[This Chapter is little bits of a prequel I've been working on]

~

"Easy, Levi," the other man said, his voice calm despite the tension that filled the room. "I don't think she's a threat."

Levi – so that was his name – didn't loosen his grip. His gaze was intense, searching, as if he could see right through me. I swallowed hard, feeling the blade press ever so slightly against my skin.

"Who are you?" he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "And why are you here?"

I took a shaky breath, willing my voice to remain steady. "I... I'm Evelyn," I said, meeting his gaze with as much defiance as I could muster. "I didn't mean to intrude. I was being chased, and this was the first open door I found."

Something flickered in Levi's eyes – recognition, perhaps? Or was it just a trick of the light? Whatever it was, it unsettled me, like looking into a mirror and seeing a stranger staring back.

"Chased by who?" the brown-haired man – Farlan, I assumed – asked, moving closer but keeping a respectful distance.

"Some thugs," I replied, finally breaking eye contact with Levi to glance at Farlan. "I... I'm not from around here."

"No shit," Levi muttered, finally lowering his knife but not stepping back.

Before anyone could say another word, a gruff voice shouted from outside. "The bitch went in there!"

I felt the color drain from my face as I recognized the voice of one of my pursuers. Levi's eyes narrowed, and I saw his grip tighten on the knife.

"Looks like your friends caught up," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

The door burst open, revealing the leering face of the thug I had kicked earlier. His eyes lit up with malicious glee as he spotted me. "There you are," he growled. "You're going to fetch a pretty penny on the black market."

I felt disgust and anger rise within me, overriding my fear. Before I could stop myself, the words tumbled out of my mouth. "Why? Did your mother only sell for a few coins?"

Levi's Perspective:

I couldn't help the smirk that tugged at my lips as the girl's sharp retort cut through the tension. This Evelyn had fire, I'd give her that. But her words had only enraged the thug, who lunged forward with a roar of fury.

Time seemed to slow as I moved, positioning myself between Evelyn and her attacker. My knife flashed in the dim light, and the man stumbled back, clutching his bleeding hand. Blood dripped onto the floor, and I made a mental note to clean it thoroughly later.

"I suggest you leave," I said, my voice low and dangerous. "Unless you want to lose more than just a few fingers."

The thug's eyes darted between me and Evelyn, weighing his options. Finally, with a snarl of frustration, he backed away. "This isn't over," he growled, before disappearing into the night.

I turned back to Evelyn, studying her with newfound interest. She stood tall, her chin raised defiantly despite the fear I could see lingering in her eyes. There was something about her that nagged at the back of my mind, a familiarity I couldn't quite place.

"You've got guts, I'll give you that," I said, wiping my blade clean. "But guts alone won't keep you alive down here. What the hell were you thinking, coming to the underground?"

Evelyn crossed her arms, a hint of defiance in her posture. "I didn't intend to end up here," she said, her voice steadier now. "I was running away from some asshole MPs that chased me down here."

Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, I felt a strange connection, as if I was looking at a reflection of myself from years ago. "Thank you for the help," she continued. "I thought this house was empty."

She made her way to the door, her movements betraying a grace that spoke of training. "I'll leave in peace then, aye?" she said, her hand on the doorknob.

I found myself speaking before I could think better of it. "Wait," I said, surprising myself as much as her. "It's not safe out there, especially not for someone who doesn't know their way around."

Farlan shot me a curious look but didn't comment. Evelyn turned back, her blue eyes wary but intrigued.

"What are you suggesting?" she asked, her tone guarded.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Look, I don't make a habit of taking in strays, but you've already brought trouble to our doorstep. Might as well make sure you don't bring any more."

Evelyn's eyebrow arched. "And how do you propose to do that?"

"You'll stay here for the night," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument. "In the morning, we'll figure out how to get you back to wherever the hell you came from without attracting any more unwanted attention."

She hesitated for a moment, her eyes searching my face. Finally, she nodded. "Alright," she said softly. "Thank you."

~

The sound of raised voices pulled me from my thoughts. I'd been cleaning my knife, a habit that helped clear my mind, when the commotion downstairs caught my attention. With a sigh, I set the blade down and made my way to the source of the disturbance.

