A game of balances

As the sun rose higher and Apprentice Pym remained missing, the likelihood of penetrating the Forbidden Inner City undetected decreased. She had breached the rules by concealing, endangering their lives as well as their purpose, so Aradu didn't have time to account for her disappearance. By allowing her to work for him, he too had violated his norms, displaying an unexpected weakness. But he couldn't forsake her because she was his daughter and flesh and blood. He defied a facility to take her in, but guilt tainted his decision-making.

The only woman who had won his heart was Sheila, Aradu's mother. He did everything he could to prepare Pym for life for her sake. As he waited for the Silicon gate to open, he felt the weight of responsibility. Shadows were cast over the crowded market as a result of the enormous ebony doors, which appeared to absorb the sunshine. A crystal bell chimed, heralding the ritual execution of thieves. He had to find Pym quickly because time was running out.

He had previously lost track of her, and that experience had terrified him more than he dared to admit. She evaded Aradu as he combed through the crowd with unsurpassed observational skill. She was a natural, and he could not dispute her abilities, but he feared she would follow in his sinister footsteps.

Since their initial encounter, when she tried to steal his wallet, Pym had come a long way. Without telling anyone their real relationship, he had taken her in as an apprentice. Though he quickly realized it was a mistake, he had turned to instruct her into a game. Her lighthearted disposition and assassin's rage were a volatile mix.

Although fate had brought them together, Aradu desired more for her—a life greater than the one he had led. He believed that if he was successful in their current assignment, there would be sufficient wealth to alter her fate.

Aradu caught a flash of silvered veil among the busy market stalls as they resumed their journey. The air was thick with the pungent aromas of food and spices. He was determined to locate Pym before it was too late, so he set aside his feelings and concentrated on his objective.

Things became considerably more challenging because of the Sentinel's presence. Aradu was aware that the gang was being closely observed and that they should exercise caution. He made an effort to stop Pym from participating in her tricks, but she resisted and continued to act rashly, endangering their lives.

Pym's assurance in her abilities both delighted and alarmed Aradu. He toyed with the thought of telling her the truth about their connection, but he couldn't bring himself to. He felt a want to safeguard that innocence and hope because he felt as though he had caught a glimmer of her mother's optimism in her.

The moment they set foot in the Forbidden Garden, Aradu's heart pounded with anxiety. Even though he had planned a distraction, he couldn't help but worry that something would go wrong. He had to have faith that Pym could manage herself.

Then, when Pym faced him, the situation changed. She had duped him and was aware of the thread he had tied around her. Aradu understood then that he was no longer able to defend her. She had more than enough self-care skills.

When they initially met, Aradu remembers thinking that she had the potential to be fantastic. He had hoped to mentor her, but he now recognized that she was an independent being. He recognized that he couldn't change her fate and accepted it with a mixture of pride and grief. He could only hope that she would follow her path and achieve glory.

Aradu couldn't help but smile as they overcame the difficulties that lay ahead. He had come to terms with the fact that the game was finished and cooperation was now necessary. He was pleased to have Pym by his side because she was now more than simply his trainee; she was a force to be reckoned with.