The torchlight flickered against the stone walls of the underground maze, casting long shadows that danced with each step. The silence was thick, broken only by the echo of boots and the faint hum of magic that lingered in the tunnels.
Jayden's scythe dimmed to a faint ember as he rested it across his shoulders. His eyes narrowed, scanning the tunnels with predatory curiosity.
"So this is it," he said at last. "The Thieves' Guild. I've heard whispers. Power hidden beneath the city, influence stretching where no crest can reach. Tell me, Renfo — how deep does it go?"
Renfo didn't flinch, didn't slow. His grin remained fixed, but his eyes hardened.
"Walls have ears down here. Best not to ask questions you don't want answered."
Jayden smirked, unfazed. "That's as good as a yes."
Jordan glanced between them, confusion tightening his brow. "Thieves' Guild? What are you talking about?"
Renfo waved him off with a chuckle.
"Forget it. This detour was short, and we've pushed our luck far enough. It's time we got back."
They reached a fork where the tunnel walls shimmered faintly with silver etchings. Renfo pressed his palm against them, whispering a word under his breath. The air rippled, and a doorway of light bloomed open, leading back toward the faint glow of the Academy's corridors.
"Luckily for us," Renfo said, glancing back at them, "time here isn't what it is up there. Ten minutes in the real world is an hour in Astrolia. Means we can slip in and out without anyone the wiser… if we're quick."
Jayden scoffed. "So while Selora thinks we're writing stanzas, we're roaming a whole other world?"
Renfo shrugged, his grin tilting mischievous.
"Pretty much. But if she catches us, we'll wish it was just stanzas again."
Jordan shivered at the thought, clutching the hilt of his buster sword before letting it fade away.
With one last look at the twisting maze, Renfo stepped through the glowing doorway. Jayden followed, scythe dissolving into smoke as he crossed. Jordan hesitated a moment longer, the memory of Astrolia's vast bazaar still fresh in his mind, before stepping into the light.
The portal sealed behind them.
And just like that, they were back in Selora's classroom — their stanzas still waiting, the candlelight unchanged, as if they'd never left at all.