Dreamers.
Those who defied the natural order.
Those granted power by the gods themselves.
And because of that—
They were hunted.
Feared.
Erased.
⸻—————————————————
At least that covers food for today.
Lucian walked through the streets, hands buried in his pockets fidiling with the coins he had just earnt.
His gaze drifted across the crowd.
Watching.
Always watching.
Too many eyes.
It didn't take long.
"Excuse me… can I speak to you?"
Lucian didn't stop walking.
"I'm busy."
"Please—it'll only take a minute!"
Persistent.
Annoying.
Lucian let out a quiet breath.
"…Fine."
⸻—————————————————
The boy led him into a narrow alley.
Lucian's eyes narrowed slightly. Studying the boy before him.
Too nervous.
Way too nervous.
"I don't really know how to ask this…"
"Then don't," Lucian replied flatly.
The boy hesitated—then forced the words out anyway.
"…Are you a dreamer?"
Shit.
Steel flashed.
Lucian's swords were already in his hands, crossed in front of him.
"PLEASE—!"
The boy dropped to his knees instantly.
"I don't mean any harm!"
Lucian didn't move.
Could be bait.
"My name is Torin Calder and I've—"
He froze under Lucian's gaze.
"Get to the point."
"I've always wanted to meet a dreamer!"
…What?
Torin looked up, eyes shining.
Like he'd just found something he'd been searching for his entire life.
Bait or a genuine idiot .
…Hard to tell.
"And now that I have—"
Lucian's grip tightened slightly.
Torin suddenly slammed his head to the ground.
"Please take me as your apprentice!"
…
Lucian blinked.
Once.
Definitely an idiot.
"…You're joking."