"Stay close," Sevika ordered, her voice cutting through the chaotic noise of Zaun. Her hand was firm, her grip like an anchor as the current of the city threatened to sweep us away.

I clung to her hand like a lifeline, my other arm hugging the borrowed clothes tighter around me. The streets were a kaleidoscope of movement and sound—people brushing past in a rush, shadows from neon lights writhing across the grimy walls. Overhead, the pipes crisscrossed like a mechanical web, dripping ominously. I tilted my head to catch one of the droplets falling. What was that? Oil? Water? Something worse?

"Where are we going?" I whispered, my voice nearly swallowed by the noise.

"Somewhere I need to be," Sevika replied curtly, her sharp eyes darting through the crowd like she was hunting for something—or someone.

I stumbled to keep up with her strides, my smaller legs struggling to match her pace as my head whipped from side to side. Every turn we made seemed to open into a new world, each more alive and raw than the last.

A woman with grease-streaked hair hollered over the hiss of a sparking contraption, her hands moving with mechanical precision. Not far away, a man flicked a lighter cobbled together from what looked like a pipe and a fuse. He lit his cigarette, the flame briefly illuminating his tired, soot-covered face before he leaned against a wall, exhaling smoke that blended into the haze of the air.

"Are we going to see someone?" I asked, my voice tinged with barely restrained excitement. "Is it dangerous? It feels dangerous. Not that I'm scared. I mean, I am a little, but not too scared—oh, wait, is that lady holding a wrench or a weapon? Do people make their own weapons here? What's the—"

"Kid, shut up." Sevika groaned, shooting me a glare over her shoulder.

I bit my lip, but my grin betrayed me. "You didn't say I couldn't think out loud."

Sevika rolled her eyes, muttering something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like a curse.

As we wove deeper into the city, I let my gaze wander. I couldn't help it—there was so much to see, so much to take in. The flickering chem-lamps painted everything in a ghostly green glow, making even the ordinary seem otherworldly.

I scanned the crowds, my pulse quickening. What if I saw them? Vi's fiery hair would stand out anywhere, wouldn't it? Powder might be darting through the crowd, her laughter echoing behind her like a mischievous sprite. The thought made my stomach twist with a mix of nerves and hope. I didn't want to meet them—not yet, not when I knew I'd latch onto them like a stray puppy—but a glimpse would be enough. Just to know they were real.

"Are people staring at me?" I asked, trying to sound casual but failing miserably. I caught a man giving me a double take as we passed. "I think they are. Sevika, they're staring at me. Not you for once. That means I'm special. Or weird. Probably both."

"Definitely both," Sevika muttered, but there was a twitch at the corner of her mouth, the shadow of a reluctant smile.

I laughed, unable to help myself. The sound caught her off guard, and for a fleeting moment, she chuckled too.

It felt good, laughing together in this strange, chaotic place. But the moment was brief.

Sevika's steps slowed, her grip on my hand tightening like a warning. "We're here," she said, her voice lower, more serious than before.

I glanced up at the building in front of us. It was rusted and shabby, its structure leaning precariously, like it was too stubborn to fall apart completely. The chem-light flickered above the door, casting an uneven glow that made the shadows dance.

Her hesitation was subtle, but I caught it. Sevika—strong, unshakable Sevika—looked almost… nervous.

"What's in there?" I whispered, my curiosity bubbling up again. "Is it a secret meeting? Are we doing something illegal? Is it, like, super important? Are—"

"Kid," she interrupted, turning to face me. Her glare wasn't as sharp as usual, more exasperated than anything else.

I clamped my mouth shut, my wide grin betraying my excitement. Whatever was behind that door, I was about to find out. And for once, I didn't need to ask a single question.

She glanced down at me. "Change of plans."

Before I could ask what she meant, she spun us around and began walking briskly. I struggled to keep up, my short legs working double-time to match her stride.

Sevika's pace quickened as she tugged me along, her grip on my hand firm but not harsh. I babbled incessantly, barely pausing for breath as my excitement overrode every sensible thought in my head.

"Is that a weapons shop?"

She didn't answer, just gave an exasperated grunt, her lips twitching like she was fighting a smirk.

Then, suddenly, we stopped.

I glanced up and froze. My stomach did a little somersault. "Oh… no," I whispered.

The Last Drop loomed before us, its neon sign flickering ominously, casting the street in a garish glow. Even from here, I could hear the raucous laughter and muffled shouting from inside. The cracked pavement beneath my feet felt like it was trying to pull me in.

I yanked on Sevika's arm, digging my heels into the ground. "No way. Absolutely not. You're not dragging me into a bar. I mean, do I look like I belong in there?"

She stopped, glanced down at me, and quirked an eyebrow. "You don't have much of a choice, kid."

I crossed my arms stubbornly. "I'm telling you right now, I am not setting foot in there. I don't care what you say." I ground out, all my excitement gone, yes, I wanted to gatch a glimpse of my favorate characters, that didn't mean i wanted to meet them.

Her response was to lift me effortlessly, one arm sliding around my waist like I weighed nothing. "You care too much."

