Hunted

The night stretches endlessly as we run. Every breath I take burns my lungs, but I don't stop. I can't. Lucian is behind us, somewhere in the shadows, closing in.

Liam stumbles beside me, still gripping his ribs. He's in pain, but he doesn't complain. He just keeps moving. I steal a glance at him, at the determination set in his features, and my stomach twists. He doesn't know what he's up against.

A human has no place in this world of monsters.

We break into the thick forest beyond the village, the trees swallowing us whole.

The air is damp.

I keep my senses sharp, scanning the darkness, listening for movement.

Liam finally slows, leaning against a tree, his breath ragged. "Aria…"

I glance behind us. No sign of Lucian. But that doesn't mean he isn't there.

"I know," I whisper, my own breath uneven. "But we don't have a choice."

Liam wipes the sweat from his brow, his sharp eyes locking onto mine. "Tell me the truth. Who is he?"

I hesitate. The truth will change everything. He already suspects, but saying it out loud will make it real.

"He's my clan's enforcer," I admit finally. "And let's say he's never failed to bring someone back."

I lie on that part...I barely even know who Lucian is.

Liam tenses. "Bring someone back?"

I nod, swallowing hard. "If Lucian catches me, I won't get another chance to escape."

To my surprise, Liam steps closer. "Then we don't let him catch you."

His words send a jolt through me. His complete disregard for the danger—it makes my already fragile resolve waver.

Before I can respond, a twig snaps behind us.

We freeze.

The wind shifts, carrying something cold, something familiar.

Lucian.

I spin, pushing Liam back just as a shadow moves between the trees.

"Run," I whisper harshly.

Liam doesn't argue this time. He grips my wrist and pulls me with him.

We sprint deeper into the forest, weaving between trees, ducking under low-hanging branches. The underbrush snags at my clothes, but I don't slow.

Then I hear it.

The unmistakable rush of movement behind us.

Lucian's hunting now.

A low growl vibrates through the air. He's close. Too close.

I curse under my breath, skidding to a stop. Liam nearly crashes into me.

"Go," I tell him. "Now."

His eyes widen. "What? No! I'm not leaving you."

"You have to!" I snap, shoving him back. "He won't stop until he gets me. But you—" I inhale sharply. "You still have a chance."

Liam clenches his jaw, shaking his head. "I'm not leaving you to fight him alone."

Stubborn. Reckless. Brave.

I step forward, cupping his face briefly, forcing him to look at me. "If you stay, he'll kill you."

A shadow shifts behind us. No more time.

I release Liam and turn to face Lucian as he emerges from the darkness, golden eyes gleaming.

"You should have run faster, little one."

I brace myself. "I'm not running anymore."

Lucian smirks. "Good. I was getting tired of the chase."

Then he attacks.

I barely block his first strike, the force sending me staggering back. He's stronger, faster, but I refuse to let him win. I twist, aiming a kick at his ribs, but he catches my leg midair and hurls me sideways.

I crash into a tree, pain exploding through my side.

"Stay down, Aria." His voice is almost bored. "You know you can't beat me."

I wipe the blood from my lip, forcing myself to stand. "Maybe not."

I lunge forward, striking faster this time, my movements unpredictable. Our bodies blur together in the fight—strike, dodge, counter. The forest trembles with force of blows.

Lucian grips my throat, slamming me against a tree. I choke, clawing at his arm, but his grip is unrelenting.

"Enough," he growls. "It's over."

Then—

Liam appears behind him, a large branch in hand. Before Lucian can react, Liam swings with all his strength, smashing it across Lucian's head.

Lucian snarls, staggering, his hold loosening just enough.

I drive my knee into his stomach, then whirl around, landing a sharp kick to his chest. He stumbles back, momentarily dazed.

Liam grabs my hand. "Move!"

I don't hesitate this time.

We run. Faster than before. Lucian doesn't follow immediately, but I know he will.

We don't stop until the forest breaks into a clearing. A small, abandoned cabin sits at the center, hidden beneath the shadows of towering trees.

Liam pulls me inside, slamming the door shut.

We stand there, panting, staring at each other in the dim light. The only sound is our harsh breathing and the wind rattling the fragile wooden walls.

Then Liam speaks. "What are you?"

The question hangs in the air between us. Unavoidable. I can't run from it anymore.

I swallow hard, my heart pounding. "Liam…"

His gaze doesn't waver. "Tell me the truth."

For the first time, I think about telling him everything.

But before I can, a distant sound echoes through the trees.

A low, menacing growl.

Lucian is coming.

And this time, he won't stop until one of us is dead.

I take a shaky breath, pressing a hand against the wooden door.

"We can't stay here," I whisper. "He's going to find us."

Liam clenches his fists. "Then we don't wait for him."

His words make my chest tighten. "What are you saying?"

Liam steps closer. "I'm saying we fight back."

I stare at him, my mind racing. Liam is human. He doesn't understand what Lucian is, what he's capable of.

"You don't get it," I whisper. "Lucian isn't like anything you've faced before."

 "Then tell me how to kill him." Liam says.

I feel the sudden chill down my spine. I've never considered that possibility before. Lucian has always been the hunter, never the prey.

Could we really kill him?

The distant growl turns into footsteps, slow and deliberate.

Lucian is close.

Liam steps in front of me, fists clenched.

For the first time, I realize—he's willing to die for me.

And that terrifies me more than anything else.