Chapter Nine: The Scent of Bread and Burdens
The morning sun bathed the Gamma District of Arcacia in golden warmth, cutting through the haze of soot and baking flour that clung to the air like memory. It was the kind of light that didn't just wake people—it stirred them. It stirred Issac.
For the first time in days, he had slept without the grip of nightmares. No fire, no blood, no screaming echoes of Atlas collapsing into ash—only the creaking of wooden beams, the muffled chatter below, and the familiar scent of home baking drifting through the house. He blinked slowly, lying on the bed of straw and old linen, and exhaled as though he hadn't breathed in years.
Free.
But freedom wasn't without weight.
The boy prince sat up slowly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Even in comfort, the ghosts of his past whispered. He glanced around—no marble floors, no silk curtains, no servants waiting for orders. Just uneven walls, a single candle stub, and the distant clatter of wooden bowls. It was unfamiliar. Unnoble. Real.
He ran a hand through his braids, pushed himself up, and muttered under his breath, "Might as well be useful today…"
Before he could take a step, the door swung open with a bang.
"Yo yo yo, wake up, man!" Janai's voice was full of energy and flour-dusted mischief. He was halfway out the door when he paused. "Oh—wait! Papa said you should wear this."
From the small pouch at his side, Janai pulled out a bundled outfit and tossed it onto the bed. Issac caught it midair, staring at the cream-colored long-sleeve shirt, suspenders, and worn leather shoes. He gave a quiet chuckle, shaking his head.
"So this is how things are going to be now…"
Janai flashed a grin, goggles already perched on his forehead. And then he was gone, a blur of enthusiasm.
Issac sighed and dressed in silence. The clothes were old but clean, smelling faintly of ash and lavender. As he tied his shoes, he paused for a beat, staring down at his reflection in the dented metal mirror.
No crown. No guards. Just a boy in borrowed clothes.
He descended the creaky stairs, each step pulling him deeper into this new world. A wave of scent hit him—fresh bread, sugar, and warmth. He stopped, eyes glistening. For a brief moment, he was back in the royal kitchen of Atlas. The same smell. The same comfort. The same world—now gone.
He blinked away the tears quickly, composing himself.
Mr. Owens looked up from behind the counter. "Hey, Issac. How was your night?"
Heads turned. The bakery paused for just a heartbeat, all eyes settling on him.
All except Julio's.
"My night was okay… and comfortable, too." Issac gave a slight nod, forcing a smile. "Thanks for the clothes."
Mr. Owens beamed. "It's my pleasure!"
Little Anne ran toward him, arms wide and face streaked with flour. "When are you gonna teach me that magic?" she squealed, clutching her doll.
Issac knelt, brushing her dusty cheek with the back of his finger. "When you're ready, I'll teach you everything I know," he whispered with a smile. "One day you'll conquer the seven seas."
Anne gasped. "Best. Day. EVER!"
The room burst into laughter.
Mr. Owens gestured toward the counter. "Mind helping us mix a bit?"
Issac stepped forward, nodding. "Of course, sir. Just tell me where to—"
A voice cut through the warmth like a cold knife.
"With all due respect, old man Owens," Ed spoke up from behind the mixing table, "all the spots are taken. Why doesn't he escort Janai to Delta District instead? I mean, we always need deliveries done, right?"
The room froze.
"You nuts?" Rauf snapped, his face twisted with disbelief. "He's new—he could get hurt! That's your job. You and Bryan are the strongest here."
Emma dropped her mixing spoon, voice sharp. "That's pathetic, Ed. He knows nothing about Arcacia, and you want to send him there? Grow up."
Julio didn't speak. He just stared. His eyes, sharp with quiet jealousy, flicked from Emma to Issac and then back again.
"I don't think that's a good idea either," Janai muttered, half-laughing. "They'll beat him and me to a pulp. Not risking that."
Issac stood quietly, watching the chaos unfold around him like a storm he wasn't a part of.
Then came a tap on the shoulder.
Bryan.
Disheveled and yawning, his voice came like a lazy wind, "Hey kid… you up for the task?"
Issac's brow furrowed. "What happens in the Delta District?"
Bryan scratched his head. "Worst part of Arcacia. Dangerous, full of gangs and thugs. They're strong… but they can't beat me."
"Then why make deliveries there?"
Bryan finally straightened, arms stretched high. "Because… there's a customer. Pays well. Not sketchy. Just... persistent."
Mr. Owens opened his mouth to protest, but Issac stepped forward, his voice calm and sharp. "I'll do it."
Silence.
Rauf stepped in close; his tone filled with concern. "Delta District's not a joke, kid. It's nothing like Gamma. You don't know what its like out there."
"I don't agree with Rauf often," Janai muttered while chewing on bread. "But this time… yeah, I agree. Bad idea."
He hopped onto a stool dramatically, arms flailing. "A ten-year-old kid with bread, walking with a stranger who don't know Arcacia? That's basically yelling rob us!"
Mr. Owens placed a hand on Issac's shoulder. "Listen, son. It might be too soon. Stay, help with the bread. I'll go myself."
Issac gently wrapped his fingers around Owens' hand. "Thank you… for everything. But I won't let anything happen to Janai. I swear."
His eyes narrowed, glowing faintly for a moment—a silent promise of power hidden beneath the surface.
Mr. Owens stared at him, then slowly nodded. "I leave Janai in your care."
Janai groaned, pacing in a circle. "We're both going to die…"
Issac chuckled, patting his head. "Don't worry, Janai. I've got you."
"Hey! Don't do that. I'm a man. That's for kids."
"Yeah, sure... lil bro."
Anne waddled up, holding out her flour-stained doll. "Here! Maya will protect you from the bad people!"
Issac hesitated, until his eyes met Emma's across the room. She gave a soft nod. He accepted the doll.
"I'll keep her safe," he said gently.
Anne skipped off, and Emma approached slowly. "Take care of yourself, Issac."
She turned without waiting for a reply.
Mr. Owens handed a sack to Janai. "You know the location, right?"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah—I got it."
Janai pushed open the doors, stepping into the Arcacian sun. Issac followed, the bag slung over his shoulder, Maya in hand.
Back inside, Julio lingered near the kitchen doorway. He paused as he heard Anne's voice behind him.
"You gave him the doll like I asked, right?" Emma said.
Anne nodded enthusiastically. "He smiled when I gave it to him!"
Julio's jaw tightened. His fists curled at his sides. And silently, he turned and climbed the stairs in anger.
Rauf saw him leave and smirked. "Someone's jealous…"
Julio responded with a cold glare—and a raised middle finger.
Mr. Owens exhaled deeply, rubbing his forehead.
"You worried about the boy?" Ed asked, stepping beside him.
Mr. Owens scoffed. "The boy? No. My prayers are with anyone foolish enough to threaten them."
Bryan's eyes widened. "Wait… what do you mean by—"
But he stopped, realization dawning like lightning in his chest.
A slow grin crept across his face.
"Now I'm really curious to see what that boy can do…"
Mr. Owens glanced at him, brow raised. "Stop smiling like that. Go keep an eye on them. Make sure he doesn't kill anyone."
Bryan yawned, already walking up the stairs. "Can't. Someone's already doing that."
"You mean Ed?"
Bryan waved lazily behind him. "Who else?"