A shadow crossed the doorway. Kaien opened his eyes.
"You're brooding again," said a voice, dry and amused.
A boy leaned against the opposite wall, arms crossed, one boot braced lazily against the stone. His hair was coal black and uncombed. A leather satchel hung from his shoulder, bulging with rolled parchment and crushed leaves.
"That serious look only works on temple heirs, you know," he added, smirking. "You just look tired."
Kaien exhaled slowly. "That's because I am tired."
"Then stop working so much."
"Then I'll starve."
The boy pushed off the wall and walked over, tossing something to Kaien. Kaien caught it without looking. A pale red fruit, half-ripe and dust-covered.
"Payment for listening to my complaining later," said the boy. "Or a bribe. Either way, you win."
Kaien wiped the fruit on his sleeve. "Is this stolen?"
"From a cart that shouldn't have been there. Consider it balance."
Kaien bit into it. Sour. Dry. Still better than most things he had eaten this week.
The boy sat beside him. They watched the crowd in silence for a few moments.
"Anything weird happen today?" the boy asked eventually.
Kaien hesitated. Just for a second.
"Same as always."
The boy nodded like he didn't believe it but wouldn't press. His name was Rin. Older by a year, sharper with words, and more familiar with maps than weapons. He worked with the local courier circle delivering messages, reading what he wasn't supposed to, and selling information when food was short.
He was one of the few Kaien could tolerate.
Rin leaned forward, elbows on knees. "You hear about the Selection Trials?"
Kaien glanced at him. "It's not for people like us."
Rin shrugged. "That's what I said. Still… they're opening the gates in three days. All four academies. Even Hollowspire."
Kaien's brow creased. "Hollowspire doesn't send envoys. Ever."
"They are this time."
Kaien looked back at the crowd. He chewed the rest of the fruit slowly, silently.
"Just saying," Rin added, "if anything weird does happen around you… now might be the time to pretend it didn't."
Kaien didn't answer.
Rin stood, slung his satchel over his shoulder, and nodded once. "I'll be around. Don't fall into a crack in the world or anything."
He walked off, disappearing into the alleys like smoke.
Kaien stayed where he was. The taste of the fruit lingered in his mouth.
Three days.
He looked toward the horizon again. For the first time, he realized how quiet the wind had become.