First Blood

It was a colder than normal night, the air stinging with a sharp bite that stung against Liam's skin. His eyes glazed over, he passed the shadowy alleyways, his body slowly acclimating to the energy thrumming in his veins. The world seemed… to be different now. Shadows dripped unassimilated poison along the pavement, throbbing with an otherness he could sense too—the sensation of whispers reaching out of the black.

Liam wrapped his damp hoodie tighter over his head, his breath puffed in the cold air. His thoughts raced. Earlier, a moment played over and over in his mind—the moment he accepted Noctis's power, his moment of eternal servitude. He didn't know whether he should feel regret about it or embrace it.

"There is no time to waste."

Noctis's voice rang in his skull, deep and unyielding. This had been the case since the day their connection was forged—the Shadow always there in the back of his mind, urging him, influencing his thoughts. Liam couldn't tell if that was reassuring or horrifying.

"Your body is changing. You must understand it. Feel the power within you."

Liam blew out a breath, halting his steps. He could sense it — the energy humming beneath his skin, an uncharted force making his body lighter, more attuned to everything in the room. His senses had sharpened — he could hear the far-off hum of electric from streetlights, a small rustle of a rat scurrying nearby. It wasn't just darkness anymore; it had been given life.

But then the real challenge lay ahead.

He needed to fight.

Noctis had said that to him — he wasn't the only one who made a deal with a Shadow. There were others. And some of them would soon be hunting him.

"Your power will draw them."

"You must be ready."

Liam clenched his fists. The thought of fighting electrified his frame, but it was out of fear. Could he actually win? He had never been a fighter. He'd been cowed his whole life, never standing up for himself.

But this time was different.

This time, he wasn't alone.

Liam stopped at the sound of footsteps in the distance. His breath slowed; his body tightened. His new senses sensed something: something fast approaching.

Someone was watching him.

"Do you feel it?" Noctis whispered.

Liam swallowed hard. He felt it.

It came from deep inside the alley. Big, broad-shouldered, walking with silent confidence. He was clothed all in dark material, with his hood pulled low across his face. But it wasn't his looks that triggered alarm bells in Liam's mind — it was the energy surrounding him.

Dark. Heavy. Familiar.

He had a Shadow.

"Be careful," Noctis warned. "He is not like you. He has experience."

As the figure came to a stop a couple of paces away, Liam remained rooted. Neither spoke for a long moment. Then, the stranger chuckled.

"So you're the new one," the man said, his voice rough, with an edge of amusement. "Didn't think I'd catch you this quick."

Liam's hands automatically formed fists. "Who are you?"

The man cocked his head slightly. "Call me Oris. I hunt your kind."

Liam frowned. "My kind?"

"You made a deal with a Shadow, kid. Oris took a cautious step forward. "That means you're dangerous. "As we speak, you are being watched whether you know it or not."

Liam's muscles tensed. "By who?"

Oris smirked. "By people stronger than you. People who "do not like unchecked power walking the streets." Something dark flickered in his eyes. "So, I have to ask… are you going to go quietly?"

Liam hesitated. He felt for every part of his body that something was wrong. His instincts — sharper than they had ever been — told him this was not a friendly conversation.

Then he saw it.

The shadows behind Oris slithered.

No—not moved. Shifted.

A tendril peeled from the darkness coiling about Oris as if living. Liam's breath caught. Another Shadow.

But this one was different. Larger. More complete. More powerful.

"Noct, he's stronger than you," her voice was grim. "But he is not invincible."

Liam's heartbeat quickened. He wasn't ready for this. He hardly had time to comprehend his own strength. How would he go against someone who had obviously been doing this for years?

Oris sighed. "Guess that answers my question."

Then he moved.

Liam had little time to react. Oris stood in front of him one second. The next, he was charging ahead, fist flying through the air like a bullet.

Liam ducked—not consciously, but instinctually. His body reacted without processing — swinging back the moment before the hit.

"Good," Noctis murmured. "Your body adapts."

Oris smirked. "Not bad, kid."

Then he snapped his fingers.

The shadows behind him surged forward.

Liam recoiled, narrowly avoiding the tendrils of darkness that lashed out at him like whips. One tore into his arm, and sharp pain radiated through his body. Not just a hit — it felt like the Shadow was siphoning him off.

"Fuck —" Liam faltered, breathless.

Oris didn't let up. He lunged again, the speed insane, his movements the flickering ghost in and out of the shadows."

Liam barely kept pace, swerving by instinct alone. But he was falling behind quickly."

"You must fight back!" Noctis's voice like thundered through his head.

But how?

Liam gritted his teeth. He had power now. He had to use it.

When Oris charged him again, Liam did react — but this time, it was intentional.

His body acted on instinct, but his mind was the driving force. He crouched low, twisting his weight, and then —

The shadows at him pulsed around him.

A black tendril snaked its way from Liam's own shadow, latching onto Oris's arm just as the creature struck.

Oris's eyes widened.

Liam didn't hesitate. He yanked the tendril, plucking Oris off balance — just long enough for Liam to bring his fist down on the man's ribs.

The collision sent a shockwave of force ripping outward. Oris staggered back, breath catching.

Liam breathed deep and ragged, his body shaking. He sensed something — a rush, a swell of power. The dark within him answered his call, and for the first time…

He felt unstoppable.

Oris laughed, rubbing his ribs. "Hah… not bad," he muttered. "Not bad at all."

Then he slipped into the shadows before Liam could respond.

Liam was panting and stood there, fists drawn.

"He left," Noctis murmured.

Liam exhaled sharply. His first fight. And he had survived.

But something inside told him that this was just the start.

Somewhere in the dark, others were watching.

And soon, they would come for him, as well.