As I descended the stairs, I was greeted by an unexpected sight. There, standing in our living room, was the girl from the other night – Evelyn. Her presence surprised me, though I didn't let it show on my face. What did surprise me, and what I couldn't quite hide, was the fact that she'd managed to break into our home.

I watched as she tossed a bag of money at me, her voice steady as she demanded her lighter back. "There's more money in that bag than the damn thing is worth," she said, her blue eyes flashing with determination. "So give back my damned lighter."

I caught the bag reflexively, feeling the weight of the coins inside. This girl was full of surprises. Not only had she managed to find her way back here and break in, but she'd also come prepared to negotiate. I had to admit, I was impressed.

When Farlan challenged her, asking what she'd do if we refused, I expected her to falter. Instead, she rolled her eyes, exasperation clear in her voice as she laid out her plan. "Do you think I'm stupid? I didn't come here without some insurance. If you don't give me back my lighter and I don't return home, my parents are going to find a note saying exactly where I am. There will be a whole military force storming this place come tomorrow... unless you give back my lighter."

I couldn't help but feel a grudging respect for her resourcefulness. This wasn't some spoiled noble girl throwing a tantrum. This was someone who knew how to think ahead, how to protect herself. In the underground, those were valuable skills.

After a moment of consideration, I reached into my pocket and pulled out her lighter. I tossed it to her, watching as she caught it with ease. "Smart move," I said, my voice low. "But next time, don't leave something so valuable behind."

Her smirk in response was both irritating and oddly endearing. "Who says there'll be a next time?"

~

"No, no, I've got it under control," Farlan insisted, his voice strained. "Just... making it extra special."

I rolled my eyes, focusing on the spot I was cleaning. Farlan had been trying to impress Evelyn ever since she started coming around more often. It was pathetic, really. And annoying. Not that I cared.

"If by 'special' you mean 'inedible,' then I'm sure you're succeeding," I muttered under my breath.

Evelyn shot me a reproachful look, but I could see the corners of her mouth twitching, fighting a smile. She had an uncanny ability to hear even my quietest comments.

"Be nice, Levi," she chided gently. "At least he's trying."

I grunted in response, returning to my task. The floor was almost spotless now, reflecting the dim light. Cleanliness was one of the few things I could control in this chaotic world, and I took pride in it.

Farlan emerged from the kitchen, his face flushed and his clothes spattered with what looked like egg yolk. He was carrying a tray laden with slightly burnt toast, scrambled eggs that looked more like a yellow mess, and three steaming cups of tea.

"Breakfast is served!" he announced proudly, setting the tray down on our rickety table.

Evelyn beamed at him, her smile warm and genuine. "It looks great, Farlan. Thank you."

I could see Farlan practically glowing under her praise. It was nauseating.

We gathered around the table, the scraping of chairs against the floor echoing in the small space. Evelyn took a bite of the eggs, her face a mask of polite enjoyment. I had to admire her ability to lie so convincingly.

"These are... interesting," she said, her voice carefully neutral.

Farlan's face fell slightly. "They're terrible, aren't they?"

Evelyn laughed, the sound lightening the mood instantly. "Well, they're certainly unique. But it's the thought that counts, right?"

~

As if sensing my thoughts, Evelyn's gaze shifted to me. Our eyes locked, and for a moment, it felt like the rest of the world faded away. There was a question in her eyes, a challenge maybe. I raised an eyebrow, silently asking what she wanted.

A mischievous smile spread across her face, and before I could react, she had scooped up a handful of the scrambled eggs and flung them at me. They hit me square in the chest, leaving a yellow stain on my pristine white shirt.

"Sorry," she said, not looking sorry at all. "I thought I saw a speck of dust on you."

For a moment, I was too shocked to respond. Then, slowly, I felt a smirk tugging at the corners of my mouth. Two could play at this game.

I grabbed my cup of tea, still half full, and in one swift motion, dumped its contents over her head. Evelyn gasped, her mouth hanging open in surprise as the lukewarm liquid dripped down her face.

Farlan burst into laughter, clutching his sides. "Oh man, you should see your faces!"

Evelyn and I looked at each other, both of us dripping and disheveled. And then, to my surprise, I felt a chuckle escape me. It started low in my chest and grew until I was laughing outright, something I couldn't remember doing in years.

