Sheep in Wolf's clothing

Naori was a calm girl, but even she had trouble keeping up with Loren’s energy and forcefulness. The woman was a force of nature. ‘Are all mages like her?’ She knew that wasn’t true. Naori hadn’t even been in the city for a day, and she’d been treated terribly by every mage but Loren… and that one Sheriff. She realised Loren was special, and was glad Shinra had made a friend.

‘Hard to believe he works with the Sheriffs. I think the village elders would faint!’ Shinra was the village thief, and everyone looked down on them for it. Shinra didn’t care. He told Naori often that the villagers’ opinions didn’t feed them. ‘They look down on us, but most of them would do worse to save their families. I’d actually lose more respect for them if they weren’t even willing to steal for their loved ones,’ Shinra had said.

He always made Naori feel safe, and he never let her feel ashamed. Their life was hard, but they had each other.

‘Brother, you haven’t been fair to me. I want to see