Chapter 39: The Busy Streets of Aethelard
The morning sun filtered through the grime-covered windows of the apartment as Ren sat up, stretching his sore muscles. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, his mind already racing with thoughts of Thomas's pages and the lethal chip in his neck.
He moved through his routine like a ghost—splash of cold water on his face, a quick check of his bandaged hand, and then the transformation. He pulled on his Magic Crow tactical gear, the dark fabric fitting perfectly, hiding the boy and revealing the Vaner.
As he stepped out of his room, he nearly ran into Hana. She was already dressed for school in a sharp black-and-white uniform: black trousers, a crisp white shirt, and a neatly knotted black tie.
"You're up early," Ren noted, surprised.
Hana adjusted her bag. "I have school, remember? Did you forget already?"
"Oh, right. I'm heading out too," Ren said.
"Do you want me to make you something quick?" Hana asked. "I already ate at 4:00 AM while I was studying."
Ren blinked. "4:00 AM? Why so early?"
Hana sighed, giving him a look of pure disbelief. "Ren, I have a big exam today! Honestly, it's like you live on another planet. And don't forget, there's a parent-teacher meeting tomorrow, Sunday, at 10:00 AM. Since Mom and Dad aren't here... you're the one who has to show up."
"Sunday? At 10:00?" Ren rubbed the back of his neck. "Fine, I'll be there. I'm heading out now. I'll grab something to eat on the way."
Ren stepped out the door but stopped dead in his tracks after a few paces. The papers! He realized he had left Thomas's notes sitting right on the table. He turned back, pushed the door open, and rushed into his room.
Hana, who was just grabbing her bag, looked confused. "What did you forget now?"
"Nothing! Just some... notes for work," Ren called back, stuffing the yellowed English pages deep into his pocket.
Hana poked her head into his room. "Hey, since you're already here... can you drop me off? I don't want to spend the money on a solo horse-carriage, and honestly, the streets are a bit crowded today. I feel a bit nervous going alone."
Ren looked at her and softened. "Of course. Let's go."
The City Center
They stepped out into the heart of the city, and the sheer noise of Aethelard hit them. The streets were a chaotic mess of people, vendors shouting their prices, and the rhythmic clack-clack of hooves on stone.
Ren signaled a passing horse-drawn carriage. "Hey! To Merjc School. How much?"
The driver, a rugged man with a weathered hat, looked them over. "9 Copper Coins for the two of you. It's a busy morning."
"Fine," Ren said, handing over the coins.
Hana instinctively grabbed Ren's hand as they climbed into the carriage. Even though she acted tough at home, the bustling, unpredictable crowd of the city always made her feel small. Ren squeezed her hand back, his other hand resting on the hidden papers in his pocket.
As the carriage began to move, Ren looked out the window. Somewhere in this crowd, Ferals were hiding. Somewhere, Kimo and Kara were waiting. And somewhere, his brother—the King—was watching it all.