Phantom's Path

Chapter 3

Today is the day. The day that could change everything. The day our lives might go from dull to extraordinary, from ordinary to something no one could have prepared for. It's not just another day in the slums—today, everything shifts.

The moment my eyes open, Amelia's voice cuts through the fog of sleep, almost too cheerful for this early hour. "Wakey, wakey, gentlemen!" she calls out, practically singing it.

I groan and blink against the sunlight pouring in through the small window. It's not that I hate mornings—it's just that mornings and I have an unspoken agreement to avoid each other. I rub my eyes and sit up, struggling to shake off the sleepiness.

And there she is, standing at the foot of my bed, her purple eyes sparkling with the energy I can barely comprehend. How is she always so full of it? It's as if she doesn't need sleep, like she's powered by pure enthusiasm.

"Seriously, how do you do that?" I mutter, rubbing the back of my neck as I yawn.

She shrugs, her golden hair bouncing with the movement. "You know me, Rearden. Never stop. Never rest."

"Except when you sleep through half the day," Tim says, popping up behind Amelia, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief.

I can't help but grin. Tim's the type of guy who's always on top of everything, but he has a way of making it look effortless. He's got that sharp, confident edge to him—he doesn't need to prove himself. You just know that if Tim says something will work, it will.

"Well, I'd still prefer that to your early mornings," I mutter, dragging myself out of bed. "Can't believe today's the day..."

"Yeah, it's a little hard to believe," Tim agrees, his expression turning serious for a second before he pushes it aside. "Come on, let's get moving. We've got a big day ahead of us."

We head out the door together, making our way through the narrow, winding streets of the slums. The sun's still low in the sky, casting long shadows across the ground as the city begins to stir to life. Even though the streets are busy with people starting their day, there's an electric tension in the air. Everyone knows what's coming. The guards are coming, and with them, our futures.

After walking for a while, Tim leads us to a small, tucked-away eatery. The smell of freshly baked bread, sizzling meat, and rich spices hits us as soon as we step inside, making my stomach growl. The food here is always amazing, and today, it feels like the calm before the storm. We sit down, and within minutes, our plates are piled high with eggs, roasted meat, and steaming bread.

Amelia doesn't waste any time digging in, her purple eyes lighting up at the first bite. "Wow, this is incredible!" she says with her mouth full, earning a laugh from Tim.

"Don't choke, Amelia," I say, teasing her. "We don't need a food coma right before the big day."

Tim, however, is unusually quiet. He just leans back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. He doesn't look nervous, but I know him well enough to see the tension in his posture. It's a big day for all of us.

Amelia breaks the silence with a question, her voice full of curiosity. "So, Tim, how are we paying for all this? This feels a little too good to be free."

Tim raises an eyebrow, a small smirk on his face. "We're not paying for it. It's on the house," he says, leaning in a little. "The manager owes me a favor. I helped him out with a little problem of his a while back, so this is his way of saying thanks."

"Damn," I say, impressed. "You've got connections, huh?"

Tim just shrugs, unfazed. "Just enjoy it. No strings attached."

Amelia and I share a look before diving back into our food. We eat until we can barely move, savoring every bite. It's the kind of meal that makes you forget about the cold, about the struggle, about the things that normally weigh you down. For a few moments, I can almost pretend that today isn't the day everything could change.

When we're finished, we thank Tim, and he leads us out of the restaurant. We've barely stepped into the street when we hear the unmistakable sound of marching feet. Five guards, dressed in their sharp uniforms, are heading our way, their heavy boots pounding on the cobblestones.

I look at Tim and Amelia. There's an unspoken understanding between us, a recognition of what this moment means. It's not just about today—it's about what happens next. Today is the test. Today, we'll find out if we have what it takes to rise above this life, to make something more of ourselves.

"Ready?" Tim asks, his voice low.

Amelia nods, her face serious now, the playful energy from before gone. "Let's do this."