Hunted

Chapter 9: Hunted

The morning came slowly, the pale light of dawn creeping through the canopy, casting long shadows across the forest floor. Lucian hadn't slept. His mind had been too occupied with questions about Alara and what she really wanted. But he hadn't pressed her—yet. For now, he needed to focus on getting them both out of the forest and to the ruins of Ildenor.

Alara stirred beside the dying embers of the fire, wincing as she sat up. Her movements were still stiff and slow, but she had regained some of her strength overnight. Lucian noticed the slight improvement in her color, though the deep bruises and cuts still marred her skin.

"How are you feeling?" Lucian asked, his tone flat but with a hint of concern.

Alara grimaced as she stretched her arms. "I've been better," she admitted. "But I'll survive."

Lucian nodded, standing up and kicking dirt over the remnants of the fire. "We should move. The sooner we get through this forest, the better."

Alara gave a small nod of agreement, though Lucian noticed the tightness around her eyes as she stood, favoring her injured side. Despite the pain, she moved without complaint, following him as they set off once more into the dense trees.

The forest was alive with sound—the rustling of leaves, the occasional call of birds, and the distant murmur of running water. But beneath it all, there was an undercurrent of tension, as if the forest itself was watching them, waiting.

Lucian kept his hand close to the hilt of his blade, his eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. They had encountered nothing so far, but that didn't mean the forest was safe. He had heard stories of strange creatures that lurked in these woods—predators drawn to the ancient magic that still lingered in the ruins.

As they walked, Alara's breathing grew heavier, her steps faltering more often. Lucian slowed his pace slightly, allowing her to keep up, though he remained on edge, his senses attuned to every sound.

They had been walking for hours when the first sign of danger appeared.

It was subtle at first—a rustling in the underbrush, the faintest sound of something moving through the trees. Lucian stopped abruptly, holding up a hand to signal Alara to stop as well. His body tensed, his eyes narrowing as he listened.

Alara moved beside him, her eyes wide with caution. "What is it?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Lucian didn't answer immediately. The rustling had stopped, but the air around them felt heavy, oppressive. He scanned the trees, searching for the source of the sound, but saw nothing. And yet, the sense of being watched only grew stronger.

Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the forest, followed by the snap of branches. Lucian's hand flew to his sword, drawing it with a smooth motion as he spun toward the source of the noise. His heart raced as he saw them—shadows, moving between the trees, their forms too quick to fully see.

"Stay behind me," Lucian ordered, his voice steady despite the tension in his body.

Alara didn't argue. She took a step back, her hand instinctively reaching for the dagger at her waist, though Lucian could see the fear flickering in her eyes.

The shadows grew closer, and with them, the growls became louder, more distinct. Lucian's eyes darted between the trees, trying to catch a clear glimpse of the creatures, but they were too fast, too elusive.

And then, they attacked.

The first creature lunged from the trees with a snarl, its body a blur of fur and claws. Lucian barely had time to react, his sword flashing in the dim light as he slashed at the beast. It yelped in pain as the blade cut deep into its side, but it didn't stop. The creature was larger than any wolf Lucian had ever seen, its eyes glowing with a strange, unnatural light.

Another one appeared from the left, charging at him with terrifying speed. Lucian spun, bringing his sword down in a wide arc, catching the creature across the neck. It crumpled to the ground with a thud, blood staining the earth beneath it.

But more were coming.

"Alara!" Lucian shouted, his voice sharp. "Watch your back!"

Alara turned just in time to see one of the creatures lunging at her. She moved quickly, her dagger flashing as she stabbed upward, catching the beast in the throat. It fell, twitching at her feet, but Lucian could see the strain in her movements. She wasn't fully healed—her injuries slowing her down.

Lucian cursed under his breath, stepping toward her as two more creatures emerged from the shadows. He positioned himself between her and the beasts, his sword raised, ready to defend.

"Get ready," he muttered.

The creatures circled them, their growls rumbling through the trees like distant thunder. Lucian's grip on his sword tightened, his muscles coiled with tension. He could feel the weight of the fight pressing down on him, but he refused to back down. Not now. Not when they were so close.

The first beast charged, and Lucian met it head-on, his sword slicing through the air with precision. The creature's claws raked against his armor, but he didn't flinch. His blade found its mark, cutting deep into its chest.

But as the creature fell, another took its place, snarling and snapping its jaws.

Lucian braced himself, his sword raised, but before he could strike, Alara moved. She darted forward with surprising speed, her dagger plunging into the creature's side. It let out a guttural scream, twisting away from her as it collapsed.

Lucian turned to her, his eyes widening in surprise. Despite her injuries, Alara had fought with fierce determination, her movements quick and efficient. She saved him from what could have been a fatal blow.

He nodded once, a silent acknowledgment of her skill, but there was no time for words. More shadows were approaching, their forms barely visible in the dim light.

"We need to move," Lucian said, his voice urgent.

Alara nodded, though her breathing was labored. She wiped the blood from her dagger and stood beside him, ready to face whatever came next. But Lucian could see the exhaustion in her eyes, the way her body trembled from the effort of the fight.

The beasts were closing in again, their eyes glowing in the darkness, but Lucian's mind was already working on a plan. They couldn't keep fighting like this—there were too many, and Alara was in no condition for a prolonged battle.

He glanced at her, his jaw set with determination. "When I say run, we run. Don't stop. Don't look back."

Alara hesitated for a moment, her eyes meeting his. "What about you?"

"I'll be right behind you," Lucian promised.

She nodded, though he could see the doubt flickering in her eyes. But there was no time for debate. The creatures were closing in, and if they didn't move now, they would be overwhelmed.

"Now!" Lucian shouted, spinning on his heel and breaking into a run.

Alara followed close behind, her breathing ragged but steady as they sprinted through the trees. Lucian's heart pounded in his chest, his senses on high alert as they weaved through the undergrowth, the creatures hot on their heels.

The forest seemed to stretch on forever, the trees twisting and bending around them as they ran. Lucian could hear the snarls and growls of the beasts behind them, but he didn't slow. He pushed himself harder, his legs burning with the effort, his mind focused on one thing: survival.

After what felt like hours, they burst through the trees and into another clearing. Lucian skidded to a stop, his chest heaving with exertion. Alara stumbled beside him, collapsing to the ground, her face pale and drawn.

The creatures hadn't followed.

Lucian glanced back at the treeline, his eyes narrowing. The beasts had stopped at the edge of the clearing, their glowing eyes watching from the shadows. But they didn't cross into the open space, as if some invisible force was holding them back.

He turned back to Alara, kneeling beside her. "Are you alright?"

She nodded weakly, her breath coming in shallow gasps. "I'll be fine," she whispered, though Lucian could see the toll the fight had taken on her.

For a moment, they sat in silence, the tension between them easing as the danger passed. Lucian's mind raced with questions—about the creatures, about Alara, and about the ruins that lay ahead.

But for now, all he could do was catch his breath.