Archive of Our Own ^beta

The morning sun spilled over Piltover’s rooftops, painting the golden spires and marble facades with a warm, radiant glow. The city was just beginning to stir, its hum growing louder with each passing minute. Four figures darted across the skyline, moving with the confidence of seasoned thieves who knew how to disappear into the daylight.

Vi was at the lead, her boots making soft, sure sounds against the rooftop tiles. She paused at the edge of the next building, crouching low and peering over the side to make sure the street below was clear. The sun glinted off her short crimson hair as she grinned back at the others. “Keep up,” she whispered, her voice full of teasing. “We’re not on a morning stroll here.”

“Easy for you to say,” Mylo grumbled as he climbed up behind her, his breath coming faster. His wiry frame made him quick, but not as sure-footed as Vi. “Some of us aren’t machines.”

Claggor, steady and broad-shouldered, hauled himself up with practiced ease, smirking. “Yeah, Mylo, you’re more like a squeaky hinge.”

“Shut it!” Mylo hissed, swatting at him before they both crouched low.

Behind them, Powder clambered up with far less finesse. She made a little yelp as her small hands slipped on the ledge, but Vi was already there, reaching back to grab her wrist and hoist her up. Powder’s wide blue eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked out over the city. “This is so cool,” she whispered, her voice brimming with awe.

“Yeah, yeah,” Vi muttered, steadying her. “Focus, Pow. We’re not sightseeing.”

“Speak for yourself,” Mylo muttered under his breath, earning a sharp look from Vi.

They crossed another rooftop, their target in sight: a penthouse perched like a jewel at the top of a gleaming tower. Ekko’s words rang in Vi’s ears as they moved.
“Some rich guy bought up half the junk at Benzo’s. He didn’t even haggle!”

The memory of Ekko’s disbelieving laugh had cemented their decision. Whatever this guy had, they’d take a little for themselves.

They reached the roof of the penthouse, dropping low to avoid being seen. Mylo crouched by the door to the balcony, pulling out his lockpicking tools. “Give me a minute,” he muttered, his voice tense with concentration.

“You’ve got thirty seconds,” Vi shot back, keeping watch. The morning air was sharp and smelled faintly of oil and salt from the nearby docks.

“Why do I always have to—” Mylo’s complaint was cut off by a soft click . He frowned. “No, wait, that wasn’t—”

Before he could finish, Vi rolled her eyes and stepped forward, planting a sharp kick against the door. It swung open with a loud creak.

“Subtle,” Claggor said, shaking his head.

“Effective,” Vi countered, stepping inside. “Let’s move.”

The penthouse was immaculate, the kind of place that screamed money. Polished floors reflected the sunlight streaming in through floor-to-ceiling windows, and the air smelled faintly of something floral and expensive.

“Fan out,” Vi ordered, her voice low.

Mylo and Claggor headed straight for the boxes stacked in one corner, whispering to each other as they sifted through their contents. Vi’s eyes scanned the room before settling on a shelf lined with books. She strode over, running her fingers over the spines. Some of these looked ancient, their titles embossed in faded gold lettering. She grabbed a few that looked valuable.

Meanwhile, Powder wandered off, her curiosity pulling her from room to room. Her small footsteps were light, almost imperceptible on the pristine floors. Her wide eyes took in everything—the sparkling chandeliers, the strange gadgets scattered across tables, the paintings that seemed to watch her as she moved.

In one room, she stopped short. A workbench illuminated with faint blue light sat against the far wall, its surface cluttered with half-assembled machinery and glowing gems. Powder’s gaze was drawn to it like a magnet, her small frame inching closer. But something else caught her attention—a plate on the edge of the workbench.

A sandwich.

It was thick and fresh, stacked with meat and cheese and vegetables, and looked like the kind of food Powder had only dreamed about. Her stomach growled audibly. She hesitated for only a second before clambering onto the bench, her legs swinging as she took the sandwich in both hands.

“Don’t mind if I do,” she whispered with a giggle, taking a big bite. She hummed happily, the taste better than she could have imagined.

Back in the main room, Vi had just stuffed another book into her bag when she heard it—the faint sound of keys jingling outside the door. Her blood ran cold.

“Guys,” she whispered sharply. Mylo and Claggor froze, their heads snapping toward her.

The jingling grew louder, followed by a voice muffled through the door. “Who’s in there?”

“Shit,” Vi hissed, her heart pounding. She grabbed a chair and wedged it under the door handle, buying them a few precious seconds. “Balcony, now!” she barked, ushering Mylo and Claggor toward the open glass doors.

But as they climbed out, a new panic gripped her. “Powder!”

She sprinted through the penthouse, calling her sister’s name under her breath. The door behind her shook violently, the muffled voice outside growing angrier.

Vi found Powder in the workroom, sitting on the bench with her legs swinging, halfway through the sandwich. She froze, her eyes narrowing. “Powder, what the hell are you doing?”

Powder blinked up at her, her mouth full. “Lunch?”

Vi groaned, yanking her off the bench. Powder protested, clutching the sandwich tightly, but it slipped from her hands as Vi dragged her toward the balcony. “Forget the sandwich!”

They were nearly there when the front door burst open.

Vi and Powder skidded to a stop, frozen as a tall figure loomed in the doorway. They’d been caught.

The bustling streets of Piltover were alive with the sound of merchants hawking their wares and the rhythmic clatter of boots on cobblestones. Jayce strode confidently through the chaos, his broad frame cutting an easy path through the crowd. Behind him, Caitlyn hurried along, struggling slightly with the weight of the towering box in her arms.

“I’m telling you, Cait, it was a steal ,” Jayce said, his voice brimming with excitement. His brown eyes lit up as he gestured animatedly. “Benzo sold me a load of scrap for practically nothing. Best haul I’ve had in weeks!”

“I’m sure he did,” Caitlyn replied, rolling her eyes but hiding a small smile. She adjusted her grip on the box, trying not to let it show that her arms were starting to ache. “What are you even planning to make with all this junk? Some kind of contraption that explodes slightly less than the last one?”

“Funny,” Jayce said with mock seriousness. “This ‘junk,’ as you call it, is going to change the world.”

Caitlyn raised an eyebrow. “Is that what you said about the plasma torch that caught fire and melted your workbench?”

Jayce laughed, the sound hearty and warm. “Okay, that was a design flaw. A minor one.”

As they approached the steps to Caitlyn’s family’s penthouse, the towering box in her arms wobbled slightly. Caitlyn paused mid-step, her heart leaping as one of the trinkets perched at the top shifted precariously. She leaned back just in time, catching the piece before it could fall.

She exhaled in relief, muttering, “Got it.”

Jayce glanced over his shoulder, smirking. “Careful, Cait. That’s your parents’ money right there.”

“Very funny, Jayce,” Caitlyn deadpanned, regaining her balance and trudging up the last few steps.

The penthouse sat atop one of Piltover’s most elegant buildings, its golden trim glinting in the morning sun. Caitlyn’s parents had generously offered it as a workspace for Jayce after he joined the academy, taking him under their wing as a promising inventor.

Jayce reached the door first, pulling out a key ring. “Almost there,” he said as Caitlyn sighed quietly, shifting the box to a more comfortable position.

He inserted the key and turned it, but the lock didn’t budge. Frowning, he tried again, jiggling the key more forcefully this time. The knob refused to turn.

“What’s wrong?” Caitlyn asked, leaning to the side to peer at the door.

Jayce’s expression darkened slightly, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Something’s blocking it,” he muttered. He wiggled the key again before stepping back, his brow furrowing with a mix of confusion and irritation. “Someone’s in there.”

Caitlyn’s eyes widened. “In the penthouse?”

“Doesn’t look like they came for tea,” Jayce muttered, his voice low, tinged with both concern and anger.

The weight of the situation hit her all at once, making her heart race. She set the box down carefully by the door, her mind spinning with possibilities.

Jayce didn’t waste another second. Squaring his shoulders, he lunged forward, ramming his body against the door with a loud thud. The frame shuddered but held firm.

“Are you sure this is necessary?” Caitlyn asked, though her voice was a little higher than usual.

“Got a better idea?” Jayce replied, stepping back and throwing his weight against the door again.

She winced at the sound, half-expecting her parents’ neighbors to poke their heads out and start asking questions. “You’re going to break your shoulder.”

“Better my shoulder than your parents’ trust fund,” Jayce shot back, his tone light but determined as he rammed the door again.

The knob rattled violently, the frame groaning under the pressure. Caitlyn felt a spike of adrenaline with each impact. Who could possibly be inside? And how did they get past the building’s security?

Finally, with one last powerful shove, the door gave way, slamming open against the wall with a loud bang.

Jayce stepped inside first, his chest heaving from exertion, while Caitlyn followed, her eyes darting around the room.

And then they saw them.

Two girls stood frozen in the middle of the penthouse, their eyes wide with fear and surprise. One was tall and lean, with bright pink hair. The other was smaller, with a wild mop of blue hair and a smudge of crumbs on her face.

For a moment, no one moved, the air between them charged and still.

The room was thick with tension as the two groups stared each other down. Vi’s sharp eyes darted from Jayce, still catching his breath from breaking down the door, to Caitlyn, who looked far more composed but no less determined.

“Run,” Vi hissed to Powder.

Both girls bolted for the door, but Jayce’s booming voice filled the space. “Stop!”

Caitlyn sprang into action, surprisingly fast on her feet, and cut Vi off before she could get far. She planted herself firmly in Vi’s path, her arms spread wide as if that alone could stop someone like Vi.

“Move,” Vi said flatly, her voice low and commanding.

“No,” Caitlyn replied, her chin lifting in defiance.

