Chapter 2: Meet Wren

In the depths of New Eden's lower districts, where the city's decay seemed to swallow everything in its path, 17-year-old Reine Green, or Wren to those who knew her, navigated the crowded streets with a confidence that belied her young age. Her spiky, dark hair was a stark contrast to the drab, worn buildings that seemed to loom over her, and her bright green eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint that warned those who crossed her path to be on their guard. Wren's sharp tongue and quick wit had earned her a reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the lower districts. She had grown up on these streets, surviving by her wits and her fists, and had learned to rely on no one but herself. Her sarcastic remarks and sharp comebacks were a shield, a defense mechanism that kept people at bay and protected her from getting too close to anyone. As she walked, Wren's eyes scanned the crowded market stalls, her gaze lingering on the desperate faces of the vendors and the shoppers. She knew these people, knew their struggles and their fears, and she had a deep-seated anger towards the system that kept them in poverty. The smell of smoke and desperation hung heavy in the air, and Wren felt a familiar sense of restlessness stirring within her. She stopped at a street vendor, a haggard old man selling scraps of food to those who couldn't afford anything else. Wren eyed the meager offerings, her stomach growling with hunger. She had skipped dinner, opting instead to explore the city and clear her head. The vendor, a gruff but kind man named Marcus, looked up at her and smiled. "Hey, kid. What can I get for you today?" Wren snorted. "You know I don't have any credits, Marcus. Just trying to see if you've got anything edible." Marcus chuckled and handed her a small, stale roll. "For you, kid, I'll give it to you for free. But don't tell anyone I'm getting soft." Wren took the roll, her eyes widening as she bit into it. The taste was bland, but it was better than nothing. She chewed quickly, her mind wandering to her latest scrape with the authorities. As she finished her snack, Wren felt a strange tingling sensation in her fingers. It was a sensation she had experienced before, but never understood. It was as if her body was trying to tell her something, but she didn't know what. The sensation grew stronger, and Wren felt a sudden surge of energy course through her body. She looked around, wondering if anyone else had noticed, but the people around her seemed oblivious. Marcus, however, caught her eye. He looked concerned, his brow furrowed in worry. "Kid, you okay? You look like you're going to pass out." Wren shook her head, trying to clear it. "I'm fine, Marcus. Just a little...tired, that's all." But she wasn't fine. Something was happening to her, something she couldn't explain. And she had a feeling that her life was about to change in ways she couldn't even imagine. As she walked away from Marcus's stall, Wren felt the tingling sensation grow stronger. She raised her hand, and to her amazement, a nearby can of food lifted off the ground, hovering in mid-air. Wren's eyes widened in shock. What was happening to her? She had never experienced anything like this before. The can of food dropped to the ground, and Wren stumbled backward, her heart racing. She looked around, wondering if anyone had seen, but the people around her seemed oblivious. For now, Wren pushed the strange occurrence to the back of her mind. She had more pressing concerns, like finding a way to survive in a city that seemed determined to crush her. But she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched, that something was waiting for her just beyond the edge of perception. And she had a feeling that her life was about to become a lot more complicated.