"Tell me," Kai said, his tone turning serious.
"Who were those boys?"
Ethan stiffened slightly, then lowered his gaze.
"They're just street rats... bullies who pick on me and others, and steal from people."
Kai began moving. "You know where we can find them?"
Ethan hesitated but trailed after him.
"Um," he gave a small nod.
"Lead the way."
Ethan glanced at him nervously and nodded, taking the lead and guiding Kai through the narrow alleys of the town.
After a few minutes, they reached a cluttered courtyard tucked behind an abandoned bakery.
The walls were cracked, and broken crates were scattered around like makeshift furniture.
A group of boys lounged there, lean, scruffy, and loud.
The moment they noticed Ethan, a couple of them smirked.
But three of them stiffened upon seeing Kai standing behind Ethan.
"Well, well, look who's here," said the oldest one, who looked to be around fifteen, grinning as he sat up on a wooden table.