Vi blinked, caught off guard by how steady Caitlyn’s voice was. Powder, however, didn’t hesitate. She darted forward, hands outstretched to shove Caitlyn out of the way.

“Pow!” Vi barked, grabbing her sister’s arm before she could make contact. Powder stumbled back, pouting as she retreated behind Vi’s leg.

Caitlyn stood her ground, her blue eyes fierce but clearly nervous. She looked like she was trying to appear more intimidating than she actually was. It wasn’t working.

Vi let out a frustrated sigh, scratching the back of her head. She could usually fight her way out of situations like this, but something about Caitlyn made her hesitate. Maybe it was the determination in her eyes. Maybe it was because Caitlyn was really bad at being intimidating, and hitting her would feel like kicking a puppy.

Powder, on the other hand, didn’t share Vi’s reservations. She scowled and muttered loudly, “What’s with the fancy accent? Who talks like that?”

“I do, ” Caitlyn snapped back, though her cheeks turned pink.

Jayce finally stepped closer, looming over both girls with his broad shoulders and imposing height. “Alright, what were you doing in here?” he asked, crossing his arms. His voice was firm, but there was a nervous edge to it, like he wasn’t quite sure how to handle this.

Vi stayed silent, her jaw tight. Powder peeked out from behind her leg, glaring at Jayce.

“And where’s my stuff?” Jayce added, his voice rising slightly. “That’s all I care about. Just tell me where they are, and I won’t have to bring the Enforcers into this.”

Caitlyn’s head snapped toward him. “You’d what? ”

“I said I don’t want to bring the Enforcers into this,” Jayce clarified, holding up his hands. “I just need my stuff back. It’s important.”

Vi narrowed her eyes. “If I give you your junk back, you’ll leave us alone?”

Jayce hesitated, glancing at Caitlyn. “...Yes.”

Vi took a step back, arms crossing. “Sure thing, pretty boy. You’ll have it tomorrow.”

She turned to leave, but Jayce was quicker this time, stepping in her path. Powder immediately ducked behind Vi’s leg again, peeking out cautiously.

“No way,” Jayce said firmly. “You’re not walking out of here without me. If I let you go now, I’m definitely not seeing you or my stuff again.”

Vi groaned, tilting her head back like the universe was testing her patience. The sun outside was dipping lower, painting the city with hues of orange and pink.

“Fine,” Vi said begrudgingly. “We’ll take you. “

Jayce looked conflicted. “Yeah, I don’t think going to the Undercity at night is—”

“We can go tomorrow morning,” Caitlyn interrupted suddenly.

Vi scowled at her, crossing her arms. “Some of us don’t have cushy beds to crash in, princess.”

Powder grinned, chiming in, “Yeah, we’re not all snooty like you.”

Caitlyn didn’t miss a beat. “You can stay at my house.”

Vi and Jayce both froze, staring at her in unison.

“What?” Vi said, her voice sharp with disbelief.

“What?” Jayce echoed, his eyebrows shooting up.

Caitlyn shrugged nonchalantly, brushing a stray hair from her face. “There’s no way I’m letting this happen without me. My house has plenty of space, and if Jayce explains everything, my parents won’t mind.”

“They definitely will,” Jayce muttered under his breath, but Caitlyn ignored him.

“This is a terrible idea,” Jayce said, but there was a resigned tone in his voice. He knew better than to argue with Caitlyn when she was this stubborn.

Vi turned to Caitlyn, glaring. “We don’t get a say in this?”

“Nope,” Caitlyn replied, a small, triumphant smile on her face.

Powder frowned, clinging tighter to Vi’s leg. “This is gonna be so weird,” she muttered.

Vi sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Yeah. It is.”

The walk to the Kiramman mansion was quiet at first, with only the occasional sound of Jayce clearing his throat awkwardly. Vi walked close to Powder, her sister’s small hand gripped tightly in her own. She could feel Powder's fingers twitching every few moments, betraying her growing anxiety. Vi’s own nerves weren’t doing much better. Everything about this situation screamed wrong, but she stayed put.

To her left, Caitlyn was walking with an excited bounce in her step, though every now and then she glanced at them with a look that Vi couldn’t quite place. Sympathy? Guilt? When their eyes met, Caitlyn flinched like she’d been caught, her cheeks flushing red before she quickly looked away. Weird, Vi thought, shaking her head.

It wasn’t long before the towering gates of the Kiramman estate loomed over them. Vi tilted her head back, craning her neck until it felt sore just trying to take in the sheer size of the house before them. Powder tugged at her sleeve, her voice a whisper. “Vi… it’s huge.”

“No kidding,” Vi muttered. “What the hell.”

They passed through the gates, the crunch of gravel underfoot only making Vi feel more out of place. By the time they reached the front door, Powder was practically glued to her side, her eyes darting nervously between the house and Jayce.

The door swung open, and a man with kind eyes and a wide smile greeted them enthusiastically. “Caitlyn!” Tobias Kiramman beamed, opening his arms. Caitlyn immediately darted forward, throwing herself into his embrace.

“Father!” she said, her voice warmer than Vi had heard earlier.

“Caitlyn,” came a much cooler voice from the doorway. Cassandra Kiramman stepped forward, her posture impeccable, her gaze sharp as it landed on Vi and Powder. “You brought… strays.”

Powder’s hand tightened around Vi’s, and Vi bit back the urge to snap something rude. Instead, she stared down at her scuffed boots, her jaw clenched.

Caitlyn pulled away from her dad, her smile fading as she turned to glare at her mother. “They’re not strays,” she said firmly, though the confidence in her voice wavered slightly. Then, as if she’d just remembered something important, her eyes widened. She hadn’t even gotten their names.

Scrambling for something, anything, Caitlyn cleared her throat. “This is, uh, Matilda,” she said, gesturing to Vi, who instantly shot her a look that could kill. “And the little one is… Pow.”

Powder’s glare was equally scathing, her nose scrunching up at the description. “Little one?” she whispered harshly to Vi, her tone dripping with disbelief.

“Don’t,” Vi muttered, her voice low.

If Cassandra noticed the tension, she didn’t show it. Instead, she gave a tight, polite smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Well,” she said, her tone dripping with subtle condescension. “Welcome… Matilda. And… Pow.”

Caitlyn winced slightly at how fake her mother’s smile was, but Tobias stepped in, offering the girls a more genuine grin. “It’s nice to meet you both.”

Cassandra shot him a look, but he only shrugged, clearly amused by the whole situation.

Cassandra’s smile tightened. “Caitlyn. Jayce. A word.”

Vi and Powder exchanged a glance as Caitlyn and Jayce were ushered inside. Tobias lingered for a moment, giving them an encouraging nod before following.

Vi sighed, looking down at Powder. “This is gonna be the weirdest night of our lives.”

Powder nodded solemnly. “Weirder than when Milo tried to make stew and used, like, four whole onions?”

“Way weirder,” Vi said, her eyes fixed on the open door.

“...I liked that stew,” Powder muttered.

Vi snorted. “You’re the only one.”

With a deep breath, Vi steeled herself and followed Powder into the mansion. Every step felt like walking into another world, and if the ridiculous chandelier in the entryway was any indication, this world was nothing like theirs. Tonight was going to be a long one.

The moment the study door shut behind them, Cassandra’s polite mask dissolved instantly. Her sharp gaze zeroed in on Caitlyn and Jayce, her voice cool and firm. “Who are those girls? And be honest.”

Jayce froze under her glare, his spine stiffening like a soldier bracing for impact. Words failed him. For all his intelligence, there wasn’t a single explanation that wouldn’t end with him being unceremoniously tossed out the front gates—and likely out of his position entirely.

“They’re staying with us tonight,” Caitlyn said breezily, arms crossed as if she’d just declared they’d adopted a stray cat.

Cassandra blinked, her composure momentarily faltering. “What?” she said, her voice edging on incredulous. “Absolutely not.” She pivoted to Jayce, her tone laced with cold authority. “Jayce. What is the meaning of this?”

Jayce’s mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air. His brain raced, sifting through excuses, but every single one ended with him in some form of ruin.

He was mugged? Terrible.

He was mugged with Caitlyn present ? Worse.

Caitlyn not only confronted the muggers but invited them home? A disaster.

There was no winning. No matter the angle, he looked incompetent at best and catastrophically reckless at worst. “It’s… just for one night,” he finally squeaked, his voice breaking like an out-of-tune violin.

Caitlyn nodded enthusiastically beside him, her wide grin giving the impression that this was the most natural decision in the world.

Cassandra’s expression remained unchanged, save for her left eyebrow rising ever so slightly. Her gaze darted between the two of them, equal parts disbelief and mounting exasperation.

“What exactly do you think is happening here?” she asked, her voice calm but laced with the subtle menace of an approaching storm. “You’ve brought two strangers into our home. Children or not, what on earth makes you think—”

Jayce shrank further into himself, his brain frantically searching for a response, when Cassandra’s tirade was interrupted by the sound of a throat clearing behind the door.

“Dinner is ready, dear,” Tobias called from the hallway. “The children are hungry.”

The words acted like a needle popping a balloon. Cassandra paused, straightened her back, and adjusted the hem of her dress with an almost mechanical precision. “This isn’t over,” she said, her glare promising doom as it flicked between Caitlyn and Jayce.

She turned and swept out of the study, every step echoing with a quiet fury. Jayce exhaled audibly, shoulders slumping in relief.

Caitlyn nudged him with her elbow, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “Good save,” she said under her breath.

“I’m dead,” Jayce whispered, his voice trembling. “She’s going to have me expelled.”

