Page 32 of Klaz

I hesitated, caught off guard by his request. My instinct was to deflect, to spin some charming tale that would entertain without revealing anything real. But something in Klaz’s steady gaze made me reconsider.

“I grew up on the streets of Loriesta IV,” I said finally. “Learned pretty quick that charm and quick fingers were the best way to keep from starving.”

Klaz nodded, encouraging me to continue.

“Got caught picking the pocket of this Mondian dowager when I was eighteen. Instead of turning me in, she decided to take me under her wing. Spent the next decade learning how to navigate high society, refining my... skills.”

“And now?” Klaz asked.

I shrugged, aiming for nonchalance. “Now I use those skills to make a living. Nothing too illegal, usually. Just separating the rich and foolish from some of their excess wealth.”

Klaz was quiet for a long moment. I braced myself for judgment, for the disapproval I was sure would come.

“You’re resourceful,” he said finally. “Adaptable. Those are valuable traits.”

I stared at him, surprised by his response. “You’re not going to lecture me about the error of my ways?”

He shook his head. “We all do what we must to survive. I’m in no position to judge.”

The wind picked up, howling around us. I huddled closer to Klaz, seeking warmth and shelter from the biting cold. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me against his side.

“We should find shelter soon,” he said, his breath warm against my ear. “The temperature’s dropping.”

Right. The thought was terrifying. So how could his simple proximity make my heart beat faster? “How much farther to this town of yours?”

Klaz scanned the horizon. “Hard to say. A few more hours, at least.”

I bit back a groan. My feet were already aching, and the cold was seeping into my bones despite the heavy coat.

“We’ll make it,” Klaz said, as if sensing my thoughts. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

I looked up at him, struck by the intensity in his eyes. I forgot about the cold, about the danger we were in.

All I could think about was how much I wanted to kiss him again.

KLAZ

Cinta stumbled beside me, her teeth chattering audibly. I pulled her closer, wrapping my arm around her shoulders.

“We need to keep moving,” I growled, scanning the white expanse for any signs of shelter or danger. The endless snow stretched in every direction, broken only by the occasional jutting rock formation.

Cinta pressed against me, her body trembling. “I c-can’t feel my toes,” she mumbled.

I gritted my teeth. Humans were so fragile. “We’ll find shelter soon,” I promised, though I had no idea if it was true.

We trudged on, the snow crunching beneath our boots. The sky darkened, and I started to worry. Night would mean even colder temperatures. I had to get Cinta to safety, no matter what.

“Klaz,” Cinta said suddenly, her voice strained. “Look.”

I followed her gaze and saw a vast expanse of ice stretching before us. A frozen lake.

“We have to cross it,” I said grimly. “It’s the fastest way.”

Cinta shook her head. “It could break. We could fall through.”

I knelt at the edge, pressing my hand against the ice. It felt solid, but looks could be deceiving. “Stay close to me,” I ordered, stepping out onto the frozen surface.

The ice creaked ominously beneath my feet. I held my breath, waiting. When nothing happened, I took another step.