In a world where powers existed, and only the strong survived everything was harsh. Nothing came easy and if it did; it was a trick. One that meant you weren't going to live to see the next day. Guards watched everything, from the trades that went down in the town square to the one's who were powerless. Helpless. Cora could still hear the whip of a crack whistling through the wind of the trees as she watched the people of Sturia. Everyone had someone to be. Including the raven haired girl swinging her legs as she sat in a tree. Finally uncurling herself from the branch she gracefully hopped down- leaves crunching softly under her feet. She hated fall. It was where all the leaves fell, and everything about the world felt bare. Dull. Despite the colors change ranging from orange, green to red leaves. Cora breathed in, letting out the air in a sigh as she moved back into the bustle of the busy town; blending in perfectly with her dark cloak; which many people wore as well. As everything else was dark. And when her sly hands found themselves taking money from someone else pouch, she did not shy away from the guilt. 'Everyone was just trying to survive' She thought, pulling herself together before the guilt could eat away at her.

There were many nights where she went starving to afraid to steal from someone else least she get caught, but with years of practice she learned her way around. With the help of the only person she ever trusted of course. Still, both girls could not scrap enough money for food and a place to lay their heads at night. A bed was better than food. Cora's stomach grumbled in protest to that thought, even as she snaked her way around a vending cart filled with fruits and breads of all kind. Just the smell alone from the sweet bread had her tempted to test her fate, until a guard brushed her shoulder barely sparing her a glance. Which Cora was thankful for; it was better to lay low when it came to guards here. They could snap for the smallest of reasons; their power that ran through their veins proof enough.

Cora kept her head down until she reached the small inn- where Willa her friend was surely waiting; ready to spring into action to come in search for her. She admired it, but also warned her friend off. Cora was not worth getting punished over; or worse killed. Still it did not stop the red haired girl from crashing Cora into an embrace as soon as the door opened to their shared room. "You're back." She breathed a sigh of relief, making Cora roll her eyes- pushing her away only to look her in the eyes as she said softly, "I'm back." Before bringing the girl back in for another hug. Willa pulled her further into the room, closing the door behind her as she began shuffling papers and drawings off the bed and dresser. Cora placed all the coins she had snagged within the five days she was gone from home; here. The closest thing she would ever find to a home. "I got what I could without anyone noticing." She winced, teeth gnawing on her lip at the little amount- Knowing she could have done better but something always stopping her. "It's fin-" Willa began before a sharp glare her way cut her off, "It's not- You know

it. It's barely enough to cover this month's stay. We were late last time, They are going to throw us out and take all our crap because they can Willa." She hissed- more angry at herself than anyone else. "I can sell my paintings." Willa offered to try and lighten the mood, it didn't work. "Even that won't be enough, I'm going to have to leave. Again."

"Why? When you were nearly caught. You don't think I didn't hear about the girl with Black hair- who fought her way away from three guards all because she was stealing money to live. Because they take it all." She was nearly yelling, which wasn't good at all. People could hear, Powers were that good; some having animal like ability's; for example amplified hearing. Cora watched as the realized dawned on her friend, her mouth clamping shut as they waited; breaths being held. And when no one came barging into the room, they finally sighed. "I have a plan. I just need you to not worry." Cora grumbled after a while, in turn had Willa looking at her confused head tilting. "And what is this plan Cora Jade?" She asked almost bitterly. "Just trust me." Was all she said before walking into the washroom for a shower. It may very well be her last one.