Shadow Bound Fate

Going Out With Shadows

Lira's POV

Caius led me back to the house, his hand hovering near my lower back as if he was ready to catch me if I stumbled. Thalia and Kieran trailed behind us, their voices low, though I could feel the tension slowly easing now that we were out of danger.

Once inside, Caius headed into the kitchen, leaving me to collapse onto the couch. My body still hummed with exhaustion, but I was more tired mentally than physically. Kieran and Thalia settled into the chairs around the living room, the comfortable silence enveloping us as we all tried to decompress from the chaos of earlier.

After a few minutes, Thalia broke the quiet. "You know, it's been a while since we've gone out," she said, her eyes gleaming mischievously as she turned toward Kieran.

I glanced over at her, eyebrow raised. "Gone out?" I repeated, unsure what she was getting at.

Thalia shifted her smirk to me, her bright eyes sparkling with the kind of trouble I wasn't sure I had the energy for. "I think you need a good night of fun, Lira," she said, leaning forward in her chair, her voice filled with a playful edge that instantly had me on guard.

I sat up slightly, curiosity piqued. "What kind of fun?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at her suspiciously.

Kieran let out a low chuckle from his seat, pushing himself up to his feet with that same devilish grin plastered across his face. "You'll see," he said, walking toward the kitchen to join Caius. The way he said it made my stomach flutter with both excitement and dread.

Thalia stood up suddenly, her energy contagious as she grabbed my hand and pulled me to my feet. "Come on," she urged, her smirk deepening. "I've got the perfect outfit for you to wear tonight."

I barely had time to protest before she was leading me out the door, her grip firm as if she already knew I might try to resist. I glanced over my shoulder, catching a glimpse of Kieran leaning on the kitchen counter with a knowing smirk, while Caius stood nearby, watching us with a raised eyebrow, as if wondering what kind of chaos was about to unfold.

"What exactly do you have planned?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm, but Thalia's enthusiasm was infectious.

She shot me a sideways glance, her grin widening. "Trust me, you'll love it. You've been training for a while. It's time to have a little fun."

As Thalia tugged me along, her grin widening with every step, I couldn't help but ask, "Where exactly are we going?"

She glanced back at me, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "You'll see," she said, her voice light and teasing.

I groaned softly, not entirely sure if I was ready for whatever scheme she had in mind. "You can't just drag me into something without telling me where."

Thalia chuckled. "It's just a little place in Ravenreach where people go to unwind. You've been cooped up and fighting for too long, Lira. You need to loosen up."

I frowned. "A little place?"

"Alright, fine," she conceded with a roll of her eyes. "We're going to the Den."

"The Den?" I echoed, vaguely familiar with the name. It was the kind of place that had a reputation in Ravenreach. An underground tavern where mercenaries, rebels, and anyone looking to lay low went to drink, brawl, and blow off steam. From what I'd heard, it was rowdy, unpredictable, and not exactly the safest place for someone who had a target on their back—like me.

"Relax," Thalia said, sensing my apprehension. "You'll be with me, Kieran, and Caius. No one's going to mess with you. Besides," she added with a wink, "you're stronger than you think. Might be good to show people that."