Careless | A Powerless Fanfiction

Chapter 11: Paedyn

"Nine coppers per night. Meals are extra," the burly innkeeper grunted, not even bothering to glance up from the counter he was scrubbing.

I sighed, exhaustion seeping into my bones. The warm glow of the fire crackling in the corner should have been comforting, but it only made our lack of funds feel heavier. We'd used the last of our copper shillings to buy clean clothes, and it was obvious to anyone who looked at us that we didn't have a single coin to spare.

Kai leaned casually against the counter, looking far too calm given our situation. He gave me a small shrug before turning back to the innkeeper. "Thanks. We'll be back."

I blinked at him, confused. "What do you mean, we'll be back? We don't have any money."

Kai's only response was a sly smile as he grabbed my hand and tugged me out into the cool night air.

The streets of the port city were quieter now, the hum of the bustling marketplace replaced with the softer sounds of distant waves and the faint murmur of late-night wanderers. Lanterns swung gently in the breeze, their golden light casting flickering shadows on the cobblestones.

"Kai," I said, suspicion creeping into my voice. "Where are we going?"

"You'll see," he replied, his tone far too chipper for my liking.

I groaned as he led me through the winding streets, his steps purposeful. When we finally stopped in front of a rowdy, dimly lit tavern, my stomach sank.

"Oh no," I muttered, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Oh yes," he said, his grin stretching wider.

"Kai, no. This is a terrible idea."

"Come on, Gray," he teased, his voice dropping into that playful, infuriating tone he used whenever he was trying to get under my skin. "What do you say?"

"How about no?" I shot back, crossing my arms in defiance.

But of course, Kai wouldn't be Kai if he didn't push just a little further. He leaned in, his sterling gray eyes glinting with mischief, and smirked. "Don't be shy, Gray. I know you've just been dying to sit in my lap again."

"Okay, now hold o-"

Before I could finish, he grabbed my hand and dragged me through the tavern doors.

The air inside was thick with the smell of ale, smoke, and sweat. Voices and laughter rose above the clatter of dice and the slap of cards on tables. The room was packed, every corner filled with people either drinking, gambling, or watching the chaos unfold.

"This is a bad idea," I muttered, but Kai didn't seem to hear me-or maybe he was just ignoring me.

He made a beeline for the nearest poker table, his confident stride earning a few curious glances from the players already seated there.