As they emerged from the dense forest, Naomi's senses were on high alert, scanning the village ahead. The journey had been grueling; every step through treacherous terrain was a struggle compounded by the need to protect Ariana, unconscious and vulnerable in Alastair's arms.
Naomi's gaze locked onto Alastair's face, his eyes fixed on the path ahead with grim determination. They had to keep moving, had to get Ariana to safety.
The forest had seemed endless, shadows deepening into pockets of potential danger. They navigated cautiously, avoiding pitfalls and low-hanging branches, all while shielding Ariana from lurking threats.
Relief washed over Naomi as they entered the village, yet it was short-lived. A figure stood cloaked in shadows, unnervingly motionless, eyes fixed on them with intensity.
"Alastair," Naomi whispered urgently, nudging him. "He's watching us."
Alastair's expression darkened as he followed her gaze. "Let's get inside," he said tersely, quickening his pace towards the inn.
Inside, warmth from a crackling fire pit enveloped them. Naomi sighed with momentary relief, though her eyes remained fixed on the window. The figure lingered, a silent sentinel in the night.
Alastair gently laid Ariana on a nearby bed, his concern etched deeply into his features. "She needs help," he murmured. "She's been through a lot."
Naomi nodded, her mind racing. "And we need to know who that man is," she said firmly. "And what he wants from us."
The figure outside remained unmoved, a dark presence lurking just beyond reach. Naomi shivered, despite the inn's warmth.
"We can't stay here," Alastair finally said, breaking the silence that hung heavily between them.
"We have to find out who he is," Naomi insisted, her voice steady despite the unease gnawing at her. "He's been following us since the forest."
They exchanged a glance, silent understanding passing between them. Their plan had to be careful, calculated.
"Maybe someone in the village knows him," Naomi suggested. "Or maybe there's a way to lose him in the maze of streets."
"No, he must want something," Alastair said. "He followed us all the way here but didn't attack us once, not to mention the creatures in the forest didn't attack us too."
"It is possible, but you'd need a bizarre amount of magic power assuming they were summons," Naomi pondered.
Alastair considered her words, eyes flickering towards the window. The figure remained a silent sentinel in the darkness.
"We gather, find somewhere to get your sister treated discreetly," Alastair decided. "And then we lead him somewhere away from the village. Tonight."
Naomi felt a surge of determination. They had faced dangers before, but this shadowy pursuer felt different, more insidious. They couldn't afford to underestimate him.
Under the cover of darkness, Naomi and Alastair led the mysterious figure away from the village. They navigated through the winding streets, their senses on high alert. Finally, they stopped in a secluded alleyway, the only sound being the distant howling of wolves.
"Let's get this over with," Naomi said, her voice firm.
Alastair nodded, his eyes fixed on the figure. "Show yourself," he demanded.
The figure stepped forward, its features illuminated by the moonlight. Naomi's eyes widened as she took in his appearance. He was tall, with piercing eyes and skin that seemed to shift like the shadows themselves.
"Who are you?" Naomi asked, her voice steady.
The figure smiled, its eyes glinting with amusement. "My name is Xandros, but you can just call me the Collector."
Naomi's eyes narrowed. "What do you want from us?"
"Nothing much really," Xandros began casually. "See, I observed your fight in the forest and it amused me. At first, I just wanted to take back the girl, but seeing as there were two even finer specimens, I couldn't control myself. I mean, who wouldn't? Everybody wants..."
"Get to the point, we don't have time for your incessant ramblings," Alastair interrupted bluntly.
"Oh, sorry, haha. I'll do just that," Xandros replied. "What I'm saying, in essence, is become my test subjects or die."
Xandros now emitted a choking and suppressive aura, making it hard for Alastair and Naomi to stand straight. They both thought the same thing: 'He was strong.'
"We refuse," Alastair said, struggling to maintain his balance.
"What? I know I said become my subordinates or die, but it would be wasteful on my side to miss such an opportunity to work on such fine samples," Xandros continued, playing with his words. Naomi fired a blast of fire with a magic spell.
"Stop calling us specimens," she said, struggling to speak. The spell was easily blocked by Xandros, who looked completely unfazed.
"You don't want to do this," he said, now releasing his aura. "Maybe I came on too strong?"
As soon as he had fully repressed his aura, Alastair charged at him at full speed and swung his fist with all the strength his muscles could muster. But his fist connected with nothing as Xandros appeared behind him, kicking him and sending him flying through two buildings.
"Seriously, stop. I really don't want to damage you," Xandros remarked calmly.
Naomi took this opportunity and fired two ice spears at Xandros, but just like before, the spell did him no harm.
"Well, I tried talking, so I guess it's time to use violence," Xandros declared. He raised his hand, casting a spell of his own — ice magic.
"Subzero," he said, firing the spell at a dazed Naomi. Before the spell could reach her, however, Alastair sped his way to her side and pushed her out of harm's way, effectively evading the spell.
"Whoa," Xandros remarked with an eerie smile on his face.
"Now, I want you guys even more," he said.
As Alastair faced off against the summoned creature, his determination to protect Naomi and confront Xandros head-on was evident in every move. The creature, with its swift and powerful attacks, proved to be a formidable opponent. Despite Alastair's skillful maneuvers, the creature's relentless assault began to take its toll. Blow after blow, Alastair found himself pushed to the brink, his body bruised and battered. Although he was healed after each injury, he still felt the pain, and this was taking a toll on him mentally.
Meanwhile, Naomi, relying on her mastery of magic, engaged in a tense battle with Xandros. She unleashed spells with precision and speed, aiming to disrupt his control and gain the upper hand. However, Xandros's magical prowess was formidable. Spells that would typically incapacitate were deflected effortlessly, leaving Naomi increasingly desperate for a breakthrough.
In the midst of this intense struggle, just as it seemed Alastair might succumb to the creature's onslaught, a sudden surge of energy echoed through the alleyway. A new presence emerged — Kael and Sabrine.b