William walked quietly between Albert and Daniel, the streets of Velmira buzzing around them. No one paid attention—just another group of kids disappearing into alley shadows.
"Hey, Willie," Albert said with a smirk, tossing an arm lazily over his shoulder. He was taller now—lean, sharp-boned, with blond hair and lazy brown eyes that always hid something cruel underneath. "Those adults you were with… who were they?"
William kept his eyes forward. "Just people I happened to help."
"Haven't seen anyone like them before," Daniel added. He had rougher edges—darker skin, messy brown hair, and green eyes that flickered with curiosity. "I mean, we grew up here. That white-haired guy with the red eyes? He look like nobility or something."
William's voice tightened. "I said I helped them. That's all."
Albert stopped walking.
He grabbed William by the collar and dragged him into a narrow side alley. Before William could speak—
THUD.
A fist slammed into his stomach.
