Darkness began to envelope the city as Elira navigated the labarinth of thin, crime-ridden alleys which made up most of the city. She held a gold-plated dagger, one stolen from a richman’s collection. Luckily, the guards didn’t know the city as well as she did; they lost her on the first turn. Soon, she came into a clearing, still empty and secluded, but their was more space to get her breath back.

“You’re that wanted thief, aren’t you?” A small voice came from behind her. She spun round, drawing her new blade and searching for the source of the voice. A little boy, most likely the age of seven or eight, stepped out from the shadows, not showing any sign of fear except for a slight tremble in his voice.

Elira grit her teeth. “Look, kid. Just because you’re a kid doesn’t mean I’m not willing to hurt you.” Obviously it was an empty threat, she would never do something like that, but she needed to get away and a pair of eyes following her, although they were little, was the worst thing to have in a moment like that.

The boy flinched, but stepped a little closer. He was dressed like a simple peasant boy, covered in dirt and a hat of unruly hair covered his head. “Why do you steal?”

“Now, why should I tell you that?” Crouching down to meet the boy’s eye-level, she offered a half-hearted smile.

“I won’t tell anyone, promise!” He placed a hand on his chest. “And if you do find out I told someone, you can kill me.”

Elira stood. “I’m not going to do that.” She turned walk away, but the boy grabbed her wrist.

“I want to know if you are a bad guy or not.” A tear fled down his face.

He seemed serious.

Carefully prizing her wrist out of his firm grip, she began to walk off.

“You don’t have to be a bad guy!” He called to her.

Elira shook her head, back still turned to him. “Goodbye.”

“I can help you!” He continued.

By then, she had already reached the other side of the clearing, entering an alley. “Words are wasted on those who don’t listen, kid.” That was when she ran off, down the corner, as fast as her legs could take her.

What a strange child.

**_(This one was a weird one so I appreciate feedback!)_**