Two Worlds Apart

CHAPTER XII - ADRIAN

Adrian's mind is still reeling from the previous night, the memory of Cheverie's soft smile and shy laughter lingering like an echo. He stands in the square, turning her small pin over in his hand. The delicate metal is warm against his skin, a small reminder of the life she leads, so different from his own. He promised himself he'd return it - he'd never take something that wasn't his - but as he waits for her at their meeting place by the border, he feels the weight of what it symbolizes: a bridge between two worlds, fragile and easily broken.

"Adrian," a voice snaps behind him, and he turns to see Poppy watching him, her arms crossed, a mixture of anger and hurt flashing across her face.

"What's wrong?" Adrian asks, slipping the pin into his pocket.

"What's wrong? You've been so busy sneaking off with her that you don't even notice what's right in front of you!" Poppy's eyes narrow, and Adrian feels a pang of guilt, sensing the jealousy in her voice.

"You stole from her, Poppy. She didn't do anything to deserve that," he says, his voice low, trying to keep his anger in check.

Poppy's face flushes with defiance, but there's a flicker of sadness in her eyes. "She doesn't belong here, Adrian. She's only going to hurt you - you're fooling yourself if you think anything real could happen between the two of you."

Adrian takes a deep breath, steadying himself. "Poppy, I know you care about me. But she's not like the others. She came here because she wanted to understand, not to look down on us."

Poppy's gaze hardens, but she says nothing more. With one last look, she turns on her heel and walks away, leaving Adrian with a heavy feeling in his chest, a reminder that the world he's opening himself to is one filled with boundaries and risks that none of them fully understand.

The sun is low in the sky as Adrian finally sees her, slipping through the shadows with her usual grace. His heart quickens as she draws closer, and he gives her a small, hesitant smile, feeling his chest lighten just at the sight of her.

"Cheverie," he says, his voice soft with relief.
She smiles back, but there's a hint of worry in her eyes as she glances around. "I almost got caught coming here..." she admits, her voice barely a whisper.

He nods. He wants to return her the pin, reaching into his pocket, "Cheverie I have-" but before he can pull the pin out, she places a gentle hand on his arm.

"Hold on," she says, her voice laced with a quiet urgency. "I want to show you something first. Something... important."

Adrian hesitates, feeling the coolness of the metal in his hand, but her expression is earnest, her eyes filled with a hope that pulls him in.

"Alright," he says, and she beams, her face lighting up with a joy that makes his heart ache.

She takes his hand, guiding him through the quiet streets, moving quickly and quietly as they make their way into the Upper Slate. As they enter, Adrian feels a chill run down his spine, the polished streets and gleaming buildings looming around him like silent sentinels, watching, judging.

"Wait," she whispers, stopping by a small, shaded corner. She glances around, then reaches into her cloak, pulling out a folded bundle of cloth. She hands it to him, her cheeks flushing.

"Put these on," she murmurs. "They'll help you blend in."

He takes the clothes, a mix of unease and excitement filling him as he changes into the fine, carefully tailored outfit. The fabric is soft and cool, unlike anything he's worn before, and as he catches a glimpse of himself in a nearby glass window, he feels a strange disconnect, like he's looking at a stranger.