The tension from the previous chapter bleeds into this one, the cold night air wrapping around the silent ghost town like a shroud. Selene stands firm, her silver hair swaying slightly in the breeze. Her eyes remain locked on Ronen, who steps forward with a slow, deliberate pace. His crimson hair catches the moonlight, casting a faint glow on the black sword resting at his side.
"Selene," Ronen's voice is low, almost casual, but it carries an underlying menace. "I never thought you'd be the one hunting me. I expected someone more... seasoned."
Selene narrows her eyes. "Don't flatter yourself. You're no different than the others I've hunted down."
Ronen chuckles softly, the sound echoing in the empty streets. "That's where you're wrong. I am different. And soon, you'll see just how different I am."
Without another word, Ronen's form blurs, and in an instant, he vanishes from Selene's sight. Her instincts scream at her, and she barely has time to dodge as his black sword swings down, slicing through the air where she stood moments before.
Selene rolls to the side, quickly regaining her footing, her hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of her weapon—a silver dagger imbued with conjure energy. The ground where Ronen's sword struck is split open, a deep crack snaking its way across the earth.
She breathes heavily but doesn't falter. "You think your speed will save you?"
Ronen smirks, his figure appearing and disappearing from sight as he circles her like a predator stalking its prey. "Speed is just the beginning."
Suddenly, Ronen strikes again, his sword coming at her from a dozen different angles. Selene's reflexes kick in as she blocks and parries with her dagger, but each hit sends a shockwave of force through her body, reminding her of just how powerful Ronen truly is. He isn't like the others she's faced before. He's faster, stronger, and far more dangerous.
Selene grits her teeth, dodging another attack. She's beginning to understand why Ronen has become such a feared figure. But she can't afford to back down. Not now. Not when she's this close.
"You won't escape me, Ronen," she growls, her dagger glowing with a radiant silver light. She channels her conjure energy, multiplying her speed tenfold. With a burst of energy, Selene launches herself at Ronen, her dagger slicing through the air with deadly precision.
Ronen, however, seems unfazed. His movements are graceful, almost effortless, as he dodges her attacks with ease. Each time her blade comes close, he's already gone, leaving behind nothing but a blur of red and black.
"Is this really the best you can do?" he taunts, his voice dripping with arrogance.
Selene's frustration builds. She's one of the best in Arcadia, and yet, she can't land a single blow on him. But she knows she can't let her emotions get the best of her. She steadies her breathing, focusing all of her energy into her next strike.
And then, it happens—a brief moment of weakness in Ronen's defense. He miscalculates one of her movements, and for the first time, Selene sees an opening. Without hesitation, she strikes, her dagger plunging toward his chest.
But just as her blade is about to make contact, Ronen's hand shoots out, grabbing her wrist with inhuman strength. His red eyes flare with amusement.
"Nice try," he says, his voice chilling. "But you're not ready."
Before Selene can react, Ronen tightens his grip and slams her into the ground with incredible force. The impact cracks the concrete beneath her, and she gasps in pain, struggling to catch her breath.
Ronen stands over her, his expression calm but dangerous. "You're strong, Selene, I'll give you that. But strength alone won't be enough to stop me. Tell Shiro that the real game is about to begin."
With that, Ronen steps back into the shadows, his form disappearing as quickly as he had arrived.
Selene lies on the ground, dazed and in pain, but alive. She watches the spot where Ronen vanished, her mind racing. This isn't over. Not by a long shot.
---
Cut to Shiro:
Back in the city, Shiro receives a message from one of his operatives. He reads it silently, his expression unreadable.
"Ronen made contact with Selene," Hank says, standing by Shiro's side. "She's injured, but she'll recover."
Shiro's eyes narrow as he folds the message in his hand. "It's time we move forward with our plans. If Ronen wants to play, we'll play."
---
End of Chapter.