The Escape

"Son, you must leave—NOW!"

Ashborn jolted awake, his mind still clouded by sleep. 

"Wha—?! What's happening, Dad? What's going on?" His voice wavered as the heavy atmosphere pressed down on him. The restless sleep he had earlier did little to sharpen his senses, but something in the air—something dark—made his skin crawl.

"No time to explain!" Gray snapped, his voice edged with frustration. His face was twisted in barely contained anger, though whether at the situation or himself, Ashborn couldn't tell. His father stood clad in full armor, weapons strapped to his body as if ready for war. Twin war axes rested on his back, two swords hung from his waist, and several daggers gleamed under the dim light—each one covered with a smell that seemed poisonous.

"Papa…?" Aelwyn's small voice trembled. She clung to the doorway, her eyes wide with uncertainty. But the weight in the air silenced her.

Gray tossed a bundle of clothes to Ashborn. "Here! Disguise yourselves!"

Ashborn caught them, recognizing the insignia of another noble house. This… His thoughts were racing, but there was no time to question. He hurriedly dressed, his fingers trembling as he secured the unfamiliar fabric.

Feronia stepped forward, her expression unreadable, but the sadness in her eyes was unmistakable. "Be safe, my children."

As Ashborn turned to leave, Gray grabbed his wrist. Their eyes met, and in that moment, no words were needed. His father's gaze bore into him, as Gray handed Ashborn a Magic Dagger Ashborn knew what his father was asking of him. 

"Do not hesitate when the time comes."

Ashborn swallowed hard, his voice heavier than before. "Yes, Father."

A knight approached swiftly, his tone urgent. "We must depart now, sir!" It was Adam, one of Gray's most trusted men. A seasoned warrior and commander under the DragonHearts.

Without another word, the children entered the disguised carriage. The carriage passed through a hidden tunnel beneath the castle, they escaped into an unknown Forest —a forest shrouded in thick darkness, where twisted trees loomed like silent sentinels. The night felt alive, watching. Pairs of glowing eyes flickered between the shadows, sending shivers down Kid's spine.

Aelwyn clung to his arm. "Brother…"

Ashborn exhaled, steadying himself. "Sir Adam, what is happening?"

The knight's jaw tightened. "We don't know yet, young master, but there are rumors… A demonic cult stirring in the capital."

Aelwyn's grip tightened.

"Your parents and the knights are investigating. Do not worry. They are strong—this threat will be dealt with." Adam's words carried confidence, but the tension in his shoulders told another story.

The carriage pressed on in silence.

Ashborn shut his eyes, focusing. He stretched his senses outward, searching for any sign of danger.

And then—

"PREPARE FOR BATTLE! MONSTERS!"

Adam's voice boomed through the night. The carriage jolted as knights leaped into action, steel flashing under the moonlight. The shadows moved—no, they swarmed.

Dark Hounds.

The monstrous beasts prowled through the trees, their hulking forms barely distinguishable from the darkness itself. Standing at a man's height on all fours, they were hunters—solitary by nature. Yet now, they moved in unnatural unison, flinging themselves at the carriage with reckless abandon.

Why?

Ashborn's pulse quickened. Dark Hounds weren't mindless. They wouldn't attack prey stronger than them—not like this.

Adam cursed under his breath. As he cleaved through one of the beasts, his eyes caught something—black magic lingering in their blood.

This isn't a random attack.

The realization hit hard.

A sharp whistle cut through the chaos. Adam leapt onto the moving carriage, his face grim. "Young master, we're being followed. We must abandon the carriage—now!"

He shoved a scarf into Ashborn's hands. "Hide under this!"

A magical cloth—one that concealed the presence of its wearer.

Without hesitation, Ashborn wrapped himself and Aelwyn under it, gripping Adam's hand just as they leaped onto a moving horse. Behind them, the knights scattered into the forest—a practiced maneuver, a desperate attempt to shake off their pursuers.

As the wind whipped past him, Ashborn's heart pounded. Then—he felt it.

A familiar aura.

His head snapped toward the source, eyes scanning the treeline. And there, through the dense foliage, he saw her—silver hair, ruby-red eyes.

Wounded.

And then—she vanished.

The moment froze in his mind, but before he could dwell on it—

A presence.

From the peak of a distant mountain, a figure stood, draped in black. A mask obscured his face, but the malevolent energy curling around him was unmistakable. Black magic sparked and crackled from his fingertips as he let out a slow, sinister laugh.

"Hah… Looks like you got lucky, girl. But I've just found a better source."

His gaze turned.

Straight to Ashborn.

A suffocating pressure filled the air.

"Go get the boy."

The command was spoken softly, but its weight sent an unnatural chill through the forest.

Ashborn and Aelwyn felt it—their instincts screamed at them of the danger .

They were being hunted.

[Authors Note]

Hello Guys a real quick update! The novel is going on a break till 18th of Feb,2025. My (Author) exams are here so uploading a novel chapter everyday is no longer possible so until then...

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