Fear and confusion gripped Rohan as he chased after Nina, who had abruptly raced toward an empty, open space. She came to an abrupt stop, her sharp gaze scanning the surroundings.
Panting, Rohan caught up with her. "Hey, Nina! What happened? Why did you suddenly run like that?"
"Can't you sense it?" Nina asked, her voice laced with urgency.
Rohan froze, bewildered. "What are you talking about?"
Before he could press further, an overwhelming sensation washed over him—a wave of ominous, malevolent energy. It was unlike anything he'd ever felt before, chilling him to his core. His heart pounded as a figure materialized before them.
Nina's eyes narrowed as she stepped protectively in front of Rohan. Her tone turned icy as she addressed the newcomer. "Aireal… What are you doing here in the human world?"
Rohan whispered to Nina, "Who is he?"
"He's a *Kotu*," Nina explained quietly, "one of the Demon Lord's generals."
Aireal's dark aura grew heavier as he smiled coldly. "I'm here for the boy," he announced, his voice calm but filled with menace.
Nina bristled, her tail twitching. "You're not taking him. Over my dead body."
Aireal chuckled, amused by her defiance. "Oh, Nina. You could join me instead. If you let me take him, I'll ask my lord to marry you. You could be one of his queens and rule over all *Kotu*."
Nina's expression hardened. "I would rather die than marry him."
Turning to Rohan, she whispered urgently, "Run! He wants you, not me."
Rohan's jaw tightened. "No! I'm not leaving you alone."
"Please," Nina pleaded. "If you stay here, I won't be able to concentrate on the fight."
Aireal's patience waned, and his tone darkened. "If you won't give him up… then die."
With that, Aireal lunged forward, his movements swift and deadly. But Nina was ready. She sprang into action, launching herself at him with lightning speed. The two clashed in a blur of motion, their attacks so fast that Rohan could barely follow them.
Nina landed the first powerful blow, sending Aireal flying several feet. Rohan couldn't help but cheer. "That was amazing, Nina!"
But Aireal recovered quickly, appearing before Nina in an instant. He retaliated with a fierce punch, but Nina managed to block it just in time.
The battle raged on, each strike more intense than the last. Despite her skill, Nina was beginning to tire. "Rohan, run!" she shouted between breaths. "I can't hold him off much longer. If you want to help, use your powers!"
Rohan hesitated, torn between his fear and his determination to protect Nina. He closed his eyes, searching for the strength within himself. But nothing happened.
"Nina, I can't—"
"You can!" Nina yelled. "Think of the people you care about! Think of what's at stake!"
To Be Continued...