The storm had passed, but the chill it left lingered in the streets of Ravenbrook. Dante walked behind Alaric, his thoughts a tangled web of fear and curiosity. The visions from the cathedral still echoed in his mind, vivid and unrelenting. He rubbed his palm absently, the faint glow of the mark visible even beneath the damp fabric of his glove.
Alaric stopped suddenly, his sharp gaze cutting through the dim light. "We're being followed."
Dante froze, his heart pounding. "Followed? By who?"
Alaric didn't answer immediately. Instead, he turned, his coat swirling like shadows around him. His silver eyes scanned the alley behind them. "They've been watching since we left the cathedral. Likely a scout. A test."
Dante swallowed hard, gripping the hilt of the dagger Alaric had given him months ago. "A test for what?"
"For you," Alaric replied, his voice calm. "They want to see what you're capable of."
Before Dante could respond, the shadows at the edge of the alley shifted. A figure emerged, cloaked in darkness, their features obscured by a hood. The air around them seemed to vibrate, a faint hum that made Dante's skin crawl.
The figure stepped forward, their voice low and rasping. "The mark belongs to the Lords. Hand it over, and you might live."
Dante's grip on his dagger tightened. "Hand it over? What does that even mean?"
The figure chuckled, a hollow, chilling sound. "You carry power you cannot comprehend. It does not belong to you. Surrender, and perhaps we'll spare your pitiful existence."
Alaric's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "You overstep, wretch. Leave now, or face the consequences."
The cloaked figure ignored him, their attention fixed on Dante. "Last chance, boy. The mark, or your life."
Dante's blood ran cold, but Alaric's words echoed in his mind: You can't run from what you are.
He took a shaky step forward, raising his dagger. "I don't know who you are, but I'm not giving you anything."
The figure tilted their head, as if amused. "So be it."
They lunged.
The world seemed to slow as the figure moved, their speed unnatural. Dante barely had time to react, raising his dagger in a clumsy defense. The clash of steel on steel rang out, the force of the impact sending him stumbling backward.
"Focus!" Alaric barked, stepping aside to let Dante fight.
The figure struck again, their movements fluid and relentless. Dante dodged, the mark on his palm flaring with heat. He felt something stir within him—a surge of energy that wasn't entirely his own.
As the figure lunged again, Dante instinctively thrust his hand forward. A burst of red light erupted from the mark, slamming into the attacker and sending them flying into the wall.
Dante staggered, staring at his glowing palm in shock. "What… was that?"
Alaric stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "Your power. Raw and untamed, but it's there."
The cloaked figure groaned, rising slowly. Their hood fell back, revealing pale, sunken features and eyes that gleamed with malice. "You've made a mistake, boy. They'll come for you now. All of them."
Before Dante could react, the figure dissolved into smoke, vanishing into the night.
The alley fell silent, save for the sound of Dante's ragged breathing. He turned to Alaric, his voice trembling. "What just happened?"
"Your bloodline awakened," Alaric said simply. "And now, the hunt begins."
Dante's stomach churned. "Hunt? What are you talking about?"
Alaric placed a hand on his shoulder, his grip firm. "The Lords' enemies are many. Some will come to destroy you, others to claim you. Tonight was only the first of many battles."
Dante felt the weight of Alaric's words settle on him. He had barely survived one fight—what chance did he have against more?
Alaric's expression softened, but his tone remained steady. "You'll learn, Dante. You'll grow stronger. But you must trust me and trust yourself."
The words offered little comfort, but Dante nodded anyway. He had no choice.
As they continued through the darkened streets, Dante couldn't shake the feeling that the figure's warning was only the beginning. Somewhere in the shadows, others were watching.
And they wouldn't be as easy to fight.