The market streets were alive with the kind of energy Kian had nearly forgotten. Merchants called out their deals, vibrant displays of fabric fluttered in the breeze, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread mixed with the sharp tang of roasted meats. It was a sensory overload, and Kian found himself smiling despite the strangeness of being back.
Nia clung to his arm, her excitement bubbling over. "Look at that!" she squealed, pointing at a stand with colorful trinkets that sparkled under the sunlight.
Kian chuckled. "You're like a kid in a candy store."
She huffed. "Well, I've been stuck in the mountains for months with nothing but trees and old scrolls. Let me enjoy this!"
He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. Go crazy."
Nia's eyes practically sparkled as she darted off to the stand, picking up shiny pendants and inspecting the handcrafted jewelry. Kian watched her for a moment, letting the warmth of the city settle over him. It felt surreal like stepping back into a life he'd almost forgotten.
"Hey... Kian? Is that you?"
The voice cut through the noise, freezing him in place. Kian turned slowly, eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on a familiar face a tall, lanky guy with sandy blond hair and a crooked smile. His name was Aaron, a local troublemaker who used to run with the street gangs before going straight.
Kian blinked in disbelief. "Aaron?"
Aaron's eyes went wide, and he took a few steps forward, disbelief written across his face. "There's no way... I heard... everyone heard you were dead."
Kian stiffened. His mind flashed back to that night the blood, the screams, his mother's last words... The air around him grew heavy, a faint crackle of energy humming just beneath his skin.
"Rumors," Kian replied tersely, forcing the energy back down. His fists unclenched, and he gave Aaron a strained smile. "You know how people talk."
Aaron scratched the back of his head, still eyeing Kian as if he might vanish any second. "Man, you look... different. Taller, stronger... I'd say better." His voice dropped to a whisper. "You sure you're alright? People said it was... you know." He made a slicing motion across his throat.
Kian's expression darkened, but he forced a grin. "I'm here, aren't I?"
Before Aaron could press further, Nia came bounding back, clutching a handful of shiny trinkets. She stopped short when she saw Aaron, her smile faltering. "Uh... friend of yours?"
Kian nodded. "Yeah, old friend. This is Nia."
Aaron offered her a grin. "Pleasure to meet you. I'm Aaron." He gave her a knowing glance, eyebrows raised. "You two, uh...?"
Nia's cheeks went crimson. "N-No!" she stammered. "We're just... friends."
Kian cleared his throat. "Yeah... just friends."
Aaron chuckled, raising his hands. "Alright, alright, I won't pry. But hey, Kian... it's good to see you alive, man. Real good." He clapped him on the shoulder and then stepped back into the crowd, giving them a final wave before disappearing.
Kian watched him go, his jaw tight. Nia tugged at his sleeve, her eyes curious. "That... that was weird. You okay?"
Kian blinked out of his daze and gave her a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah. Just... memories."
Nia squeezed his arm gently. "Come on," she said softly. "Let's get you something sweet. I saw a pastry shop down the street."
He let her lead him, the tension slowly ebbing away. "You really think a pastry is gonna solve my problems?"
She grinned up at him. "It can't hurt to try, right?"
Kian chuckled, letting the moment pass. "Yeah... I guess not."
They walked off, Nia's energy pulling him away from his thoughts. But the words lingered "I heard you were dead."