The sun hung low in the sky, painting the forest with gold and shadows as Lass and Gin made their way through a narrow path surrounded by thick trees. The air was heavy with silence, broken only by the rustle of leaves and the occasional call of a bird. Lass glanced at Gin, whose eyes scanned the woods, wary and tense.
"We should be close to the next village," Lass said, her voice low. She adjusted the strap of her bag and tightened her grip on her dagger. "Let's keep moving."
Gin nodded, but there was worry etched on his face. "I don't trust this quiet," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "Feels like we're being watched."
Lass's heart skipped a beat. She opened her mouth to respond, but suddenly, a shout rang out from the trees.
"Now!" bellowed a rough voice.
From the shadows, a dozen mercenaries burst onto the path. They were clad in dark, battered armor and wielded swords, spears, and bows. Their eyes glinted with a dangerous gleam, and they surrounded Lass and Gin, cutting off any chance of escape.
Lass raised her dagger, her heart pounding. "Stay close to me," she whispered to Gin.
Gin's hands were already glowing with unstable magic, tendrils of blue energy sparking and twisting around his fingers. He swallowed hard, his jaw set. "I'll try," he muttered.
The mercenaries closed in, grinning menacingly. One of them, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward. He pointed his sword at Lass. "Hand over the boy," he demanded. "And maybe we'll let you walk away."
Lass clenched her teeth. "Not a chance," she replied, her voice strong despite the fear bubbling inside her.
The scarred man raised an eyebrow. "Suit yourself," he said. Then he swung his sword, and the battle began.
Lass moved quickly, dodging the blade and slashing at the nearest mercenary. Her training with Captain Rhys had made her fast and precise, and she managed to land a hit on the man's arm, making him stumble back with a cry of pain.
Gin, meanwhile, struggled to control his magic. Blue sparks crackled around him, and he threw a bolt of energy at one of the mercenaries. The blast sent the man flying, but Gin's magic wavered, threatening to spiral out of control.
"Focus, Gin!" Lass called out, parrying another attack. "You can do this!"
Gin's face was pale, sweat beading on his forehead. "I'm trying!" he shouted, but his magic flared, a wild surge of power erupting from his hands. The blast was uncontrolled, crashing into a tree and splintering it into pieces. Shards of wood rained down, and Lass barely managed to duck out of the way.
"Careful!" Lass yelled, but she saw the fear in Gin's eyes.
"I… I can't!" Gin gasped, his hands shaking. The magic swirled around him like a storm, threatening to consume him.
One of the mercenaries saw the opportunity and lunged at Gin, his sword aimed at the boy's chest. Lass's heart lurched. She dashed forward, intercepting the attack and blocking the blade with her dagger. The force of the blow knocked her backward, and she landed hard on the ground.
"Lass!" Gin cried, his voice cracking.
Lass forced herself to her feet, her body aching. She met Gin's terrified gaze and gave him a determined smile. "We're in this together," she said, her voice steady. "I believe in you."
Gin's eyes widened, and something shifted in his expression. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the magic swirling around him. His hands steadied, and he focused his energy, aiming it at the mercenaries.
The scarred leader of the mercenaries sneered. "Enough games," he growled. "Take them down!"
The mercenaries surged forward, and Lass and Gin stood side by side. Lass fought with all her might, blocking and striking with precision. Gin released controlled bursts of magic, knocking enemies back without losing control.
But the battle was brutal. Lass's arms grew tired, and a mercenary's blade sliced her shoulder, making her cry out in pain. She staggered, but Gin was there, his magic shielding her from another attack.
"I've got you," Gin said, his voice stronger now.
Lass nodded, determination burning in her eyes. "We can do this," she said, even though exhaustion was creeping in.
Finally, with one last surge of magic, Gin sent the remaining mercenaries sprawling. The scarred leader was the only one left standing, his chest heaving with rage. He glared at Lass and Gin, his eyes narrowing.
"You think you've won?" he spat. "You have no idea what you're up against. Someone powerful wants to keep that curse in place. And they'll stop at nothing to make sure you fail."
Lass's heart sank. "Who?" she demanded, stepping forward. "Who hired you?"
The mercenary laughed, a dark, humorless sound. "You'll find out soon enough," he said. Then he threw down a smoke bomb, and a thick cloud enveloped him. When the smoke cleared, he was gone.
Lass and Gin stood in the aftermath, surrounded by fallen mercenaries and the broken remains of the forest. Lass's shoulder throbbed with pain, and Gin's magic flickered out, leaving him looking pale and exhausted.
"Are you okay?" Lass asked, her voice gentle.
Gin nodded, though his hands were still trembling. "I think so," he replied, his eyes full of guilt. "I almost hurt you… again."
Lass reached out, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "But you didn't," she said. "You controlled it. And we won because of you."
Gin's eyes filled with tears, but he gave her a small, grateful smile. "Thanks," he whispered.
Lass took a deep breath, the mercenary leader's words echoing in her mind. Someone powerful was trying to stop them, and the path ahead was more dangerous than ever. But she refused to let fear control her.
"We'll keep going," Lass said, her voice firm. "We'll break this curse, no matter who stands in our way."
Gin nodded, determination flaring in his eyes. "Together," he said.