“You’ll be fine,” Caitlyn said cheerfully, already following her mother out of the room. “Probably.”

Jayce trailed after her, muttering a prayer to any deity that would listen. Whatever dinner was going to be, it certainly wouldn’t be relaxing.

The Kiramman dining room, usually a picture of elegance and tranquility, felt more like a battlefield. The tension was palpable—thicker than the gravy in the crystal boat near Cassandra’s plate. She sat at the head of the table, her glare bouncing between Caitlyn and Jayce, but lingering on Jayce as if sheer willpower might cause him to spontaneously combust. Jayce, for his part, kept his eyes glued to his plate, radiating the energy of someone who desperately wished they could turn invisible.

Caitlyn sat upright, forcing a smile and doing her best to exude poise. After all, they had guests . Tobias, ever the optimist, beamed as he attempted to cut through the oppressive silence, his cheerful demeanor acting as a one-man countermeasure to Cassandra’s simmering fury.

Across the table, Vi eyed the food with suspicion. There was too much of it, served on too many plates, with too many layers of garnish that looked inedible. She’d never seen a table set like this before—it was all so unnecessarily fancy . Next to her, Powder had no such reservations. She’d already dug in, stuffing her face with abandon. If the person who made that amazing sandwich from the workshop earlier had cooked this meal, they deserved a medal.

Vi finally gave in and took a cautious bite. Then another. And then another. Okay, maybe the food wasn’t too bad. But as she reached for another forkful, the weight of someone’s gaze pulled her from her focus. She looked up to find Caitlyn staring at her.

Vi narrowed her eyes, her expression a silent What’s your deal? Caitlyn, caught once again, straightened in her seat and frowned back at her, an air of defiance creeping into her otherwise flustered expression.

“So,” Tobias said suddenly, his voice cutting through the quiet like a firecracker. Everyone except Powder jolted, startled. She continued chewing contentedly, oblivious to the world.

“How did you all meet?” Tobias asked, his tone chipper. “Caitlyn doesn’t bring friends around here often.”

Vi snorted at the word friends and filed away the surprising fact that Miss Perfect wasn’t as popular as she looked. But before she could say anything, Powder, still chewing, raised her fork and gestured vaguely at Caitlyn and Jayce.

“We were robbing them,” she said casually, her mouth full.

Vi froze. Her eyes widened in horror as her head whipped toward Powder. Across the table, Cassandra’s jaw dropped so quickly it was a miracle it didn’t hit the table.

Caitlyn and Jayce, caught mid-bite, simultaneously choked on their food. They sputtered and coughed before attempting to disguise it with the loudest, most unnatural laughter ever heard in the Kiramman household.

“Good one, Pow!” Jayce wheezed, clutching his glass of water like a lifeline.

Tobias chuckled hesitantly, joining in, though his eyes darted nervously to his wife. Cassandra’s face remained frozen in shock, though the edges of her glare began to soften as if she were convincing herself it was a poorly delivered joke.

Powder groaned. “Why do they keep calling me that?” she muttered under her breath, stabbing at her plate.

Vi shot her sister a quick, subtle kick under the table—not enough to hurt but enough to scream What is wrong with you? Powder grumbled but kept eating, thankfully saying nothing further.

For the rest of the dinner, not a single soul dared to utter another word. The clinking of cutlery and Powder’s relentless chewing were the only sounds to fill the room.

Dinner wrapped up, and Vi’s eyes narrowed as the staff moved in to clear the plates, efficiently whisking away the remnants of the meal. The sheer audacity of it all grated on her nerves—rich people couldn’t even carry their own damn plates. Scoffing under her breath, she pushed her chair back and stood then sat again, an uncomfortable restlessness bubbling up inside her.

It was all hitting her now—the absurdity of her situation. She’d imagined a dozen ways tonight could’ve gone down: the heist tip going sideways, getting arrested, or, if things really went south, far worse scenarios she’d rather not dwell on. But this? Ending the night in what was essentially a castle in topside? This wasn’t even in the realm of possibility.

Her eyes flicked to Caitlyn, or Piltie Princess , as Vi had decided to call her for now. The girl was standing next to her dad, her posture impossibly perfect, back straight like she was born with a ruler strapped to her spine. There was something deeply odd about her—how she managed to be both uptight and relaxed at the same time. It didn’t make sense.

Vi leaned against the back of her chair, arms crossed, watching her warily. She couldn’t figure Caitlyn out. How had she gone from looking genuinely shocked that pretty boy—the guy Vi now knew as “Jayce”—hadn’t called the enforcers on them, to not only letting them go but inviting them to her home ? Something about her didn’t add up.

Vi’s gaze trailed downward as Caitlyn shifted slightly, her dark blue hair gleaming under the soft glow of the chandelier. Her outfit was a lot —puffy sleeves and what was basically a tie knotted around her neck. It screamed “Piltie excess.” But then her eyes dropped lower, and Vi’s brow furrowed.

Are those shorts?

Vi blinked, momentarily thrown. She’d never seen a Piltie girl wear anything other than those pristine, stuffy dresses they seemed to adore. Caitlyn sure was odd.

Noticing Vi’s restlessness, Caitlyn watched the girl from her peripheral vision. She wasn’t one to brag (okay, maybe she was), but her vision was impeccable. Even as she nodded politely at her father’s words, her attention was fully trained on the girl with pink hair she had dubbed 'Matilda'.

I really should get her name, Caitlyn thought to herself, her gaze lingering. Her eyes traced the bright pink hair, swooped back messily with a slight side shave that peeked through. Then, there was the outfit. How bizarre was that thing? So many layers—she couldn’t even begin to understand the logic behind them.

And yet, despite herself, Caitlyn felt... something. Something about the rugged, chaotic look made her stomach twist in a way she wasn’t entirely ready to examine.

Now is not the time for this, she thought firmly, shaking herself from the momentary daze.

She gave her father a curt nod and a short response before excusing herself, claiming she wanted to thank the cook for the meal. It was partly true—Caitlyn had always been polite like that—but mostly, she just needed a moment to herself.

Stepping into the kitchen, Caitlyn paused in surprise. A mop of blue hair caught her attention immediately. Powder stood by the counter, enthusiastically chattering at the chef.

“This is the BEST food I’ve ever had!” Powder exclaimed, practically bouncing with energy. “Seriously, like, I didn’t even know potatoes could taste this good. Did you put magic in them or something?”

Caitlyn blinked, startled for a moment, before walking in anyway. “Dinner was delicious,” she said politely, addressing the chef as she always did.

As she spoke, she noticed a glare aimed directly at her. Powder’s wide blue eyes narrowed in challenge, and Caitlyn felt the smallest flicker of amusement. She glanced back, silent, meeting the little girl’s gaze head-on.

The tension hung heavy in the kitchen, unspoken but thick enough to cut with one of the chef’s polished knives. Powder was now seated on the counter, swinging her legs defiantly as she locked eyes with Caitlyn from across the room. Who was going to break first?

The chef, clearly desperate to escape the standoff, cleared her throat. “Powder, I need to start cleaning my workstation,” she said gently, darting nervous glances between the two girls as though unsure who was the predator and who was the prey.

Powder didn’t move. Instead, her gaze dropped to a shiny, absurdly decorative fruit perched on the counter—a perfect apple, unnaturally smooth and waxy. With a slow, deliberate motion, she snatched it up, her eyes flicking back to Caitlyn as she lifted it toward her mouth.

Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, arms folding across her chest, her smirk saying, Surely she wouldn't .

Powder would.

She bit down, and the reaction was immediate. Her face contorted in disgust as the texture hit—like sandpaper coated in old glue. She froze mid-chew, teeth scraping against the unyielding surface, and for a split second, it was unclear whether she was going to spit it out or start swearing.

Caitlyn’s composure cracked first. A small, startled laugh escaped her, bubbling up before she could stop it.

“The real fruit is outside on the table... Powder, ” Caitlyn said, her voice feather-light and teasing as she enunciated the name just enough to make it sting.

Powder’s expression twisted further—part embarrassment, part indignation. “THAT’S NOT my name!” she snapped, the pitch of her voice giving away more than she meant it to.

Caitlyn was already turning on her heel, her laughter soft but unmistakably smug as it followed her out of the kitchen.

Powder muttered under her breath as she dropped the offensive fruit back onto the counter with a thunk . “It is my name,” she grumbled to herself, but the admission was mutinous.

Out in the hall, Caitlyn let her smile linger, unable to shake the faint amusement at the whole exchange. What was supposed to be a simple, polite dinner had turned into something... stranger. Somehow, the chaos of it felt almost welcome.

And then, of course, her thoughts drifted—unbidden—to her. The girl with the pink hair and the permanent scowl, standing stubbornly at the edges of Caitlyn’s perfectly ordered world.

Caitlyn sighed to herself, shaking her head.

Tonight was going to be so weird.

Jayce adjusts his coat like he’s about to launch into a grand speech, but the weight of Cassandra’s gaze has him fumbling instead. “Well,” he says, dragging the word out like it’s a lifeline, “I should probably... head out. Early meeting. Academy stuff. Very important.” He waves vaguely, as if that will somehow convey all the gravitas he clearly lacks. “I’ll be back in the morning to, uh, take the kids to my lab. Great learning opportunity. Very educational.”

Cassandra arches a brow, unimpressed. Her arms cross slowly, her silence sharp enough to flay. Jayce’s smile tightens, his bravado slipping further by the second.

Caitlyn steps in before he can dig himself into a deeper hole. “Goodnight, Jayce,” she says smoothly, her tone carefully measured. She doesn’t even look at him, but the subtle edge in her voice screams, Leave before she devours you.

