I'll Protect You.

In the evening, around seven, as daylight waned and darkness crept over the city, Star City came alive. Street lamps flickered on, followed by neon signs, building lights, and the glow of vehicle headlights illuminated the streets without disrupting the constant buzz of its bustling crowds.

Amid the bustling crowd along the roadside, a young lady moved with a quiet grace, humming softly as though lost in her own world.

Her raven-black hair, a glossy cascade of dark waves, illuminated by the warm glow of streetlights, was loosely tied back, with a few strands softly framing her face. Her mysterious red eyes, unreadable to others, glimmered with quiet intensity. Beneath her delicate nose, her thin yet alluring red lips curved into a gentle smile, while her smooth, rosy cheeks added an air of flawless charm to her face.

She wore a sleek, burgundy top that fit snugly, hugging her figure just enough to accentuate her natural curves. Its long sleeves clung to her arms, extending to her wrists, while the soft fabric, with a subtle sheen, caught the dimming light. 

The top flowed seamlessly into a high-waisted, ankle-length skirt in a deep charcoal gray, its pleats swaying gracefully with each step, adding a touch of elegance and fluidity to her stride.

A simple coat rested on her shoulders, its edges gently grazing her skirt with each step she took.

To complete her ensemble, she wore simple yet chic heels that perfectly complemented her attire.

In her twenties, she possessed a beauty that was a blend of youthful grace and subtle allure. Despite her modest clothing, her natural charm and elegance radiated effortlessly.

Her steps were light and unhurried, yet she moved with quiet confidence. Her deep, enigmatic eyes took in the vibrant world around her.

As people passed by, they couldn't help but steal a glance, drawn to the aura and charm that seemed to emanate from her— captivating both men and women alike.

Then, something shifted. A faint cry pierced through the hum of the city, reaching her ears. 

"Hm?" 

Frowning, she paused, then glanced back and scanned the crowd for the source of the sound.

All she saw were indifferent faces, lost in their own world as they passed by.

Was she imagining things? 

She blinked, thinking. 

Everything seemed normal, yet a subtle unease settled in her chest. 

After a moment, shaking her head, she dismissed the unnecessary thoughts. 

"Just my imagination," she muttered, moving forward toward home.

A while later, she reached the community park, where the laughter of children had already faded with the evening. Only a few remained, enjoying quiet walks with friends or family

Once in a while, she came here to refresh her mind in the simplicity of the swings and slides. 

Today, however, the park felt different.

It wasn't that the park had been renovated, or that there were fewer people. Everything looked just as it did every other day.

'It's just… how to put it… hmm… yes, it's the atmosphere. The air feels a bit different today,' she mused.

With no clear answer in sight, she shrugged and walked into the park.

Now that she was already here, it would be a shame not to enjoy a ride or two.

After a few minutes of gently swaying on the swing, a smile slowly bloomed on her face. Memories flooded back— carefree days and the thrill of childhood.

But soon, the swing came to a gentle stop.

She stood up, feeling a warm sense of nostalgia washing over her.

"Always so calming," 

she murmured, stretching as she tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear, her natural curves subtly accentuated by the movement.

"A short walk won't hurt."

She wandered through the park, admiring the flowers and listening to the distant sound of people talking and laughing.

"Time to go..."

A few minutes later, feeling content, she decided it was time to leave.

But as she turned to go, a faint cry reached her ears.

She frowned, confused, and glanced around.

What's going on?

Something was off. Earlier, she had brushed off a strange sensation as her imagination, but now she was certain she heard something.

"Is something wrong? Or is it just me?"

Her expression grew serious. She wasn't sure if it was a false alarm or if there was an actual problem. 

Deciding it was best to investigate, she figured if nothing was wrong, she could relax. But if someone was playing a prank, they would regret it.

She scanned the area. 

The park was eerily calm, except for the distant chatter. She didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

Just as she began to let her guard down, a faint cry echoed in the distance.

It was real.

She had definitely heard it.

'It wasn't my imagination after all,' her heart raced.

Looking around, she noticed that everyone else seemed completely unaffected. It was as if only she could hear the sound.

What was happening?

Determined to uncover the mystery, she focused on the faint cry, listening intently to pinpoint its source. 

