Halonar

The Tarnished

The dense mist enveloped Gavhin's streets like a shroud, Jack dashed frantically to keep sight of the man, who weaved between buildings like a snake.

The man jumped and weaved between obstacles, from street lamps to sewer drains.

It seemed that the man really didn't seem to know where he was going. Finally he ran into an alley with a dead end. The man seemed to have finally run into a dead end.

Jack whipped out his knife. He knew men like this were armed and ready to fight. He leveled it at him. "Why did you attack me in Keywark?" Jack's voice was low, laced with a simmering anger.

eyes widened with fear as he backed against the cold stone wall, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "I-I mistook you for someone else," he stammered, his voice trembling.

Jack's gaze narrowed, skepticism etched into his features. "Don't lie to me," he growled. "Who are you and why are you really here?"

Poe's facade crumbled under Jack's relentless gaze, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "Alright, fine," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "My name is Poe, and I'm a Tarnished Raven."

Jack's jaw tightened at the mention of the name. He had heard of the organization before. They were less of a gang and more a syndicate. "And what does the Tarnished Raven want with me?"

Poe hesitated, his gaze flickering with uncertainty. "We... We saw what you did in Rorin," he confessed, his words hesitant. "You killed the hero Curt, and we... We wanted to thank you."

Jack was shocked momentarily. someone saw what he did. But he snapped out of it quickly.

Jack's fists clenching at his sides."Thank me?" he shot back, incredulous. "By trying to rob me?"

Poe shifted uncomfortably, his gaze dropping to the ground. "I know it was wrong," he muttered, shame coloring his words. "But Curt was causing us trouble, and... and we thought maybe you could help us."

"By trying to rob me."

Yes, well, in the Tarnished Raven, people must prove themselves worthy of joining.

Jack's voice edged with anger. "I don't associate with criminals," he spat. "And I certainly don't need your help."

"Well, you certainly owe us now that you removed some of our own," Poe muttered.

"What-"

Jack realized.

"They died didn't they?"

Poe gritted his teeth, "they were weak, you are worth at least thrice their strength and intelligence. You did, after all, escape Keywark all on your own, didn't you?"

Jack hesitated, Bel didn't need to be involved in the conversation, to Jack, she was a friend. To Poe, she would be seen as a target.

Jack gritted his teeth, "I refuse to join your gang."

Poe's eyes flashed with defiance, his resolve strengthening in the face of Jack's rejection. "Fine," he retorted, his voice tinged with bitterness. "But if you don't let me go, I'll tell the police what you did."

Jack scoffed at the threat, his gaze unwavering. "You think they'll believe you?" he countered. "You're just a common thug, Poe. And the police know it."

Poe's lips curled into a sneer. "Maybe," he admitted, "But if anything happens to me, my Tarnished brothers will come looking for you."

Jack hesitated.

"No one has to know what either of us did."

"No."

Jack took a step towards Poe.