Jayce seizes the opportunity with all the grace of a drowning man grabbing a life preserver. “Right. Goodnight! Sweet dreams!” He turns on his heel and practically sprints down the hall, his parting wave looking more like a flail.

Caitlyn exhales, folding her hands neatly in front of her, the perfect picture of control. Internally, she’s buzzing. This entire night feels like she’s stepped into someone else’s life, someone reckless and daring. She loves it.

Powder lingers close to Vi, her wide eyes darting nervously around the cavernous space, while Vi stands planted like a storm on the horizon. Her arms are crossed, her jaw tight, her glare sweeping across the room with casual disdain.

“I’ll take my friends to the guest chambers, Mother,” Caitlyn says, her voice clipped but carrying a subtle playfulness. She lets the word friends hang in the air, daring Cassandra to challenge her.

Cassandra doesn’t. Instead, her gaze softens as it lands on Powder, small and out of place against the backdrop of polished marble and oil paintings. “No,” she says, with the tone of someone who has already decided. “Take them to your chambers. There’s plenty of room.”

Caitlyn blinks, her composure faltering for the first time all evening. Her chambers? With them?

“Of course, Mother,” she replies crisply, her mask slipping back into place. She keeps her tone neutral, but her mind races. Sharing her room with Powder? And her? This wasn’t just stepping out of her comfort zone—it was vaulting off a cliff.

Vi catches the hesitation, her lip curling into something like a smirk. “Figures,” she mutters, low enough for only Powder to hear. Piltie Princess can’t handle sharing her royal space.

Powder tugs at her sleeve in warning, but Vi just shrugs, her grin widening.

What Vi doesn’t know—and Caitlyn would rather jump out of the window than admit—is that her reluctance has nothing to do with that. It’s the way Vi’s presence pulls at the edges of her carefully constructed self-control. Sharing a space with her felt... hazardous.

Caitlyn doesn’t let it show. “Follow me,” she says, her voice even, as if nothing is amiss.

They cross the grand hall, the sound of their footsteps echoing against the high ceilings. When they reach the base of the staircase, Caitlyn takes a deliberate step ahead, eager to keep moving. Vi, however, slows.

At the center of the landing above, a massive family portrait dominates the space. It’s everything Vi hates—ornate, smug, and over-polished. But it’s not the golden frames or pastel hues that stop her in her tracks. It’s Caitlyn.

There she is, younger and stiffer, her dress ironed to perfection.

She’s holding a rifle.

A massive one.

Vi stares, her head tilting slightly, her arms slowly dropping to her sides. She squints, as if questioning the very fabric of reality. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” she mutters.

Caitlyn doesn’t pause or look back. She climbs the stairs with effortless grace, her head held high.

Vi glances at Powder, then back at the painting. Her grin shifts into something sharper, teeth and all. “Piltie Princess is terrifying,” Powder says under her breath, almost admiring.

They follow after Caitlyn, quickening her steps, her smirk still firmly in place.

When they reach Caitlyn's room, the sheer size of it is almost laughable. A massive bed sits in the center—easily three times the size of the one Vi and Powder share every night. Enough room, indeed. The space alone could house ten people. Rich fucking people. Vi and Powder stand awkwardly at the entrance, their eyes wide and silent, taking it all in.

Caitlyn walks in without a word, heading toward another room inside her room. Powder nudges Vi with her elbow, her expression saying what they’re both thinking: This is ridiculous.

Moments later, Caitlyn returns with two stacks of clothes. “Here you go, Powder,” she says, her tone gentler than expected. “I tried to find some of my older clothes, so they shouldn’t be too big. I hope they’re comfortable for you.”

Powder scoffs, but she takes the clothes with surprising care, her glare softening just a little. Caitlyn shrugs it off as if she doesn’t notice, then turns to Vi. Her voice hardens, adopting a cool, almost smug edge. “And these should be comfortable and to your liking. Should I keep calling you Matilda , or was that a bad guess?”

There’s a certain sass in her voice that immediately grates on Vi. “It’s Vi,” she snaps, a slight edge of annoyance curling her words.

Caitlyn's smirk lingers. “Well, Vi, here you go.” She plops the second stack of clothes into Vi’s arms, the smugness still radiating from her.

Vi glares at her, but her lips curl into a lopsided grin. “Thanks, Cupcake. ”

Caitlyn freezes mid-step, whipping around to stare at her. “My name is Caitlyn,” she says firmly, her voice taut with irritation.

“But you’re just so sweet,” Vi quips, voice dripping with sarcasm and condescension. “Like a cupcake.”

Powder snorts loudly, barely holding back a laugh. Caitlyn stiffens, her cheeks pinking with indignation. She glares daggers at both of them before turning on her heel. Without another word, she disappears into the bathroom, leaving Vi and Powder standing in the absurdly oversized room.

Vi grins to herself, adjusting the clothes in her arms. “Pilties,” she mutters.

Caitlyn aggressively scrubs her face, water splashing in sharp bursts against the sink. Her movements are brisk—almost furious—as if washing away the day itself. The cold edge of reality has set in, and she can’t help but glare at herself in the mirror. She's in her usual purple camisole and grey shorts. Comfortable, just how she likes it. She pulls her hair into a loose ponytail with a final huff.

Guess comfort’s not an option tonight.

Stepping out of the bathroom, Caitlyn freezes. Powder and Vi are still standing exactly where she left them, as if waiting for someone to yell “action.” Powder looks almost bored, Vi’s arms are crossed, her foot tapping faintly against the floor.

“Are you two statues now?” Caitlyn mutters under her breath, sighing as she pushes past them. Sympathy, Caitlyn. Remember sympathy.

“Follow me,” she says aloud, glancing at Vi.

Powder follows anyway, ignoring Caitlyn’s narrowed glance.

In the bathroom, Caitlyn opens a small closet and points to a basket in the corner. “You can leave your clothes here. I’ll have them washed and ready for the morning.” She hesitates, glancing at Vi, then Powder, their eyes darting suspiciously over every detail of the pristine room. This probably feels like a different planet to them.

She clears her throat. “And if you want to shower… just flick the knob like this.” She demonstrates, twisting it slightly. Hot water immediately cascades from the showerhead. Powder and Vi freeze, eyes widening in disbelief.

Vi’s eyebrows shoot up. “Wait. You just—turn it, and the hot water comes out? Instantly? ”

“Of course it does,” Caitlyn says, raising an eyebrow. “How else would it work?”

Powder scoffs, muttering under her breath, “Rich people.”

Vi snorts. “I bet the water even smells like money.” She steps toward the stream, holding her hand under it briefly before jerking back. “Shit, this is probably hot enough to boil a lobster. ”

Caitlyn crosses her arms. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

Vi shoots her a crooked grin. “Don’t get too smug, Cupcake."

Caitlyn opens her mouth to correct her—again—but then decides against it. Instead, she just rolls her eyes and turns to leave. “Shower, or don’t. Suit yourself.”

Vi shrugs and pulls her borrowed clothes from under her arm. “Oh, I’ll shower. Gotta see what luxury feels like, right?”

Powder decides against it entirely. “Nah, I’m good,” she says, already yawning. Without asking, she trails Caitlyn back to the bedroom, dragging her feet like a sleepwalker.

When Caitlyn returns, Powder is already halfway across the massive bed, sprawled out on one side like she owns it. Caitlyn stares at her for a moment, incredulous.

Powder cracks one eye open. “What?”

Caitlyn shakes her head, exhaling softly. “Nothing.” She steps over and pulls the blanket up around the kid. Powder grumbles something incoherent but doesn’t resist, her breathing evening out almost immediately. Caitlyn lingers for a moment, her expression softening.

Let her have this, she thinks. Let the kid have one good night.

The sound of running water from the bathroom snaps her back to reality. Turning, Caitlyn eyes the lounge chair in the corner of her room. It’s meant for sitting, not sleeping, but it’ll have to do. She grabs a throw blanket and lowers herself into it, the leather creaking softly.

She tests a few positions—legs curled up, legs stretched out—none of which are remotely comfortable. She sighs again, muttering under her breath. “This is ridiculous.”

Moments later, Vi strides into the room, hair damp and borrowed clothes hanging just a little awkwardly on her frame. She stops mid-step when she sees Caitlyn in the chair.

“Are you seriously sleeping there?” Vi asks, eyebrows raised in disbelief.

Caitlyn adjusts the blanket stubbornly. “Yes. I am.”

Vi snorts, walking toward the bed. “You’re kidding, right? There’s enough room on that thing for a small village.” She jerks her thumb at the bed, where Powder is already dead to the world.

Caitlyn glares at her. “I’m being considerate.”

Vi rolls her eyes dramatically. “Seriously.” She gestures to the bed again, this time more emphatically. “That thing is big enough for, like, ten of us.”

“I said I’m fine, ” Caitlyn replies stubbornly, tugging her blanket tighter around herself like a shield.

Vi smirks, standing in front of her with her arms crossed. “Sure you are. All cozy in that chair. Stiff neck, cold toes, and all.”

Caitlyn opens her mouth to argue but falters, because frankly, Vi isn’t wrong. Not that Caitlyn would ever admit it. “I’m being considerate,” she repeats weakly.

Vi just shrugs. “Whatever you say, Cupcake. ” With that, she turns and flops onto the bed, making a show of sprawling out right in the middle. The mattress dips slightly under her weight, and she throws her arms behind her head with a contented sigh. “Mmm. Yeah, definitely better than a moldy shithole in Stillwater.”

Caitlyn scowls. “Must you be so—so crass? ”

Vi doesn’t bother opening her eyes. “It’s called honesty, Cupcake. You should try it sometime.”

