Chapter 10 – Prince From a Fairy Tale

The tension in the camp was palpable.

Eight bandits stared at Yato, narrowing their eyes as they tried to understand who this boy emerging from the shadows was.

"Who the hell are you?" one of them asked, fingers tightening around the handle of his machete.

He didn't answer.

He simply raised his spear, preparing to throw it.

The bandits reacted immediately, ready to dodge or block the attack. But none of them noticed the shadows creeping up from the ground.

The leader, by sheer misfortune, was the first target.

Dark hands grabbed his ankles the moment he tried to step back. Losing all balance, he fell onto his back, his head hitting the ground hard. Before he could even scream, the spear flew.

The tip pierced his throat effortlessly. His eyes widened as blood began to gush out. He tried to breathe, but all he managed was a gurgling sound before his gaze became empty.

Panic spread through the group.

But there was no time for hesitation.

The two nearest ones rushed at him, their blades gleaming under the dim firelight. However, just like the leader, their legs were grabbed at the last moment.

The first one fell face-first, and before his body hit the ground, Yato's blade slashed his throat in a clean cut.

The second bandit stumbled, struggling to regain balance. Yato seized the opening and delivered a strong kick to the side of his head. The impact twisted his neck violently, and he collapsed unconscious.

Now, five remained.

They hesitated. Something was very wrong.

But running wasn't an option.

Two more shadows seized the ankles of two bandits. They screamed, trying to free themselves, but their balance was already gone.

That was when Yato decided to end things quickly.

The three shadow tigers emerged silently, only their heads rising from the shadows of the bandits themselves. In an instant, sharp fangs sank into their calves, tearing flesh and crushing bones.

Screams echoed through the camp.

The last three bandits froze, their eyes wide with pure terror.

But it was too late.

Yato advanced without haste, and one by one, their bodies fell, their lives reaped with the ruthless precision of someone who felt no remorse.

When everything was over, he wiped the excess blood from his hands and started searching the tents.

He already knew where Makino was.

It didn't take long to find her.

She was tied at the wrists and ankles, a cloth tightly covering her mouth. Her body tensed when he entered, her eyes wide. But then she recognized him.

He stepped closer, pulling the cloth from her mouth.

"Are you okay? Did they do anything to you?"

Makino took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

"I… I'm fine. They just brought me here and tied me up."

He cut the ropes. The moment her wrists were free, she threw herself into his arms, her body still trembling.

"Thank you… thank you…"

He held her firmly.

After a few moments, he lifted her into his arms, carrying her like a princess. Makino blushed but soon wrapped her arms around his neck, holding on.

She was still scared.

Yato just walked back to the village, his steps firm in the darkness.

---

Makino's Perspective

They arrived suddenly, knocking over chairs and making threats. They shouted for no one to resist, dragged her outside, and vanished into the darkness of the forest.

The fear was real.

The despair was real.

But what came after…

She remembered it vividly.

The screams were the first thing she heard. Horrible, suffocated sounds, as if someone was trying to breathe through a nightmare.

Then, the sounds of bodies falling, blades slicing through flesh.

And then, silence.

The tent flap was pulled aside.

And she saw him.

Yato stood there, the weak firelight illuminating his face. His black hair fell effortlessly, and his amber eyes glowed in the dark like molten gold.

His face was symmetrical, beautiful in an almost cruel way. Strong and relentless, yet still carrying an aura of dangerous charm.

There was something about him that seemed… unreal.

As if he didn't belong in that setting.

As if he were a prince from a fairy tale emerging from the shadows.

Her heart raced for a completely different reason than fear.

He stepped closer and pulled the cloth from her mouth.

"Are you okay? Did they do anything to you?"

She took a moment to answer. Her mind was still trying to process what she was seeing.

"I… I'm fine. They just brought me here and tied me up."

The blade in his hand sliced through the ropes effortlessly.

That was the moment she lost control.

Her arms wrapped around him before she could even think.

The warmth of his body against hers made something inside her crumble, and the tears came before she could stop them.

"Thank you… thank you…"

He held her tightly. He didn't say anything, but the way he held her provided more reassurance than any words ever could.

She didn't want to let go.

But eventually, he lifted her into his arms, holding her securely.

Makino blushed but didn't protest. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck and held on.

She didn't want to feel afraid anymore.

And in his arms, for the first time that night, she didn't.

---

The villagers were gathered at the village entrance, armed with sticks, machetes, and tools.

They were about to leave when they saw the two approaching.

Makino reassured them, explaining what had happened. But the astonished looks on their faces made it clear that no one could believe what they were hearing.

Yato had defeated the bandits alone.

---

After everything, he walked her to her house, which was above the bar.

"Thank you… again," Makino said, standing at her bedroom door.

He simply nodded.

"Then, I'll be going."

When he turned, he saw the hesitation on her face.

Her fingers lightly gripping the folds of her dress. Her uncertain gaze.

She didn't want him to leave.

"Do you want me to stay?" he asked directly.

Makino hesitated. "Y-You don't have to…"

He crossed his arms. "I'd rather make sure you're safe."

She tried to argue but sighed.

"Then… okay."

---

He lay down in the hallway. Makino remained silent for a few minutes but soon shifted in bed.

"Hey…"

"Hm?"

"Can you… sleep here in bed with me?"

He already knew this would happen.

"I'm fine here."

"I… I'm scared."

He sighed and got up, lying beside her.

Makino stared at the ceiling. Then, tears began to roll down her face.

Yato didn't say anything. He just pulled her close, letting her rest her head against his chest.

"You're safe now," he said in a low, firm tone.

She clung to him.

And, at last, she slept.