Evelyn joined in, her laughter mixing with mine and Farlan's until the small room was filled with the sound. In that moment, covered in food and tea, laughing like idiots, I felt something I hadn't felt in a long time: happiness.

~

I found Evelyn sitting at the table, her chin resting on her hands as she watched me. I set a cup in front of her before taking my own seat across the table.

For a long moment, we sat in silence, sipping our tea. Evelyn's eyes never left mine, her gaze intense and unreadable. I felt my irritation growing with each passing second.

"What?" I finally snapped, setting my cup down with more force than necessary.

Evelyn's lips curved into a small smile. "Nothing. I just like watching you."

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Don't you have anything better to do?"

"Nope," she replied cheerfully, popping the 'p' sound. "Besides, I like pestering you. You make the most interesting faces when you're annoyed."

I glared at her, which only seemed to amuse her more. "You're impossible, you know that?"

Evelyn's smile widened. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Despite my irritation, I felt a grudging respect for her. Not many people would dare to tease me like this. Most were too intimidated by my reputation in the underground. But Evelyn... she saw past all that. She wasn't afraid of me.

~

I watched her, taking in the way her shoulders slumped, the sadness in her eyes. For the first time, I saw beyond the cheerful, mischievous exterior to the lost girl underneath.

"And what about your family?" I asked. "Don't they wonder where you disappear to all the time?"

Evelyn's laugh was bitter, nothing like her usual joyful sound. "They're too busy with their parties and their politics to notice. As long as I show up when I'm supposed to and play my part, they don't care what I do with the rest of my time."

I felt a surge of anger on her behalf. I may have grown up in the filth of the underground, but at least I had people who cared about me, who noticed when I was gone. The thought of Evelyn, alone in that big house, invisible to the people who should have loved her most... it made my blood boil.

"That's bullshit," I said, my voice harsh. "You deserve better than that."

Evelyn looked up at me, surprise evident in her eyes. Then, slowly, a genuine smile spread across her face. "Thank you, Levi. That... means a lot coming from you."

I grunted, uncomfortable with the gratitude in her voice. I wasn't used to being thanked, especially not for something as simple as stating the obvious.

"Don't mention it," I muttered, taking another sip of my tea.

~

"I should go," she said finally, standing up and stretching. "Thank you for today, Levi. For everything."

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. As I walked her to the door, I felt an irrational urge to ask her to stay, to forget about her life above and just... be here. With us. With me.

But I didn't. I couldn't. Instead, I watched as she slipped out into the darkness of the underground, her figure soon swallowed up by the shadows.

As I closed the door behind her, I leaned my forehead against the cool wood, closing my eyes. What was happening to me? This wasn't like me at all. I didn't form attachments, didn't let people get close. It was too dangerous, too risky.

And yet, as I thought of Evelyn's smile, of the warmth in her eyes when she looked at me, I couldn't bring myself to regret it. Whatever this was, wherever it was leading... it felt right.

~

"Don't mind me," Evelyn said, her tone light and playful as she strode in. "Thought I'd stop by after my trip to the library. Some old bag wanted to fight me over a book. I was very tempted to whack her with said book."

I couldn't help but smirk at her words, even as I tried to maintain my usual stoic expression. Evelyn had a way of bringing levity to even the darkest of situations, and I found myself grateful for it.

Farlan's face lit up at the sight of her. "Evie, it's good to see you," he said, his voice warm with affection. "It's been a few days since your last visit."

Evelyn shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "I was busy studying," she said, but there was something in her tone that made me wonder if there was more to it than that.

As Evelyn settled into her usual spot on the couch, I couldn't help but watch her from the corner of my eye. She pulled out a book from her bag, her fingers tracing the worn cover with a reverence that spoke of her love for literature. It was moments like these that reminded me of how different she was from the other people we encountered in the underground – there was a softness to her, a curiosity about the world that hadn't been beaten out of her by the harsh realities of our existence.

"What's that you're reading?" Farlan asked, peering over her shoulder.

Evelyn's eyes lit up, and I braced myself for what I knew would be an enthusiastic explanation. "Oh, it's a horror novel about a man who inherits a haunted house," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "It's absolutely thrilling."