Caitlyn lets out a frustrated huff, narrowing her eyes at Vi’s smug, half-asleep face. She glares for a few seconds longer before her resolve wavers. The chair really is miserable.

With an annoyed grumble, Caitlyn stands and carefully pads toward the other side of the bed, as if it might bite her. She hesitates for a split second before finally sitting on the edge, moving gingerly as if one wrong move might wake Powder or provoke Vi’s teasing. She carefully lies down, facing away from both of them, her body stiff as a board.

Moments later, the mattress shifts behind her. Caitlyn freezes.

“Don’t worry, Cupcake,” Vi’s voice comes softly from over her shoulder. There’s a teasing edge to it, but it’s quieter now, more subdued. “I won’t bite. Unless you snore. Then all bets are off.”

“Shut up,” Caitlyn whispers sharply, though there’s no real heat behind it.

Vi smirks, unseen, her eyes still closed. “Night, Princess.”

Caitlyn exhales slowly, willing herself to ignore her bedmates and focus on sleep. A moment of silence settles over the room. The faint hum of the city outside seeps in, and for the first time that evening, everything feels still.

As Vi’s breathing slows and evens out, she can’t help but smirk faintly to herself. As if saying: Called it.

Caitlyn rolls her eyes in the dark, half-convinced Vi’s smirk is somehow audible. But she says nothing. Eventually, the weight of the day pulls her under, and she drifts off, surrounded by unfamiliar company in the too-big bed.

Through the silence of the night, Powder’s shriek startled both Caitlyn and Vi awake. Vi shot up immediately, her instincts kicking in as she moved to Powder’s side in an instant. Powder sobbed violently, clinging to Vi, her small hands gripping her sister’s shirt like a lifeline.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” Vi murmured softly, running her hand gently over Powder’s head, smoothing down her hair. “It’s just a nightmare, Pow. You’re safe. I’ve got you.” Her voice was steady and soothing, a quiet rhythm of comfort that only years of practice could perfect.

Caitlyn sat up groggily, her heart racing as she tried to piece together what had just happened. Half-awake and still disoriented, she blinked at the scene unfolding in front of her: Powder sobbing uncontrollably in Vi’s arms, Vi holding her with such tenderness that it seemed like second nature.

Her heart ached—shattered for the little girl who couldn’t escape her nightmares but soared at the sight of Vi, so strong and yet so gentle, cradling her sister like she was the most precious thing in the world. Without a word, Caitlyn slipped out of bed, her bare feet making almost no sound against the floor as she left the room.

Vi watched her leave, her shoulders tensing slightly. She winced. Guess that freaked her out. Powder’s nightmares had that effect on people sometimes. But then, before Vi could think much more of it, Caitlyn returned, carrying a glass of water and a small box of tissues.

Wordlessly, she handed them to Vi, her face unreadable in the dim light.

Vi stared at her, momentarily stunned. She hadn’t expected Caitlyn to come back, let alone with… this. Blinking herself out of her daze she turned back to Powder. She helped her sister take a few slow sips of water and wiped away her tears with the tissues, her voice still low and gentle as she whispered reassurances until the sobs quieted.

Caitlyn, meanwhile, climbed silently back into her side of the bed, careful not to disturb them. She turned onto her side, facing away, giving Vi and Powder their privacy as she pulled the blanket up to her shoulder.

Soon, Powder’s breathing evened out, her body relaxing against Vi as she fell into a deep sleep once more. Vi let out a quiet sigh of relief, brushing a strand of hair from Powder’s face as she laid her carefully back down.

She eased onto her back, staring up at the ceiling. Sleep was no longer an option for her—helping Powder through these episodes always left her wide awake, a heavy weight settling in her chest. Nightmares like this weren’t frequent, but when they came, they hit hard. She hated seeing her little sister like that, so vulnerable.

Vi sighed again, turning her head to glance at Caitlyn. Her back was still to them, stiff and unmoving, clearly not asleep.

She furrowed her brows. This is so bizarre.

She’d robbed this girl only that morning. Robbed her. And yet, here they were—Vi and Powder, in Caitlyn’s house, on her bed, wearing her clothes. Powder’s nightmare hadn’t been met with snark or exasperation. Caitlyn hadn’t thrown them out or acted put out for having her sleep disturbed. She’d brought water, tissues. She’d been… kind.

Vi frowned slightly, guilt twisting in her gut. She’d been holding so much animosity toward Caitlyn—not for anything Caitlyn did, but for what she represented. The fancy house. The nice clothes. The hot water. Everything Vi and Powder would never have. But none of that was Caitlyn’s fault. And tonight…

She hesitated, glancing back at Powder to make sure she was still sleeping soundly before shifting closer to Caitlyn. She moved slowly, carefully, so as not to startle her, and leaned just close enough to whisper.

“Hey… thanks,” Vi murmured softly, her voice low, almost hesitant.

Caitlyn’s breathing stilled for a moment, then she slowly turned over, now facing Vi.

Vi thought she was pretty good at predicting people. But never in her life would she have guessed that the first thing to come out of Caitlyn’s mouth at that moment was—

“Are you alright?”

Vi froze. Speechless. The question caught her completely off guard, and for a second, all she could do was stare at the bright cerulean eyes gleaming in the dark. Her heartbeat thudded in her chest, loud enough she swore Caitlyn could hear it. She managed to choke out a quiet, “Yeah.”

Caitlyn didn’t say anything more. She just kept looking at her, her gaze steady and unwavering, like she was searching for something deeper. And Vi… Vi didn’t know why, but she felt herself wanting to talk.

“She actually fell asleep pretty quick,” Vi whispered, her voice softer than she intended. “Usually, she has a hard time with that too. She’d talk about monsters chasing her, and I’d have to come up with bigger monsters to scare hers away.” Vi chuckled faintly, the sound tinged with something distant—nostalgia and sadness tangled together. “She was so young when our parents died.”

Caitlyn’s eyes widened for just a second, the new piece of information hitting her like a punch to the chest. She said nothing, though, didn’t interrupt. She just listened.

“They were killed by enforcers,” Vi continued, her voice dropping lower. She closed her eyes tightly, as if trying to block out the memory. “On the bridge.”

Caitlyn inhaled sharply, but still didn’t speak.

“Pow was too young to really get it,” Vi whispered, opening her eyes again. “She keeps imagining the soldiers as big, oozy monsters. Like in her books.” She let out a shaky breath, her jaw clenching for a moment. “I guess getting caught today freaked her out. I was shocked she slept so quick, but… her nightmare makes sense now.”

Vi glanced away, her fingers curling loosely into the blanket. “Sorry for scaring you.”

For a moment, there was silence. Vi half-expected Caitlyn to offer some polite brush-off or an awkward reassurance. Instead, Caitlyn just… stared at her, eyes soft and full of something Vi couldn’t quite place. Before Vi knew it, Caitlyn lifted a hand and gently pressed it to her cheek.

“It’s not your fault,” Caitlyn whispered.

Vi froze. Her eyes went wide, her breath catching in her throat. The softness of Caitlyn’s voice, the sincerity in her words—it hit her harder than she thought possible. Without thinking, Vi’s hand came up to Caitlyn’s, holding it there for just a second longer.

The moment stretched between them, fragile but intense.

Then Caitlyn blinked, her composure shifting ever so slightly. She pulled her hand back slowly, clearing her throat as she turned onto her side.

“Goodnight, Vi,” she whispered.

Vi watched her for a beat longer, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Goodnight, Cupcake.”

But this time, when she said it, the nickname carried a different weight.

The morning light crept through the curtains, streaks of pale gold softening the edges of the room. For a moment, Vi forgot where she was. There was no sharp chill in the air, no creaking pipes or distant hum of the undercity to lull her to sleep—only the absurdly plush warmth of a bed far too comfortable to belong to her.

Then everything from the day before came crashing back at once. Her eyes shot open, and she blinked hard, her surroundings coming into focus. And there it was—long, dark blue hair sprawled across the pillow in front of her.

Vi turned carefully, craning her neck to check on Powder, who was still dead to the world, her face smushed into the mattress, a little snore escaping with every other breath. Vi sighed, letting her head drop back onto the pillow.

How long had it been? Hours? A day? Vander was probably worried sick by now. Knowing Mylo, he’s already told him we got caught and died. Idiot. Vi scrubbed a hand down her face, a groan muffled by the sheets.

Right, she thought. They needed to get out of here. Home was waiting, and the longer they stayed topside, the worse this was going to get. Somehow, she’d have to drag Pretty Boy— ugh —and Caitlyn down into the Undercity. That alone was going to be a nightmare. Then, she’d have to sweet-talk Mylo into giving back the stuff they stole so she could slap a bow on this mess and pretend it never happened.

She glanced over at Caitlyn again. The girl was still asleep, her breathing soft and even, a strand of hair fluttering with every exhale.

Vi frowned, guilt twisting in her gut. Undercity’s gonna eat her alive.

Caitlyn woke up with a faint buzzing in her chest—anticipation, nerves, excitement, a little bit of everything. She knew exactly what today meant. Today I’m going to the Undercity.

The thought alone sent a thrill through her, though she wasn’t entirely sure if it was excitement or anxiety. For the first time in her life, she’d see the world she’d only ever read about in reports, heard about through stories.

She sat up quickly, unable to contain her energy—only to freeze when she saw Vi sitting upright at the edge of the bed, staring at her with wide, startled eyes.

“Oops,” Caitlyn said, sheepishly offering a small, apologetic smile. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”

Vi blinked at her before rolling her eyes with an amused snort, as if saying you didn’t scare me , though her expression said otherwise.

