The forest stretched endlessly before them, shrouded in the predawn mist. The air was damp, carrying the earthy scent of moss and wet leaves. Max led the group, his crimson eyes scanning the shadowy path ahead, every sense heightened. Behind him, Kaera, Thram, Lyria, and Garrick moved in tight formation, their weapons at the ready. The safe house lay deep within the forest, and the journey would be anything but simple.
Kaera's voice broke the silence. "We should stick to the main trail until we're past the ridge. After that, it's too risky."
"Agreed," Max said without looking back. His tone was curt, his mind preoccupied. The whispers from the orb had grown faint, but they lingered like an itch he couldn't quite reach. He felt its weight against his chest, tucked securely beneath his cloak.
Thram adjusted his grip on his axe, his massive frame looming behind Kaera. "Do you really think the Syndicate's watching this far out?"
"They're watching everywhere," Kaera replied. "And they're patient. One slip-up, and we'll have enforcers on us before we can blink."
"Let them come," Thram muttered. "I'm tired of running."
"Running isn't the problem," Max said, his voice edged with sharpness. "Surviving is."
---
The hours passed in tense silence, the forest growing denser as they moved deeper into its heart. The trail began to narrow, forcing them into single file. The canopy above blocked out most of the light, casting eerie shadows that danced with every step.
Garrick, ever vigilant, spoke up. "We're being followed."
Kaera froze, her hand dropping to the hilt of her sword. "How many?"
"Two. Maybe three. They've been keeping their distance, but they're getting closer."
Max's lips curved into a faint smirk. "Good. Let's make it easier for them."
Kaera shot him a warning glance. "We don't know who they are or what they want. Don't get cocky."
"Relax," Max said, his voice dripping with mock reassurance. "I'll handle it."
Before Kaera could protest, Max veered off the trail, slipping into the shadows with practiced ease. The group hesitated for a moment before Kaera motioned for them to stay put.
Max moved like a wraith, his footsteps silent against the forest floor. He circled back, his crimson eyes locking onto the faint outlines of two figures weaving through the trees. They were dressed in dark leather, their movements cautious but purposeful. Syndicate enforcers, no doubt.
"Leeks, ripe for the cutting," Max murmured to himself, a predatory grin spreading across his face.
With a burst of speed, he closed the distance, his huntsman knife flashing as it caught the dim light. The first enforcer didn't even have time to react; Max's blade sank into his throat, silencing him with a wet gurgle. The second turned, eyes wide with shock, but Max was already upon him. A swift slash to the leg brought him to his knees, and Max pressed the blade to his neck.
"Talk," Max demanded, his voice low and menacing. "Who sent you?"
The enforcer's lips trembled, but he remained silent. Max sighed, his patience wearing thin. "You've got one chance to make this easy. Otherwise, I'll start getting creative."
The man's resolve broke. "We were ordered to track you," he stammered. "To confirm if the Crimson Wraith was here."
Max's grin widened. "Well, you found him. Congratulations."
With a swift motion, he ended the man's life, wiping his blade clean on the enforcer's cloak. He returned to the group moments later, his expression unreadable.
"Problem solved," he said simply, falling back into line.
Kaera frowned but didn't press him. "Let's keep moving. We're losing daylight."
---
By nightfall, they reached the ridge Kaera had mentioned. The safe house lay just beyond it, hidden within a natural hollow in the forest. The group set up a small camp to rest before making the final push.
As the fire crackled, Kaera's gaze lingered on Max. She spoke softly, her voice barely audible over the night sounds. "You didn't need to kill them."
Max's crimson eyes met hers, unflinching. "They were a threat. Threats get eliminated."
"And what happens when that thinking turns on us?" Kaera asked, her tone tinged with both curiosity and caution.
Max's smirk returned. "Then you'd better make sure you're not a threat."
Kaera didn't reply, her expression thoughtful as she turned her attention back to the fire. The rest of the group remained quiet, the weight of the day's events settling heavily over them.
---
The following morning, they reached the safe house. It was a small, unassuming structure built into the side of a rocky hill, almost invisible among the dense foliage. Inside, it was sparse but functional, with enough supplies to last them several weeks.
Kaera set about organizing their resources, while Thram and Garrick secured the perimeter. Lyria approached Max, her expression hesitant.
"Max," she began, "about what happened yesterday..."
"Don't," Max said, cutting her off. "I did what needed to be done. End of discussion."
Lyria's lips pressed into a thin line, but she nodded. "Just... don't forget that we're in this together."
Max didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the dense forest beyond the safe house. The whispers from the orb were louder now, their pull stronger. He clenched his fists, a flicker of determination in his eyes.
"Together, for now," he muttered under his breath, too quiet for anyone to hear.
The game was far from over, and Max had every intention of coming out on top.