I'd feel accomplished. That's why I loved stealing so much. The successful feeling after a job well done.

"Woah-" I accidently exclaimed as I slipped slightly as I climbed down onto the balcony of the target house.

Once I was steady I peered inside the windows. I tested the window and sure enough it opened with ease. As I climbed inside it didn't take me long to realize the security measures were extremely slack. I lowered my guard slightly as I lurked around the house trying to find the library. Nothing ever goes to plan however as I found the owner before I found his library. I began to close the bedroom door slowly when he stirred in his sleep. I froze up my eyes searching his expression to see if he was awake. Luckily my conclusion was that he was still asleep and I shut the door completely with a small click. As long as he stayed asleep I had nothing to worry about as I continued to navigate the house.

"Oh sweet!" I exclaimed a little surprised at the sound of my own voice.

I really shouldn't have spoken. I paused to make sure I didn't wake the owner up before I proceeded. As I entered the library I scoped it out carefully. I could see the connection points for the lasers. As long as I was paying attention I would be fine. I started to enter the field of laser and managed to make it to the other side of the library without triggering anything. I scoffed at how I was impressed by myself. This wasn't my first rodeo after all. I turned to the safe and pressed the first number. It made a loud beep. I tensed up. Well this was risky. I quickly pressed the last three buttons and opened the door. As I was reaching inside I heard a creak from the floorboards and my eyes darted to the library entrance. I gasped, my eyes widening in shock.

"What the fuck are you doing?" The owner pretty much growled at me.

My eyes darted around looking for an escape. I hadn't planned on him waking up. He looked so deep asleep. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Think! He crossed his arms over his chest and I couldn't help but check him out. He was hot. Tall with a muscular build. I blinked away my thoughts as he grinned. I frowned, why was he smiling?

"Hmmm who are you?" He asked, his body posture relaxing.

I wanted to tell him. Why did I want to tell him?! I tensed up. I clutched the crown tightly in my hand and bit my lip to keep myself from speaking. Why did I feel so drawn to him? It was pissing me off. I took a shaky breath as he stepped closer towards me. He seemed so focused on me. Luckily it worked out in my favor. He tripped his own alarm when he walked into a laser. I used it as a distraction and pulled my typical trick disappearing into the shadows. Into the dark night. I shivered as I left behind the weird interaction. Glancing back when I heard a yell.

"I'll find you!" The guy seemingly growled out into the silent night.

My jaw clenched as I realized I'd have to get out of this village sooner than later. There was no way in hell he would get lucky enough to catch me again.