Clearing her throat, Caitlyn slipped out of bed, muttering something about needing the bathroom. She shut the door behind her, leaning her back against it for a moment to collect herself. Get it together, she thought, pressing her palms to her cheeks, feeling the heat there. This wasn’t like her.

She quickly freshened up, splashing cold water on her face and pulling herself together. After dressing neatly into her usual clothes—a soft button-up and fitted trousers—she returned to the room, only to find Powder now sitting up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

“Breakfast should be ready soon,” Caitlyn announced, her voice a little louder than intended. She immediately felt awkward, nerves creeping in again. She looked toward Vi, her words rushing out in a slightly flustered tone. “I set out some toothbrushes, and your clean laundry is on the counter. I’ll, um… I’ll be in the dining hall. Come there whenever you’re ready.”

The moment she finished, her cheeks flamed. Why are you blushing? she scolded herself. Stop it, you look ridiculous.

Before anyone could say anything, Powder sprang out of bed, nearly bowling Vi over in her enthusiasm.

“Dibs on the bathroom!” Powder shouted triumphantly, bolting for the door and slamming it shut behind her with a bang!

Both Caitlyn and Vi winced at the noise.

Recovering first, Vi gave Caitlyn a small, lopsided smile—one that seemed oddly… grateful.

“Uh—right,” Caitlyn stammered, completely losing her composure as her blush deepened. “I’ll, uh… see you soon.” She turned on her heel, practically fleeing the room.

As the door clicked shut, Vi shook her head with a quiet chuckle, leaning back on her hands. “That girl’s got no idea what she’s in for,” she muttered under her breath, eyes flicking to the closed bathroom door.

In the dining room, Caitlyn found her parents already seated, their plates of food and steaming cups of coffee being carefully served. She offered a polite greeting and took her usual seat, her eyes briefly darting away to avoid her mother’s ever-observant gaze. A server placed her customary breakfast and cup of tea in front of her, earning a quiet “thank you” as she started eating.

From across the table, Caitlyn could feel Cassandra’s gaze boring into her. She knew her mother was seconds away from asking a question Caitlyn likely had no reasonable answer for— Where did you go? Who are they? —but before Cassandra could speak, Vi and Powder entered the room.

They looked awkward, uncomfortable, and entirely out of place in their freshly cleaned clothes—ironed and stain-free but still worn and familiar. Caitlyn’s shoulders eased as she smiled warmly, gesturing to the chairs beside her.

Vi hesitated for a moment before sitting down to Caitlyn’s right, while Powder plopped herself across from her, right next to Cassandra. Caitlyn’s eyes widened at the proximity, her fork stilling mid-air, but Cassandra surprised her. Instead of the stern look Caitlyn had expected, her mother offered Powder a small, warm smile. Relief washed over Caitlyn, and she settled back into her seat.

The servers returned almost immediately, bringing in multiple plates of food and a selection of drinks—fresh juices, tea, coffee. The spread was impressive, a typical Kiramman display of excess. Tobias, always the gentler presence compared to Cassandra, spoke up with a kind smile.

“We weren’t sure what you kids liked for breakfast, so please, help yourselves.”

Vi hesitated, glancing around as though expecting someone to tell her she wasn’t allowed, while Powder wasted no time stacking her plate high with everything in arm’s reach. Caitlyn couldn’t help but watch as Vi eventually followed suit, grabbing food with far more enthusiasm than the night before.

Vi ate quickly, utensils almost forgotten, sauce smudging the corner of her mouth as she devoured the meal with unrestrained hunger. It was a stark contrast to the drilled-in etiquette Caitlyn had followed her entire life—small bites, straight posture, perfect composure. She felt a flicker of something—discomfort, maybe—but it was overpowered by the warmth in her chest as she watched. Seeing them so unabashedly enjoy their food was oddly endearing.

Curious, Caitlyn glanced at her mother, bracing for Cassandra’s disapproval. To her surprise, Cassandra’s expression was schooled but strained, as though she was actively trying not to frown or scowl. Caitlyn could see the effort it took, but deep down, she knew why. Despite what Cassandra might think of her new company, Caitlyn had chosen these people to be her friends—or at least something close to that—and Cassandra, in her own way, just wanted her daughter to be happy.

Breakfast passed without incident, the silence interrupted only by the occasional clink of cutlery or Powder’s delighted hums as she dug into her food. When the meal was done, Powder practically skipped toward the kitchen, calling out to the cook over her shoulder.

“Seriously, you gotta tell me how you do it! It’s so good!”

Caitlyn shook her head fondly, standing to follow. Vi fell into step beside her, the two of them lingering just behind Powder as they walked. There was still an air of awkwardness between them—an unspoken awareness of all that had happened the day before—but it no longer carried any hostility.

If anything, the silence felt… easier.

As they approached the kitchen, Caitlyn glanced at Vi out of the corner of her eye. Before either could say a word, Powder’s voice rang out again, chatting excitedly with the kitchen staff as though she’d known them her whole life. Caitlyn smiled faintly, but her thoughts wandered to what came next.

As if on cue, Jayce’s voice called out from the front door, his tone polite but his posture visibly stiff as he greeted the Kirammans. He stood awkwardly, his discomfort clear in the way he shifted his weight from one foot to the other, his eyes flickering around as though wary of stepping on toes.

From her place in the dining room, Cassandra observed him carefully, her lips pressed into a thin line. Her instincts told her to question, to prod, to intervene, but Tobias’ calming presence beside her—along with his gentle hand on her arm—urged her to stand down.

“Let it play out,” he’d whispered to her earlier, and she was reluctantly following that advice.

Still, Cassandra wasn’t above sending Jayce one last warning glare, her sharp eyes reminding him that she wasn’t quite convinced of his trustworthiness. Caitlyn, oblivious to—or deliberately ignoring—her mother’s scrutiny, practically dragged Jayce out the door by the arm.

“Bye, Mum! Bye, Dad!” Caitlyn called back quickly, waving over her shoulder with a bright smile. Her energy was infectious, and even Tobias couldn’t help but chuckle softly as she disappeared from view.

Powder, standing a few paces behind Caitlyn, gave the kitchen one last wistful glance, clearly reluctant to leave the source of her newfound favorite meals. But the moment the door was fully open, she bolted, darting outside like an excited whirlwind.

Vi lingered, though. She stood in the doorway, her shoulders tense, her fist clenched at her side. She took a deep, steadying breath, as though bracing herself, before finally turning back to face Cassandra and Tobias.

“Thank you,” she said awkwardly, her voice quiet but sincere.

Cassandra, surprised by the gesture, visibly softened. The tension in her posture eased, and she offered Vi a small, genuine smile. “It’s no problem,” she said warmly.

Tobias chimed in, his tone even kinder. “You’re always welcome here.”

Vi froze, the words clearly catching her off guard. For a long moment, she just stood there, uncertain how to respond. Finally, she gave a brief, sharp nod and murmured another soft “thank you” before stepping out the door.

She closed it behind her, letting out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

Vi jogged up to catch the group, giving Jayce a playful slap on the back. “Alright, pretty boy, here’s the deal. We hit the Undercity, you grab your stuff, and then you and Cupcake make your way back home. That’s the plan, right?”

Jayce nodded but squinted at her suspiciously. “ All of my stuff,” he emphasized, dragging out the word.

“Yeah, yeah, all of it,” Vi said, waving him off. She ignored the way Caitlyn’s gaze seemed to linger on her, something she wasn’t sure how to deal with right now.

Vi led the way, her steps light and practiced as they entered the winding paths leading to the undercity. “Stick close. Lots of jumping, lots of climbing,” she warned.

Jayce immediately balked. “Wait—what? No, no, no. My route is safer. No crazy stunts required.”

“Yeah?” Vi shot back, already sizing him up. “Your usual route isn’t exactly friendly to people like us. So it’s my way or the highway, big guy.”

Jayce grumbled but didn’t argue further.

Vi moved effortlessly, her body nimble as she leaped from one ledge to another. Powder followed close behind, slightly wobbly but managing just fine with practiced familiarity. Then came the real disasters.

Jayce had all the grace of an elephant attempting ballet. He slammed into walls, thudded down ledges, and muttered curses as he struggled to hoist his bulky frame through each obstacle.

“Guess all that muscle isn’t as useful as it looks,” Vi called back, grinning over her shoulder.

Jayce growled something unintelligible in response.

Then Caitlyn.

Vi paused, watching as Caitlyn eyed the first jump with wide, panic-stricken eyes. She didn’t have to say a word for Vi to know what she was thinking— this was a terrible idea.

With a deep breath, Caitlyn made the leap and immediately lost her balance, landing unceremoniously on her ass.

Vi barely held back a laugh, but her smirk gave her away.

Caitlyn’s sharp glare could’ve cut steel.

By the time they reached the final jump, Vi decided to take pity. Standing to the side, she held out her hand to Caitlyn. “We’ll do it together,” she offered, her tone softer now.

Caitlyn hesitated, then nodded, placing her hand in Vi’s. With a deep breath, she jumped. She landed on her feet, but the wobble that followed had Vi stepping in quickly, her hands finding Caitlyn’s waist to steady her.

They lingered there for a moment, closer than they probably needed to be. Caitlyn’s cheeks flushed a soft pink, and Vi’s fingers twitched where they rested on her.

Both cleared their throats simultaneously, stepping away with awkward swiftness.

Behind them, Powder groaned loudly. “Gross,” she muttered, earning a glare from Vi.

Jayce smirked knowingly in Caitlyn’s direction, which earned him an elbow to the stomach from her.

Vi’s sharp eyes flicked over Caitlyn’s outfit as they started walking again. “That won’t do,” she said flatly, gesturing to Caitlyn’s polished attire. “You look like you’re about to give a lecture on proper table manners.”