Farlan's brow furrowed in confusion. "I thought girls were into books about love, not books about ghosts and murder," he said, his tone genuinely perplexed.

I watched as Evelyn's face contorted in disgust, her nose wrinkling in a way that I found oddly endearing. "Eww, no," she said, her voice filled with disdain. "I hate that sappy crap. Give me ghosts and murder any day over some romantic nonsense."

As Evelyn began to read aloud from her book, I found myself drawn in despite my best efforts to remain detached. Her voice rose and fell with the rhythm of the story, bringing the words to life in a way that made even Farlan lean in closer, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and fascination.

Suddenly, Evelyn's voice dropped to a whisper, and I watched as Farlan tensed, his body coiled like a spring. With a sudden shout, Evelyn lunged forward, causing Farlan to jump up from the couch with a yelp of surprise.

"Sorry," Evelyn said through her laughter, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I get a bit carried away sometimes."

I couldn't help but chuckle at Farlan's expense, earning me a glare from my friend. But there was no real anger behind it – we both knew that Evelyn's presence had brought a lightness to our lives that we hadn't even realized we were missing.

~

"I'll walk you back," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument. Evelyn looked like she wanted to protest, but something in my expression must have convinced her to accept.

As we made our way through the dimly lit tunnels, I kept a watchful eye on our surroundings, hyper-aware of every shadow and sound. "You don't have to worry so much, you know," Evelyn said softly, her shoulder brushing against mine as we walked. "I've made this trip plenty of times before."

As we made our way through the dimly lit tunnels, I kept a watchful eye on our surroundings, hyper-aware of every shadow and sound. "You don't have to worry so much, you know," Evelyn said softly, her shoulder brushing against mine as we walked. "I've made this trip plenty of times before."

I grunted in response, unwilling to admit just how much her safety had come to mean to me. "It's dangerous out here," I said instead. "You never know what might be lurking in the shadows."

Evelyn fell silent for a moment, and I wondered if I'd offended her. But when she spoke again, her voice was filled with a determination that caught me off guard.

"I was wondering," she began, her words coming out in a rush, "if maybe you could teach me how to fight. I could become just as badass as you, but without the brooding."

I stopped in my tracks, turning to face her fully. Her eyes were wide and earnest, filled with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. For a moment, I was tempted to refuse – the thought of Evelyn putting herself in danger made my chest tighten with an unfamiliar emotion. But as I looked at her, I realized that she was already in danger every time she set foot in the underground. Teaching her to defend herself might be the best way to keep her safe.

"Alright," I said finally, my voice gruff. "But it won't be easy. You'll have to work hard, and you'll probably end up with more than a few bruises."

~

Evelyn's perspective:

The bustling crowd of the underground engulfed me as I descended the stairs. The air was thick with the scent of spices and the sound of haggling voices. I navigated through the throng of people, feeling a sense of belonging that I had longed for. This was where I felt alive, where I could be myself without the weight of expectations pressing down on me.

As I approached Levi and Farlan's shared home, my heart rate picked up. I knew I was late, and Levi wasn't one to tolerate tardiness. But even the prospect of facing his disapproval couldn't dampen my enthusiasm. I took a deep breath, steeling myself, and pushed open the door.

Levi was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. His grey eyes met mine, and I felt a flutter in my stomach that I quickly pushed aside.

"I know I'm a little late," I said, dropping my bag with a thud. I saw Levi wince slightly at the sound, and I made a mental note to be more careful in the future.

"You're lucky I didn't leave without you," Levi replied, but there was a hint of amusement in his tone that made me relax slightly.

"Oh, come on," I teased, feeling bold. "You know you wouldn't have left without me. Who else would you have to boss around?"

Levi's lips twitched in what might have been the ghost of a smile. "Don't push your luck, brat. Now, are you ready to train, or did you come here just to run your mouth?"

I grinned, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline that came with our banter. "I'm always ready. The question is, are you ready for me?"

Levi pushed off the wall, his eyes glinting with challenge. "We'll see about that. Follow me."

As we made our way to the training area, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling up inside me. This was what I had been looking forward to all day - the chance to push myself, to grow stronger, to be more than just the pampered daughter of a wealthy family.

"Your stance is too wide," he called out as I moved through a series of stretches. "Narrow your feet. And keep your back straight."

