The forest stretched endlessly under the pale light of the crescent moon. Shadows twisted and shifted, moving as though alive. Deep within the woods, a boy stood silent, his sharp black eyes scanning the treetops. He was barely fourteen, yet there was an air of authority about him—an aura that made even the nocturnal creatures hesitate.
His name was Ray.
Ray adjusted the scarf wrapped around his neck, not for warmth but to keep his face hidden. His dark hair fell messily over his eyes as he tilted his head, listening. Something—or someone—was following him.
"Not very subtle, are you?" he said, his voice calm but edged with cold amusement.
The forest stilled for a moment. Then, with a soft rustle of leaves, a girl emerged from the shadows. She looked older than him, maybe fifteen, with sharp brown eyes and dark braided hair. She wore a simple leather jacket and boots, a sword strapped to her hip.
"You've got good ears, kid," she said, smirking slightly. "Didn't expect you to catch me that fast."
Ray remained still, his hands resting at his sides. "I caught you five minutes ago. You've been stomping around like a beginner."
The girl's smirk faltered. "Hilarious. What's your name?"
"Why do you care?" Ray shot back, his expression unreadable.
"Because you're on my land," she said, gesturing to the forest around them.
Ray raised an eyebrow. "Your land? You own the trees now?"
The girl narrowed her eyes. "Don't get smart with me, kid."
Ray's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Too late for that."
Before the girl could retort, a low growl echoed through the woods. Both of them froze. Ray's eyes flicked toward the sound, his sharp gaze cutting through the shadows.
"We're being watched," he said.
"No kidding," the girl muttered, drawing her sword.
A pair of glowing red eyes appeared in the darkness, followed by another, then another. The creatures stepped into the moonlight—hulking wolf-like beasts with black fur and elongated fangs that dripped with venom.
"Shadowhounds," the girl whispered, her grip tightening on her weapon.
Ray sighed, his posture relaxed despite the danger. "Three of them. Not much of a challenge."
The girl shot him a disbelieving look. "Are you serious? These things could tear us apart!"
"Not if they're dead first," Ray replied calmly.
The first hound lunged, its jaws snapping. The girl raised her sword, but Ray moved faster. He stepped forward, his hand enveloped in swirling black energy.
"Fall," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
The creature froze mid-air, suspended by the shadows coiling around it. With a flick of Ray's wrist, the shadows crushed the beast, leaving nothing but a lifeless husk.
The girl stared, her mouth slightly open. "What the…"
Ray ignored her, his attention focused on the remaining two hounds. One growled and charged, but Ray was faster. He extended his hand, and the shadows at his feet surged forward, slamming into the creature and pinning it to the ground.
The third hound hesitated, its instincts screaming at it to retreat. But Ray didn't give it the chance. The shadows tightened around the pinned beast, and with a sharp motion, he sent a wave of darkness slicing through the final hound.
Silence fell over the clearing.
Ray dusted off his hands, his expression as calm as ever. "Like I said, not much of a challenge."
The girl's sword lowered slightly, her eyes still wide. "What… what are you?"
Ray glanced at her, his black eyes gleaming faintly. "None of your business."
"Are you serious right now?" she snapped. "You just… You can't just kill Shadowhounds like that and walk away!"
"Why not?" Ray replied, his tone as casual as if they were discussing the weather.
The girl took a step closer, her sword still in hand. "You're not normal, are you?"
Ray sighed, pulling his scarf higher. "You ask too many questions."
"Maybe because I just watched a kid destroy three Shadowhounds with his bare hands!"
Ray turned to leave, but she grabbed his arm. "Hey, I'm not done talking to you!"
In an instant, the shadows around them surged, wrapping around her wrist like a living creature. She gasped as the cold tendrils tightened.
"Let go," Ray said softly, his voice carrying an edge of danger.
The girl hesitated, then released his arm. The shadows receded, and Ray turned away.
"You're heading in the wrong direction," he said over his shoulder.
"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked, rubbing her wrist.
"It means," Ray said, his voice fading as he disappeared into the forest, "you don't belong here."