16 year old me stood over the beast, proudly. It’s eggs would last me a week of food. No garbage food for a week made me content. I was strong for my age, surviving in the cold streets on my own. I came out at night to hunt for food but this particular night was special.

“Damn.” a soothing voice came from behind me. I looked over my shoulder to see the most beautiful girl standing before me. She wore a leather jacket and black jeans, showing off her curves. Her white shirt was stained with splashes of blood.

She peered at me through her eyelashes with a slight smile. I was enchanted. She looked my age, with her short brown hair curling around her face. Her dark skin tone and bright green eyes left me breathless.

“Nice catch.” to my disappointment, I knew she was more interested in my food than me. It was normal for homeless teens to be in this area. This was the poorest side of the city.

My instincts told me to protect my food. I stood in front of the eggs, blocking her vision.

“What do you want?” I sneered. I wanted to be nice and impress her but my 16 years of fighting and trauma said no. Sneering was just my normal way of talking now.

“I’m Nina Sprolf.” she smiled, showing off her gorgeous smile.

“James Lance.” I said, suspicious of her intentions.

She took a step towards me, still smiling but my instinct told me to beware.

Her leg swung to the side of my head but I caught it mid air, staring at her like I was unfazed.

“You’re a cocky one aren’t ya?” her soothing voice turned into a malicious growl, matching my sneer.

“Maybe I am.” I smirked, looking at her. She flung her foot out of my grasp and stumbled backwards, nearly falling. I reached out and caught her, pulling her into me. Her nose hit my chest as she grunted.

“Why don’t you go look for another beast before I teach you who you’re messing with?” I whispered my threat gently into her ear.

She pulled away from me and activated her magic; as did I, however the dramatic difference in combat ability was evident. Before I could do anything, she shot her palm into my rib, flinging me backwards onto the brick wall. I grunted and as I tried to pick myself up, but she kicked me back down again before I could.

“Look. I get it. You’re strong. But if you wanna survive beyond this city, you’ll have to remember. If you think you are strong, there is always someone stronger, so humble yourself.” she stiffened her voice as if she was going easy on me.

She picked up my food for the week and started to walk away. I laughed to myself, causing her to stop in her tracks and turn around, confused.

I laughed harder, still on the ground, like a mad man. “You think I’ll ever make it outta this city? There is no life for me out there! I’m stuck here and nothing will change! This is my destiny. You naïve-“

“No.” she said one word but it defied my whole belief, boldly. “Try thinking bigger. Maybe then you’ll realise what you’re missing and who knows. Maybe I’ll meet you at the top.” she smirked. I looked at her, confused. What did that mean?

“Thanks for the food.” she waved at me with the sac of eggs in her hand.

Oh sugar honey iced tea! My food! I got up, scrambling to my feet but she had already disappeared. Only then did I realise what she meant.

“I’ll meet you at the top…” her words made my stomach flutter. She had faith in me.

Nina Sprolf.