Perspective of Angela
The plan was in motion, but the tension in the air was palpable like a live wire. Angela's heart beat heavily in her chest while she hunched down behind the row of trees, her gaze moving across the open space in front. They had carefully selected this location - a slim forest area surrounded by dense vegetation, with a single entrance and exit. This would push the soldiers of the Alpha King into a narrow passage, providing them with a small benefit.
If all went as planned.
Angela's fingers tightened around the knife by her side, feeling the familiar weight of the blade that still provided comfort. The magic from the blood oath was still coursing through her veins, now more restrained but still potent and undiscovered. It caused her to experience a sense of change - a stronger bond with something greater, something age-old. However, she hadn't been able to try it out yet, to figure out her abilities.
And that filled her with more fear than she was willing to acknowledge.
Kael and Devin were hidden in the clearing, focusing their gaze on the path where they anticipated the Alpha King's army to emerge. Mira was hidden close to Angela, breathing rapidly in short bursts. She showed evident fear in her eyes, yet managed to hold herself together at the moment.
Angela's heart skipped a beat as the wind changed direction, bringing with it a new sound. Footprints. Moving with intention and weight through the thick vegetation. They were on their way.
Angela 's hold on her knife became stronger. With the adrenaline coursing through her, she gestured to Devin and Kael, her fingers shaking. This was the moment. The trap was ready, and all that remained was to wait for the Alpha King's soldiers to fall into it.
However, something shifted. The sound of footsteps ceased, giving way to a gentle rustling among the trees. Angela 's expression turned into a frown, her muscles tightening as she tried to listen for any more noise.
After that, she caught sight of him.
A man entered the open space, not a soldier nor one of the Alpha King's corrupt guards. Tall and silver-haired, he had sharp features and eyes that appeared to faintly glow in the low light. He glided with an unsettling elegance, as if he was out of place in his surroundings, but each movement he made was intentional.
Angela felt a sudden tightness in her chest. He was not included in their plan. This unknown man was not meant to be present.
The man with silver hair stopped in the middle of the clearing, surveying the trees with eyes that seemed to already know they were there. A slight smile tugged at his lips, sending a shiver down Angela 's spine.
She looked at Devin , who was gazing at the man with a combination of perplexity and caution. Kael appeared stern, yet his posture remained motionless, as if anticipating the stranger to initiate the interaction.
Angela froze as the man glanced in her direction with his eyes. His look was intense, cutting through the shadows as if he could perceive her innermost thoughts.
"Step out," the man beckoned, his soft voice resonating clearly through the open space. "I am aware of your presence."
Angela felt her heart rate increase. The question was, who was he? How did he come across them? She made eye contact with Devin , who slightly nodded, keeping his gun pointed at the stranger.
Gradually, Angela emerged from the trees with her knife still in hand, concealed at her side. She proceeded cautiously, ensuring not to reveal the fear welling up inside her.
The man with silver hair's smile grew as he spotted her, lacking any warmth. He moved nearer, keeping his gaze fixed on her.
He stated, "You are Angela ," and it wasn't a question.
Her eyes squinted, every fiber of her being warning her to proceed with caution. "Who are you?"
The man inclined his head, appearing to contemplate whether to respond or not. "Someone who understands you completely."
Angela felt her heart beating rapidly. His tone and confidence when he spoke made her feel unsettled. "What are your desires?"
"I didn't come for the Alpha King," he stated, his smile disappearing. "I am present to support you."
Devin advanced, holding his gun high and his muscles tense. "Step back."
The man glanced at Devin , and briefly, the atmosphere between them appeared to change, filled with a sense of threat. However, the stranger remained motionless, not even flinching.
"Do you believe that will hinder me?" inquired the man, his voice serene, almost entertained. "Lower the gun to avoid making an error."
Devin kept his weapon raised. "What is your identity?"
In the dim light, the man's eyes sparkled. "I go by Malakai."
Angela didn't recognize the name, but Devin 's reaction made her realize it was significant to him. She felt queasy as she looked back and forth at them.
Malakai kept his eyes fixed on Devin as he stated, "You are familiar with who I am." "Okay. So you're aware that it's not a good idea to go against me."
Devin 's jaw clenched, but he remained silent. Angela sensed the thick, suffocating tension between them.
"What is it that you desire?" Angela inquired once more, attempting to divert Malakai's focus from Devin .
Malakai smiled, then quickly looked back at her. I would like to present you with an option. An escape route.
Angela 's brows furrowed. "What are you trying to escape from?"
"He warned that the upcoming war would be smooth yet deadly," he said. Do you believe you can capture the Alpha King? "Do you believe you have what it takes to emerge victorious?"
Angela felt her heart skip a beat. What made him aware of their strategy? How did he determine their future actions?
"I have more knowledge than you believe," Malakai stated, as though he could read her thoughts. I am aware of the power you possess, Angela . Power that has the potential to shift the balance. However, it will not suffice. Not in opposition to him.
Angela felt her chest constricting. What is the reason for sharing this with me?
"I want you to survive," Malakai said, his voice softening, nearly genuine. I am not against you, Angela . However, I cannot allow you to proceed with this idea. It will result in your death."
Devin moved closer, his eyes filled with doubt. "What is the reason for us to have confidence in you?"
Malakai looked directly into his eyes. If you fail to do so, the Alpha King will seize all your possessions. And once you figure it out, it'll already be too late.
Angela sensed the heaviness and chill of his words enveloping her. She had no trust in him, it was impossible for her to do so. However, his voice and the certainty in his tone caused her to hesitate.
Malakai moved nearer, his gaze meeting hers. "Allow me to assist you."
Angela felt her heart pounding as she gazed at him, her thoughts whirling. She was unsure of the man's identity and did not know if he was trustworthy. The way he talked to her, the way he gazed at her, gave the impression that he was aware of something she was not. Something crucial.
"How much does it cost?" Angela inquired, her tone soft yet resolute.
Malakai smiled once more, yet his eyes did not reflect the same joy. "We will address that at a later time."
Prior to her being able to reply, the clearing was once again filled with the echoing sound of footsteps. Additional troops. The soldiers of the Alpha King were getting closer.
Malakai glanced at the trees, his face turning somber. "The time has run out."
His gaze became intense as he faced Angela again. Make a decision right away. Believe me, or confront him by yourself.
The sound of footsteps increased as the soldiers approached nearer.
Angela felt the pounding of her heartbeat in her ears, her thoughts moving quickly.
"Devin cautioned with a quiet voice, saying, "Angela ." "We are unaware of the identity of this man."
She was aware of that. She was aware of the danger. However, her gut instinct suggested that Malakai was aware of something significant, something with the potential to alter the course of events.
She inhaled deeply.
"Alright," she stated confidently. "I will pay attention."
Malakai's smile came back, icy yet content. "Great."
The military men were on the brink of the open space.
"Go now," Malakai urged in a hushed and pressing tone. "I will prevent them from advancing."
Angela briefly paused, but Devin took hold of her arm and guided her back towards the trees. "We must depart."
She took one final look at Malakai, her thoughts racing with unanswered questions, but there was no opportunity. They were required to relocate.
Angela , Devin , and Kael hurried away into the shadows, abandoning the elderly stranger with silver hair.
As they entered the forest, the noise of the approaching soldiers could be heard in the distance before suddenly fading away.