Hunted

The cold air hit my face like shards of glass as I sprinted through the dense forest, my heart hammering against my ribs. Every snap of a twig or rustle of leaves sent my pulse spiking. They were coming. I didn’t know how many, but I could feel their presence closing in—dark, menacing, and unrelenting. We managed to escape just to be chased again

"Daniel, move faster!" Rigel's voice roared from somewhere behind me, his tone sharp and commanding. It wasn’t like his usual calm demeanor. He sounded... panicked. I turned backwards slightly and saw how he still looked strangely handsome even as he rushed behind me. 

Branches tore at my skin as I stumbled over roots, my lungs burning with every gasp. I wanted to shout at him, to demand answers, but there wasn’t time. The air grew heavier, the kind of oppressive weight that only came when they were near. 

A sudden growl shattered the night. My body froze instinctively, but Rigel grabbed my arm and yanked me forward with terrifying strength. 

“Don’t stop,” he growled, his golden eyes blazing in the moonlight. His face was smeared with blood—not his, I hoped—but the way he clutched his side told me otherwise. 

We broke into a clearing, and I dared to glance back. That’s when I saw them—twisted figures with glowing red eyes and grotesque, shifting forms. They moved as one, like shadows come alive, their teeth gleaming like daggers. 

“They’re faster this time,” I choked out, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my feet. 

“And more dangerous,” Rigel hissed. He raised a hand, and a blast of energy erupted from his palm, crashing into the creatures. The ground trembled as some of them dissolved into ash, but more surged forward, undeterred. 

This wasn’t like before. They weren’t just toying with me—they wanted blood.  My blood!

“Over there!” Rigel pointed to a cluster of boulders ahead. “We need to make a stand.” 

“A stand?” I wheezed. “You’re injured!”  I could not stand to see him in pain. I did not even know why seeing him in that pain make me feel a sharp pain in my chest. I did not know if that was the feeling of heartbreak that couples go through because I had never felt that way

“Doesn’t matter,” he snapped. “They won’t stop unless we stop them.” 

We reached the rocks, and Rigel spun around, his hand already glowing with raw energy. He unleashed another blast, his power cutting through the first wave of attackers. But then he staggered, his breathing ragged. 

“Rigel!” I grabbed his arm, panic bubbling up. “You can’t keep this up!” 

“They’re not giving us a choice,” he said through gritted teeth. Blood seeped through his shirt, staining his side. It was then I realized—he wasn’t invincible. Despite all his power, he could bleed. 

The creatures circled us, their movements very deliberate, almost mocking. Rigel stood tall, his aura flickering like a dying flame. I wanted to fight, to help him, but I didn’t know how. I knew I was no match for them but still I wanted to help but how? That was the big question.

Then, I felt it. 

A strange warmth spread across my chest, and when I looked down, I saw it—a faint, glowing mark etched into my skin, pulsating softly like a heartbeat. It wasn’t there before. 

“What the hell is this?” I whispered, my fingers brushing the symbol. It felt alive, like it was connected to something—someone. 

Rigel’s gaze snapped to me, his golden eyes widening. “You’re... marked.” 

“Marked? What does that mean?” 

His expression darkened, but before he could answer, one of the creatures lunged at him. Rigel spun and struck it down with a roar, but his movements were slower now, his injuries taking their toll. 

“Run!” he shouted. 

“No!” I screamed back. “Not without you!” 

Another growl pierced the air, and this time, it came from somewhere too close. I turned, my heart leaping into my throat as a creature loomed behind me, its claws raised high. 

For a moment, everything slowed. I could see Rigel out of the corner of my eye, his mouth open in a silent warning. The glow on my chest intensified, the heat building until it was almost unbearable. 

And then...  Everything went white with a sharp and very loud sound that could deafen my ear.