Jayce, dressed in more neutral tones that helped him blend, snorted but said nothing.

Vi scanned the nearest alley, her eyes landing on a discarded jacket draped over a rusted pipe. It had a hole in the shoulder, looked like it hadn’t been washed in years, and had an undeniable stink. She grabbed it and handed it to Caitlyn with zero hesitation.

Caitlyn recoiled, her nose wrinkling. “You can’t be serious.”

Vi just shrugged. “You gotta look the part. That fancy tie isn’t gonna do you any favors down here.”

Reluctantly, Caitlyn slipped the jacket on, pulling the hood up to cover her hair. Her frown deepened at the smell, but she kept her complaints to herself.

Vi smirked at her. “Perfect.”

Caitlyn muttered something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like an insult, but Vi didn’t care. She was already moving again.

“Alright,” Vi said, her tone shifting to something sharper. “Let’s get this over with.”

She led the way deeper into the undercity, toward The Last Drop.

It was as if Vi had completely forgotten her own advice about being discreet. She kicked the door to The Last Drop open, making an unnecessarily grand entrance.

Morning hours were Vander’s quiet prep time, when he cleaned the bar and got it ready for the evening. But today, he wasn’t alone—Mylo and Claggor were lounging at one of the tables, and sitting with them was none other than Sheriff Grayson.

Vander’s head snapped up, his face torn between relief and anger as he watched Powder sprint toward him. She leapt into his arms for a hug, and despite himself, he softened and embraced her. Vi quickly joined in, the three of them locked in a familial moment.

Jayce and Caitlyn, however, lingered awkwardly by the door, catching Grayson’s curious eye.

“Young Kiramman,” the sheriff said, turning to Caitlyn with a raised brow. “What are you doing here?”

Caitlyn smiled sheepishly, a small shrug accompanying her answer. “Adventure?”

Grayson blinked, surprised but amused, and nodded approvingly. “Good for you. Nice to see you finally coming out of your shell.”

Vander, however, had noticed the two newcomers standing there. He approached with his imposing presence, sizing Jayce up immediately.

“Who are you, young man?” Vander asked, his tone low but firm. “And how did you manage to bring them back?” He nodded toward Vi and Powder.

Jayce cleared his throat nervously, attempting to appear more confident than he felt. “Well, sir, uh... you see, they were... sort of robbing me.” He coughed, trying to sound tough, but his overly polite nature betrayed him. “And I was kind of hoping to get my stuff back?”

Grayson whipped her head toward Vander so fast it was a miracle her neck didn’t snap. “You let your kids rob the Kirammans?”

Vander’s eyes widened, his expression shifting to one of barely contained fury. If looks could kill, Vi would already be six feet under. “No, of course not!” he barked, his voice carrying over the bar. He turned his sharp gaze to Caitlyn, who suddenly felt about three feet tall and incredibly out of place.

“Were you roped into this, little one?” Vander asked, his voice gentler now.

Caitlyn quickly shook her head. “No, sir,” she murmured.

Vander sighed, his frustration giving way to something closer to bewilderment as he pieced things together. His kids had robbed this man—who had somehow brought them back alive and in one piece. Vi and Powder looked well-fed, rested, and unharmed, which only made the situation feel more absurd.

He tilted his head, turning to Mylo. “We still got his stash?”

“Yeah,” Mylo grumbled, leaning back in his chair. “But the stuff’s good. Why do we gotta give it back? What’s he gonna do?”

Vander’s glare could have melted steel. “Your sisters are back in one piece. No enforcers got involved. And you still want to play with fire?” He pointed toward the back. “Hand. The stash. Back.”

Mylo muttered under his breath as he stomped off to retrieve it.

“Drink?” Vander offered, his voice calmer now.

Jayce hesitated, then nodded, taking a seat alongside Caitlyn and Powder at the bar. Vander poured a small glass of something strong and set it in front of Jayce.

“For your nerves,” he said with a faint smirk, sliding a second set of cups toward Caitlyn and Powder—juice, complete with straws.

Caitlyn sipped politely, murmuring a soft “thank you.” Vander smiled at her, his earlier irritation replaced with a hint of fondness.

The room settled into an uneasy quiet, interrupted only by Mylo shouting from the back for Claggor to come help him carry everything.

Powder, seemingly unaffected by the tension, suddenly sprang up. “Oh, right!” She clapped her hands together and turned to Caitlyn with a mischievous grin. “Hey, Piltie Princess! I wanted to show you something. Come on!”

Vander chuckled at the nickname, while Grayson raised an amused brow. Caitlyn, however, frowned.

Vi, watching the exchange with narrowed eyes, crossed her arms. “What’re you up to, Pow?”

Powder ignored her, already making her way toward the basement. She turned back once to make sure Caitlyn was following. Caitlyn hesitated, but curiosity won out, and she stood to go.

Vi followed immediately, her expression wary. “This should be interesting,” she muttered under her breath.

As Powder enthusiastically opens the door to the basement—their living space—she practically flies down the steps, rushing toward her bunk bed to grab something. Caitlyn hesitates at the entrance, big cautious eyes scanning the room as if unsure whether she should be here at all. Vi follows closely behind her, almost like a silent bodyguard, and Caitlyn doesn’t know if that makes her more or less anxious.

By the time Caitlyn reaches the bottom of the steps, Vi has already claimed her spot on the couch, sprawled out like it’s her natural throne. Caitlyn looks around, taking in the mismatched furniture, the scuffed wooden floor, and the scattered remnants of life: crayon drawings, tattered posters, a crooked stack of novels by the wall. One book catches her eye—a familiar one—and she whispers the title like a question.

“Ironhold’s Redemption?”

Vi perks up, a grin tugging at her lips. “Yeah, it’s amazing. I love it.”

Caitlyn’s eyes widen, and she smiles back, the expression so genuine it makes Vi’s heart stumble over itself. “It’s my favorite.”

For a second, Vi forgets how to breathe. Not only did Caitlyn love one of her favorite books, but Vi had just noticed the small gap between Caitlyn’s front teeth, and all she could think was beautiful . She shook her head quickly to clear her thoughts, settling for a silent nod instead.

Caitlyn moves further into the room and her gaze lands on a saxophone leaning against the wall, its brass body dulled from years of neglect. Her eyebrows shoot up, and she glances back at Vi, who immediately flushes and shrugs as if to say, don’t ask. Caitlyn snorts, filing the mental note away for later.

Finally, Powder reappears from her bunk, grinning like she’s up to no good. In her hands is a monkey holding cymbals, its obnoxious neon paint making it look even more sinister. Powder thrusts it at Caitlyn with an uncontainable smile. “Here. A gift!”

Caitlyn eyes the monkey suspiciously, her confusion apparent. “Uh... thank you?”

“Pretty on the outside, but I built it,” Powder says proudly.

That’s when Vi realizes what’s happening. Her eyes widen. “Caitlyn, NO—”

Too late. Caitlyn presses the monkey’s cymbals together, and in an instant, it explodes with a POP , spraying her with neon paint. She freezes in stunned silence, clutching the now traitorous monkey, while Powder collapses onto the floor in a fit of laughter, tears streaming down her face.

Vi leaps off the couch, immediately scolding Powder. “ What were you thinking?! ”

But Powder can’t hear her, too busy gasping for air between cackles. Vi turns toward Caitlyn, guilt written all over her face—until she notices something that makes her pause.

Caitlyn is smiling.

And then she laughs—a deep, uncontrollable laugh that shakes her shoulders. Powder’s laughter falters, her head tilting in confusion as Caitlyn doubles over, the sound bright and contagious. Vi’s heart skips again. God, she has a pretty laugh.

Caitlyn finally straightens, wiping paint off her cheek. “You have to build me one,” she says to Powder, grinning wide, “because I need to use this on Jayce.”

Powder’s eyes light up, her chaotic grin returning tenfold. “Really? I’ll make it even better!”

Vi sighs, shaking her head as she steps closer to Caitlyn, trying to suppress her own smile. “Let’s get you cleaned up first, or he’ll know what’s coming.”

Caitlyn laughs again, and as Vi hands her a rag, she can’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, today hadn’t been such a disaster after all.

As Caitlyn wipes her face, trying to remove as much paint as possible, Powder makes herself comfortable in her bunk. Already hard at work, she tinkers away, her mind whirring with plans for a bigger and better version of the paint bomb. Powder’s supernatural genius was on full display as she worked on her favorite thing: blowing stuff up.

Caitlyn glances over, intrigued. Of course, she wanted to terrorize Jayce—it was her right as the honorary younger sister—but Powder’s raw talent was undeniable. She’d spent enough time in the lab with Jayce, building gadgets and testing inventions, to recognize brilliance when she saw it. Maybe Powder could be doing far more useful things than just that. The thought lingers as Caitlyn wipes at another stubborn streak of paint.

Vi plucks the rag out of Caitlyn’s hand. “You missed a spot,” she murmurs, stepping in close to dab at a streak Caitlyn had overlooked entirely.

Caitlyn freezes, the unexpected closeness forcing her to meet Vi’s eyes. They’re nearly the same height—though her mother had warned her that a growth spurt was probably on its way. Her heart thuds in her chest as the heat in her cheeks betrays her, and she can only hope the paint is doing a good job of hiding it.

Vi tilts her head slightly, her gaze mischievous as her lips tug into a smirk. “You’re hot, Cupcake,” she says casually, hand resting lightly on Caitlyn’s forehead like she’s checking for a fever.

Caitlyn sputters, her face practically combusting as she yanks back and glares at Vi. “Shut up!” she huffs, furiously scrubbing the remaining paint from her face, though her movements are anything but graceful.

