Hunted in the City

The sprawling industrial district of Arcanova stretched out before them, a maze of rusted pipes, abandoned factories, and shadowed alleys. The glow of distant neon lights flickered faintly through the smog, but here in the outskirts, the city felt more like a ghost of itself. Kai stuck close to Ignis, his eyes darting nervously at every sound that echoed through the empty streets.

"You know," Kai said, his voice low, "I thought getting out of the Veil would feel like a win. Turns out, I still feel like we're about to get murdered."

Ignis didn't slow his pace, his golden eyes scanning the path ahead. "You're not wrong. The enforcers were just the first wave. The clans will send more once they realize we've resurfaced."

Kai groaned, adjusting the strap of his bag. "Great. Can't wait to see what's next. Do they have, like, a whole bestiary of nightmares to throw at us?"

Ignis glanced back at him, the faintest smirk on his face. "Worried?"

"Terrified," Kai shot back. "But thanks for asking."

The dragon prince chuckled softly, but his expression quickly turned serious. He stopped at the edge of a crumbling overpass, motioning for Kai to stay still. The faint hum of machinery vibrated through the ground, accompanied by the distant roar of engines.

Kai crouched down beside Ignis, peering through the gaps in the broken concrete. Below, the dimly lit streets were crawling with movement. Figures in dark armor moved in coordinated patrols, their weapons glowing faintly with an eerie blue light.

"Who are they?" Kai whispered, his heart pounding.

"Clan mercenaries," Ignis said quietly. "Hired muscle. They're not as dangerous as enforcers, but they're smarter. And there are more of them."

Kai frowned, his grip tightening on the fragment. "How did they find us so fast?"

Ignis's jaw tightened. "The bond. It's like a beacon. As long as you're holding the fragment, they'll be able to track us."

Kai's stomach sank. "So... we're screwed."

"Not yet," Ignis said. He turned, scanning the overpass. "We need to get out of this district. Once we're in the main city, the crowds will make it harder for them to track us."

"And how exactly are we supposed to get past them?" Kai asked, gesturing to the patrols below.

Ignis didn't respond immediately. His eyes flicked to the fragment in Kai's hands, then back to the mercenaries. "We cause a distraction."

Kai blinked. "A distraction? Like what?"

Ignis's smirk returned, and this time it was sharper, more dangerous. "You'll see. Stay close to me, and whatever happens, don't stop moving."

Kai opened his mouth to argue, but Ignis was already moving. The dragon leapt down from the overpass with the grace of a predator, landing silently on the cracked pavement below. Kai scrambled after him, his heart pounding as he landed awkwardly behind him.

Ignis raised a hand, and the air around them shimmered with heat. Kai felt the temperature rise, a faint crackling sound filling the air as Ignis summoned a small, controlled flame in his palm.

"Stay here," Ignis said, his tone firm. "When I give the signal, run for the alley to the left. Don't stop, no matter what."

Kai hesitated, glancing at the approaching mercenaries. "And what about you?"

"I'll catch up," Ignis said. His golden eyes locked onto Kai's. "Trust me."

Before Kai could respond, Ignis stepped forward, the flame in his hand growing brighter. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled the flame into the middle of the patrol. It exploded on impact, sending a shockwave of heat and light through the street.

The mercenaries shouted, their formation scattering as they tried to regroup. Ignis didn't give them a chance. He charged into the chaos, his flames roaring to life as he tore through their ranks with brutal precision.

Kai watched in awe—and terror—as Ignis moved like a force of nature. His flames lit up the dark street, each strike precise and devastating. The mercenaries didn't stand a chance, their glowing weapons useless against the raw power of a dragon prince.

"Now!" Ignis shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Kai didn't hesitate. He bolted for the alley, his feet pounding against the pavement. The shadows of the towering buildings closed in around him, the faint glow of Ignis's flames disappearing behind him.

The alley twisted and turned, a labyrinth of dead ends and narrow passageways. Kai's lungs burned, his legs screaming in protest, but he didn't stop. The fragment pulsed faintly in his hands, urging him forward.

He skidded to a halt at a fork in the alley, glancing back over his shoulder. The sound of the battle had faded, replaced by the distant hum of the city. For a moment, he thought he was safe.

Then he heard it—a low growl, barely audible but unmistakable. His blood ran cold.

Turning slowly, Kai saw a figure emerge from the shadows. It was another enforcer, its glowing eyes locked onto him. Unlike the others, this one was larger, its form more solid and menacing.

"Seriously?" Kai muttered, his voice trembling.

The enforcer lunged, faster than anything he'd faced before. Kai barely had time to react, raising his free hand instinctively. The fragment's energy surged, a burst of light erupting from his palm.

The enforcer staggered, but it didn't fall. It roared, its claws slashing through the air as it closed the distance between them.

"Kai!" Ignis's voice rang out, and suddenly the alley was filled with heat and light. A wall of flame erupted between Kai and the enforcer, forcing it to retreat.

Ignis appeared beside him, his golden eyes blazing. "You okay?"

Kai nodded, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "That thing just keeps coming!"

Ignis smirked. "Let it. I've got plenty of fire left."

The enforcer roared again, but this time, Ignis stepped forward, his flames swirling around him like a living shield. Kai watched as the dragon prince faced the creature head-on, his power burning brighter than ever.

For the first time, Kai felt a spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they had a chance.

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