I adjusted my position, feeling the strain in my muscles as I held the correct form. Sweat began to bead on my forehead, but I welcomed the discomfort. Each correction, each moment of struggle, was bringing me closer to my goal.

As we moved into more complex exercises, I felt a surge of determination. I wasn't just a noblewoman playing at being a soldier anymore. With each movement, each breath, I was becoming something more. Levi's watchful gaze pushed me to dig deeper, to find strength I didn't know I possessed.

"Not bad," Levi said as we finished the warm-up. There was a hint of approval in his voice that made my heart swell with pride. "Now, let's see how you handle some real training."

For the next hour, Levi put me through my paces. We practiced hand-to-hand combat techniques, with Levi demonstrating moves and then having me repeat them. His hands were firm but not rough as he adjusted my posture, showing me how to maximize the power of each strike.

"Remember," he said as I practiced a series of punches, "it's not about brute strength. It's about technique and precision. Use your opponent's momentum against them."

~

Levi's perspective:

"You seem slightly more pissed off than usual," he remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

I grunted in response, not in the mood for his teasing. But Farlan, as usual, didn't know when to leave well enough alone.

"Wait a minute," he said, sitting up straighter. "Is this about Evelyn? Did something happen during training?"

I shot him a glare, but he just laughed. "Oh man, you're pissy because she's going on a date, aren't you?"

"It's not a date," I snapped, the words coming out harsher than I intended. "It's some fancy ball. And I'm not pissy."

Farlan's grin only widened. "Girls go on dates all the time, Levi. Hell, I'd ask her out on a date if I thought she'd say yes."

The idea of Farlan asking Evelyn out sent a surge of irritation through me. "Don't you dare," I growled, the words out of my mouth before I could stop them.

Farlan's eyebrows shot up, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement. "Wow, you've got it bad, don't you?"

I turned away, not wanting him to see the confusion and frustration on my face. "I don't know what you're talking about," I muttered.

"Sure you don't," Farlan said, his voice softening slightly. "Look, Levi, it's okay to care about someone. It doesn't make you weak."

~

As we discussed potential targets and strategies, I found my mind wandering back to Evelyn. The way her eyes lit up with determination during our training sessions, the fierce joy in her expression when she mastered a new move, the gentle curve of her smile when she thought no one was looking...

I shook my head, trying to clear it of these distracting thoughts. What was wrong with me? Evelyn was... she was...

She was everything I couldn't have.

The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. I was a thug from the underground, a criminal with blood on his hands. And she, despite her rebellious streak, was a lady of high society. Our worlds were never meant to intersect.

And yet, they had. She had stumbled into my life, all fire and determination, and somehow wormed her way past my defenses. The thought of her up there, surrounded by men who could offer her the world, made something dark and possessive rise within me.

"Levi?" Farlan's voice broke through my brooding. "You okay? You look like you're about to murder someone."

I forced my features into their usual impassive mask. "I'm fine," I said curtly. "Just thinking about our next move."

~

Evelyn's perspective:

The incessant banging on my bedroom door jolted me from my slumber, my mother's shrill voice piercing through the last vestiges of my dreams. "Evelyn! I've told you plenty of times not to sleep in so late. We have been invited out to a small garden party at the Reiss estate for lunch. Try and look presentable for once!.

I groaned, burying my face deeper into the plush pillows, wishing I could sink into them and disappear. The sunlight streaming through the curtains illuminated the opulent decor of my room, a stark reminder of the gilded cage I called home. As much as I longed for the freedom of the underground, where I could be myself without pretense, I knew I couldn't escape this latest social obligation.

With great reluctance, I pushed myself up, my body feeling heavier than usual. One of the maids bustled in, pulling back the curtains with a flourish. I hissed at the sudden brightness, squinting as my eyes adjusted.

"Come now, Lady Evelyn," the maid chirped, her cheerfulness grating on my nerves. "Let's get you ready for the party."

I allowed myself to be dressed in a formal gown, the fabric constricting around me like a physical manifestation of my family's expectations. As I stared at my reflection in the mirror, I barely recognized the polished young woman looking back at me. Where was the girl who trained with Levi in the underground, who felt most alive covered in sweat and dirt?