Vi just laughs—a low, warm sound that makes Caitlyn’s stomach flip—and the moment is broken when they hear Vander calling for them from upstairs.

“Saved by the bell,” Vi teases, grinning as she shoves her hands in her pockets.

Caitlyn straightens herself with as much dignity as she can muster, brushing off the last of the paint. “Let’s just go,” she mutters, shooting Vi one last glare.

Vi chuckles, falling into step beside her as they make their way upstairs, Powder’s footsteps echoing faintly behind them.

Back at the bar, Jayce is waiting, grinning widely as he stands holding two large bags of supplies. Mylo sits nearby, arms crossed, grumbling under his breath as he glares at nothing in particular.

Jayce’s smile widens as he spots Caitlyn. “We gotta head back, Sprout. I don’t want your mom putting my head on a spike.”

Caitlyn visibly deflates. This— all of this—has been so exciting, so unlike anything she’s ever experienced. The thought of going back to her normal, predictable life feels almost unbearable now. She casts a small glance at Vi, and Vi catches it. There’s something in Caitlyn’s eyes that tugs at Vi—sadness, a wistful longing—and it hits harder than Vi expects.

Vi looks away quickly, stuffing her hands into her pockets as her heart sinks. Little Piltie princess was actually pretty cool. Pretty, and cool. The thought nags at her, and Vi shoves it aside with practiced ease. Caitlyn would go back to her big shiny house, and she and Powder would just be a memory. That’s how it always went—Top and Bottom, oil and water.

“Don’t worry,” Vander says, his voice rough but sincere. “I won’t let these kids bother you again. You don’t have to worry about that.”

The words have the opposite effect of what he intended. Caitlyn’s shoulders slump further, and her small smile is polite, but there’s no mistaking the disappointment in her eyes.

Vander offers a wave from the counter, and Claggor does too, more cheerfully. Mylo earns himself a jab in the shoulder from Vander, which makes him grumble louder, but even he gives Caitlyn a halfhearted wave.

Grayson clears her throat. “I’ll walk them back to topside,” she announces, stepping forward.

Vi and Powder follow Caitlyn and Grayson out of the bar to give a proper goodbye. The night air is cool, and the silence between them feels heavier than it should. Powder is the first to break it.

“You better let me give you the monkey,” she says stubbornly, as if daring Caitlyn to refuse. “I’ll be working on it, you know.”

Caitlyn’s face softens into a gentle smile. “Of course. When it’s ready, come find me and give it to me yourself. You’re always welcome.”

Powder blinks, startled by the kindness. Before anyone can stop her, she launches herself at Caitlyn, wrapping her in a tight hug.

The sudden affection startles Caitlyn, who stiffens at first. Even Vi looks surprised. But Caitlyn recovers quickly, smiling as she hugs Powder back carefully.

“It’s going to be the best monkey ever, ” Powder declares, giving Caitlyn one last squeeze.

Caitlyn chuckles softly, ruffling Powder’s hair as they separate. “I look forward to it.”

Now it’s Vi’s turn. She rocks back and forth on her heels, a little awkward, her mouth pulling into a tight line. “See ya around, I guess,” she mutters, her tone uncertain.

Caitlyn doesn’t let her off the hook that easily. Before Vi can react, Caitlyn steps forward and pulls her into a hug—firm, warm, and unhesitating. Vi stiffens in surprise, her breath hitching when Caitlyn’s head nuzzles against her neck.

Vi hesitates only a moment before wrapping her arms around her in return. “It’s been real, Cupcake,” she murmurs softly, her voice gentler than before.

When Caitlyn pulls back, her eyes are shining with unshed tears. Grayson notices and quietly steps to the side, giving her a moment.

Jayce pats Caitlyn on the shoulder. “C’mon, Sprout. Let’s get you home.” He gives Vi and Powder a quick, awkward wave.

Vi tucks her hands back into her pockets, forcing a small, sad smile as she meets Caitlyn’s gaze one last time. Caitlyn waves slowly, her movements heavy, while Powder waves with boundless enthusiasm.

Grayson falls into step beside Caitlyn and Jayce, leading them back toward the shimmering lights of Topside.

Vi lingers in the street for a moment, watching their figures disappear into the distance. Finally, with a small sigh, she turns back toward the bar. Powder has already bolted to her bunk, tools in hand, as she gets back to work on her monkey contraption.

Vi follows more slowly, her shoulders slumped. Vander, watching from the counter, offers her a knowing smile.

“You alright, kid?” he asks gently.

Vi manages a weak grin in return, shrugging. “Yeah. I’m good.”

But as she sinks onto the couch and watches Powder tinker away, her mind drifts back to Caitlyn’s laugh, her smile, and the feel of her arms wrapped tightly around her.

Topside and Bottom, oil and water, she reminds herself. But her heart doesn’t quite believe it.

Caitlyn lay sprawled across her bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling, the darkness of her room offering no comfort. Sleep didn’t come easily—not tonight. How could she already miss Vi? She’d known her for less than a day, spent even less time with her, and yet the ache in her chest felt like something far older, far deeper.

And it wasn’t just Vi. Caitlyn missed Powder’s energy too. It didn’t make sense, but when Caitlyn closed her eyes, all she saw were flashes of pink hair, wide blue eyes, and the shadowed streets of The Undercity.

She groaned, turning onto her side, then her stomach, then back again, grumbling under her breath until she gave up entirely. She lay there, defeated, waiting for the morning sun to arrive.

The next morning was miserable. Caitlyn dragged herself through her usual routine—washing up, dressing, brushing her hair—feeling like a ghost of herself. She stared at her reflection in the mirror: hollow-eyed, sleep-deprived, and inexplicably sad. She trudged downstairs, her appetite nowhere to be found, to the hushed, tense quiet of breakfast.

Her parents froze at the sight of her.

Cassandra’s expression flickered between anger and worry—Grayson’s detailed debrief of yesterday’s events had left her horrified. Tobias, on the other hand, looked almost... amused. Caitlyn wouldn’t be surprised if part of him felt oddly proud.

Cassandra had been ready to unleash all the fury of a concerned mother, to lecture Caitlyn about recklessness and responsibility. But seeing her daughter now—defeated and so heartbreakingly quiet—she softened. Cassandra wasn’t blind. She’d noticed Caitlyn’s wandering eyes at dinner last night and the telltale shade of red she’d turned every time she looked at that pink-haired girl who definitely wasn’t named Matilda.

Her daughter was heartbroken. There was no need to add to it.

Breakfast passed in near silence, the only sound the soft clinking of silverware. Caitlyn barely touched her food, pushing it around her plate as her parents exchanged subtle, worried glances.

Finally, Caitlyn set down her fork, ready to mumble an excuse and disappear back into her room— to read, or stare at the wall, or do anything to make this ache go away. But before she could move, a loud knock at the door startled all three of them.

Caitlyn blinked, sharing a surprised glance with her parents. The knock came again, and Cassandra and Tobias rose to follow Caitlyn to the door.

She pulled it open—and froze.

There, on the front step, stood Vi, looking as awkward as ever, a hand behind her neck and her face as red as Caitlyn’s felt. Powder stood beside her, practically bouncing, while Vander and Grayson hovered in the background.

“Vi?” Caitlyn gasped, her entire face lighting up like the morning sun breaking through a storm.

Powder cleared her throat loudly.

“Hi, Powder,” Caitlyn added quickly, grinning so widely her cheeks hurt.

Vander stepped forward, his voice warm and steady. “Morning. Name’s Vander.” He extended a hand to Tobias and Cassandra, introducing himself with the easy confidence of someone who’d done this before. “We wanted to return the favor, if you’ll allow it. With Grayson here to supervise, we were hoping Caitlyn could come stay with us tonight. A sleepover, if you will.”

Tobias looked like he was ready to blurt out a resounding yes before glancing nervously at his wife.

Cassandra’s sharp eyes shifted to Caitlyn. Her daughter was practically glowing, her entire posture alive in a way it hadn’t been at breakfast. Cassandra sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose before looking to Grayson.

“Will she be safe?”

Grayson gave her a firm nod. “I promise.”

“Fine,” Cassandra relented. “But only tonight.”

Caitlyn didn’t need to be told twice. She practically sprinted out the door, calling a hasty goodbye over her shoulder as Vi and Powder stepped aside to let her through.

“Wait.”

Cassandra’s voice halted them all in their tracks. Powder froze mid-bounce, looking up with wide eyes. Cassandra disappeared into the kitchen and returned a moment later with a basket full of carefully arranged food.

“Here you go,” she said, handing it to Powder, who let out an ear-piercing shriek of delight.

“THANK YOU!” Powder cried, throwing her arms around Cassandra before anyone could stop her. Tobias earned a hug too, “just ‘cause,” Powder declared, much to his surprise.

Caitlyn shot her mother a grateful smile.

As Cassandra stepped back into the doorway, Caitlyn glanced at Vi, who was watching her with a blush creeping up her neck and a small, shy smile tugging at her lips.

“Ready to have some fun today, Cupcake?” Vi asked, her voice a little teasing but filled with warmth.

Caitlyn grinned, her heart soaring. “Hell yes.”

The words came out slightly awkward, her attempt at undercity flair imperfect, but it sent Vi into a fit of laughter. Caitlyn joined in, and soon the two of them were laughing freely, the sound filling the morning air as they walked down the path together.

The door shut gently behind them, and Cassandra leaned against it, after watching the group disappear down the street.

“Matilda,” Tobias murmured under his breath with a smirk.

Cassandra sighed. “ Not Matilda.”