I squawked in protest as she carried me up the steps, her smirk firmly in place. "Sevika! This is kidnapping! You can't just—"

"You're a lot quieter like this," she teased, her tone dry.

I leaned closer, lowering my voice to a whisper. "I wouldn't even say anything at your super-duper secret meeting! You didn't have to bring me here!"

Her smirk softened into something almost reassuring. "Trust me, alright? Just for a little while."

I blinked up at her, my protest dying on my tongue. She opened the door, and the smell hit me first—sweat, alcohol, and something metallic. The noise of the bar washed over me like a wave, loud and chaotic, but it was the eyes that got to me. Everyone turned to look at us.

I shrank against her, my confidence crumbling. "Sevika," I hissed, "don't you dare leave me here."

She didn't answer, just guided me toward the bar where a large, imposing man stood. Vander. My stomach churned as I recognized him, his broad frame and calm demeanor somehow even more intimidating in person.

"Vander," Sevika said, her voice steady but tinged with strain. "Can you watch her for an hour? Tops."

Vander looked at me, then at her, one eyebrow quirking upward. "An hour, huh?"

I felt my cheeks burn. "Sevika, I swear, if you leave me here—"

"Relax, kid," she said, reaching down to pat my head like I was some kind of puppy.

I slapped her hand away, clinging to her robotic arm instead. "Don't you dare. I mean it."

Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she pried my fingers off, one by one. "You'll be fine. He doesn't bite."

Vander chuckled, crossing his arms. "I'll keep her safe."

"That's not the point!" I protested, but Sevika just smirked and turned on her heel.

"Sevika!" I hissed one last time, but she was already gone, the door swinging shut behind her.

And just like that, I was alone.

Hyperaware of every gaze still lingering on me, I stood frozen. My heart pounded in my chest, and the noise of the bar felt deafening. Vander leaned over the counter, his expression calm but curious, his massive hands resting lightly on the scarred wood.

"Well," he said, his voice a deep rumble that seemed to cut through the chaos around us, "what's your name, kid?"

I swallowed hard, the weight of the moment bearing down on me. "Matilda!" I squawked, then immediately clapped a hand over my mouth, mortified.

His eyebrows lifted in mild surprise, but the corners of his mouth twitched with amusement.

I quickly stammered, "Liz—my name is Elizabeth." My voice cracked, and I stared down at my feet, horrified with myself.

To say I felt awkward as heck was an understatement. I could feel the warmth rising to my face, my skin burning like I'd just embarrassed myself in front of the entire world.

"Elizabeth, huh?" Vander said, his tone light, like he was trying to put me at ease.

I nodded stiffly, still refusing to look him in the eye.

"Well, Elizabeth," he continued, "looks like you've had quite the day."

I managed a weak nod, clutching my bunny teddy bear so tightly it was a wonder the seams didn't split. Sheepy's familiar softness was the only thing tethering me to safety in this strange, chaotic place.

Vander tilted his head, studying me for a moment before turning away. He busied himself behind the bar, his movements steady and purposeful. A minute later, he placed a mug in front of me, steam curling up from its surface. The rich, sweet scent of chocolate filled the air.

"You look like you could use this," he said kindly, sliding the mug closer.

I blinked at it, startled by the gesture. My fingers twitched, but I didn't reach for it. Instead, my eyes darted around the room, taking in the low-lit space, the rough crowd, and the tension that seemed to hum in the very air.

The patrons were a mix of hardened faces and sharp eyes, people who didn't look like they'd hesitate to shove someone out of their way—or worse. The shadows in the corners of the bar felt darker than they should, and I imagined all sorts of dangerous things lurking there, waiting to pounce.

This wasn't part of my plan.

Vander leaned on the counter again, his broad frame blocking out everything else. "Not much of a talker, huh?"

I glanced at him nervously, then quickly looked away. "I can talk," I mumbled. "Just not here. Not… right now."

He chuckled, the sound deep and warm. "Fair enough. First time in Zaun?"

I nodded again. "It's loud," I muttered, almost to myself.

"Yeah, it's loud," he agreed. "Takes some getting used to. But you'll find your rhythm."

I glanced at the mug, hesitated, then finally reached for it, the warmth of the ceramic comforting against my palms. "Thanks," I said softly.

He smiled faintly. "Don't mention it."

We sat in silence for a moment, the noise of the bar ebbing and flowing around us. I stole a glance at him, my curiosity growing despite my nerves.

"Do you own this place?" I blurted out before I could stop myself. Of course he did, I knew exactly who he was, and I knew what he would become.

His smile widened. "I do."

I bit my lip, my mind racing with questions I couldn't ask. Questions like, Where's Vi? Is Powder here? How do I navigate a place like this without getting crushed? Instead, I settled for a safer one. "Why does everyone listen to you?"

He raised an eyebrow, surprised by the question. "They respect me," he said simply.

I tilted my head, frowning slightly. "Respect or fear?"

His expression softened, and for a moment, he looked almost proud. "A little of both, maybe."

Vander leaned across the counter, a warm smile tugging at his lips. His broad frame made me feel even smaller as his gaze softened.