With each step deeper into the park, the sound grew clearer, but soon it began to distort, making it harder to locate.

Then, she briefly closed her eyes to heighten her senses. 

As she concentrated, the distant voices and laughter faded, filtering out the noise around her.

The faint cry echoed again, and she moved ahead cautiously until it suddenly stopped.

When she finally opened them again, she found herself behind an empty bench. 

A frown crossed her face.

The cry had stopped, and everything appeared normal, yet she felt something was definitely wrong.

A mix of curiosity and unease swirled in her chest as she approached. 

As she drew closer, a strange sensation washed over her, and her instincts flared. Her eyes glowed faintly as she recognized it.

"A formation? A camouflaging one…?" 

She guessed, noting the unusual energy around her, though she wasn't sure.

Suddenly, another cry reached her ear and this one was much more clear and recognizable.

She didn't rush to check, despite myriad thoughts racing through her mind. 

Bracing herself, she moved forward and then her gaze fell on the bench again, this time from the front. 

—!!!

A chill ran down her spine, and her breath caught in her throat.

There, on the bench, was a baby, crying, wrapped in a vibrant cloth, helpless and alone.

"What kind of monster abandons a child like this?" she murmured.

Her protective instincts surged… hurried forward… and kneeled down.

With trembling hands, she gently but carefully scooped the child into her arms, her eyes widening in shock. 

The baby couldn't have been more than a month old, tiny and fragile. Who could abandon such a fragile life here?

"Don't cry, little one. Big sister's here." 

At her touch, the baby quieted, as if sensing safety in her embrace, and slipped into a peaceful sleep.

As she gazed at the baby's innocent face, something caught her eyes, a red stain on the bench. A bad feeling surged in her chest.

Quickly, she checked the baby and found a similar red— bloodstained— mark on the fabric.

Her heart raced as panic surged within her.

Was the child hurt? What had happened here?

Frantically, she uncovered the cloth and examined the baby, and sighed in relief when she found no wounds. 

The child was unharmed.

Though she felt relieved, her mind was not at ease. Several questions popped in her head. 

Who would abandon such an innocent soul? And more importantly— why?

Her frown deepened as unease crept into her thoughts. Something didn't feel right.

She held the baby closer, while her instincts tingled. 

This wasn't just an ordinary child. There was something strange, something unsettling about the situation.

The lively park had fallen into an eerie silence, the air thick with a cold, unnatural stillness.

Suddenly, the atmosphere changed. Her thoughts were interrupted as she glanced around, sensing something ominous nearby. 

The temperature dropped, the air turned cold and unfamiliar, carrying a sense of unease with it.

The once colorful, vibrant park seemed to dim, as shadows cloaked the flowers and trees, and an eerie silence settled in. 

This wasn't just a simple case of abandonment— there was something far more sinister at play, and she was right in the middle of it.

As she scanned the area with her heightened senses, the coldness intensified. It wasn't just the temperature but also the air that felt heavy as if there was an invisible presence. 

Shadows around her seemed to shift and stretch unnaturally and dark tendrils crept across the ground as though they had a life of their own.

Her heart raced. She had encountered strange things before, but this felt different— darker, much dangerous.

Then, a faint whisper echoed through the trees. It was barely audible but the intent behind it was clear, like a warning. The words sent a chill down her spine.

"Leave the child..."

She froze, and instinctively tightened her grip on the baby, her protective instincts flaring. 

Her heart pounded, and her mind filled with nothing but one thought— protect the child.

"Who's there?"

She called out, her voice steady despite her racing heart, even a bit of fear.

But, only silence hung in the air. Though it felt heavy and oppressive.

Her red eyes darted around, searching for the source. But the park was empty, unnervingly quiet.

For a moment, doubt flickered in her mind.

Who was this baby? Why was it left here? And why did she feel like something— or someone— was watching her?

The whisper came again, more forceful this time.

"Leave the child, or face the consequences."

Her body tensed, and her instincts screamed at her to run, but she stood her ground.

Something deep inside told her she couldn't abandon this child. Not like this.

Taking a deep breath, she straightened, her gaze firm as she spoke into the dark.

"I won't."

The shadows pulsed around her, almost as if they were coming alive. 

Then, in the distance, a figure began to emerge from the darkness, its form cloaked in shadow, its eyes gleaming with malice.

Her heart raced as she prepared herself. Whatever was coming wasn't human.

The figure stepped closer, and the darkness peeled away to reveal a man. His face was pale, worn with exhaustion. His clothes were tattered, stained with dried blood, and his movements were slow, as though every step for him was a struggle. 

Yet, despite his weakened state, his eyes were sharp, filled with urgency and desperation.

She instinctively stepped back, holding the baby protectively, while her heart pounded. But something in the man's gaze softened her instinct to flee.

The man stumbled forward, barely managing to stay on his feet. His voice was rough, rasping, as he spoke, 

"Please... don't be afraid. I'm not here to harm you."

She narrowed her eyes, still on guard.

"Who are you?"

He glanced at the child in her arms, a mixture of sorrow and relief flashed across his face. 

"That child... he's my nephew. I— I don't want to leave him, but I have no choice. I can't protect him any longer."

Confusion flickered in her eyes.

"Why leave him here?"

The man swallowed hard, leaning against a nearby tree for support. His breathing was shallow, labored, and it was clear he was barely holding on with whatever difficulties he had.

"Three enemies... powerful ones. They're after me and this child. I can't risk the child's safety with my current situation." 

His voice cracked with emotion.

"They'll come for me soon. I need someone... someone like you to keep him safe."

Her mind reeled with questions, but she sensed the urgency in his words. 

"And why me?" she asked, still wary.

"What makes you think I can protect him?"

His eyes locked onto hers, fierce despite his weakened condition.

"I've watched you... for a while now. You're not like the others here," he winced in pain and clutched his side. 

"I knew you would come, whether by fate or chance. I can't explain it now, but I trust you with his life."

She hesitated, as uncertainty clouded her mind.

"What do you expect me to do?"

"Just take care of him. For now," the man's voice was pleading, almost breaking. 

"I'll come back when it's safe. I promise... I will come for him."

Before she could ask more, his body suddenly stiffened. His eyes darted toward the horizon, and fear rippled across his face. 

"They're near... I can't stay any longer."

The shadows around them deepened, and a sense of impending danger filled the air. The man turned to her, his face pale but serious. 

"Please... take him. Protect him. I won't be long."

Without waiting for her reply, he gave her one last desperate look before disappearing into the darkness, leaving her standing there with the baby in her arms.

For a moment, she stood there frozen, holding the baby tightly against her chest, her mind racing as the gravity of what had just happened sank in.

She felt the weight of responsibility settle on her shoulders.

This child in her arms wasn't just any child, and now, she was responsible for him. 

But why her? Why now? And what did the man mean by "someone like you"?

She wasn't someone who got involved in other people's problems— especially not ones drenched in danger. 

Her instincts screamed for her to walk away, to leave the baby and distance herself from whatever dark forces were lurking in the shadows. 

Yet, each time she looked down at the child's innocent face, a pang of guilt surged through her. 

Could she really abandon someone so helpless? 

The rational side of her wanted to refuse, to insist that this wasn't her fight, but something deeper— something she couldn't quite explain— urged her to stay. 

The man had entrusted this child to her, believing she was capable of protecting him. Her hands trembled as she wrestled with the decision. 

She wasn't a hero, yet, walking away felt like a betrayal. 

With a final breath, resolve settled into her chest, and she made her choice. She couldn't turn her back— not at the moment.

Besides, she had many unanswered questions to ask, and now that he had gone she could only wait for him to return and resolve all of her queries.

As for the enemies that lurked in the shadows, and whatever danger the child was in, she wasn't going to let any harm come to him.

With one final glance in the direction the man had fled, she whispered under her breath, 

"I'll protect you."

With a flick of her wrist, she conjured a simple protection layer to mask their presence.

"Let's find somewhere safe," she whispered to the baby.

As she left the park, her mind wandered, knowing that whatever had happened to this child, and whatever came to happen, she was now part of it. 

She vowed to uncover the truth behind the baby's abandonment, and more importantly, to keep him safe.

The night seemed darker, the danger more palpable— and it had only just begun.