The footsteps grew closer, echoing through the empty building. The sharp sound of boots striking the cracked floor seemed amplified by the silence around me. My breathing was fast, and the wind around me started to pick up, responding instinctively to my heightened alertness.
I took a few cautious steps back, keeping my eyes fixed on the rusted door in front of me. The air swirled faintly around me, ready to act if necessary.
Stay calm, Zephyr, I told myself. You don't know who it is. It might just be some curious bystander...
But deep down, I knew that wasn't true. This was far more dangerous than some innocent passerby.
The door creaked open, and a man stepped through. He wore a robust black tactical vest and carried something on his arm—a metallic device that looked like a strange weapon, something straight out of a sci-fi movie. He looked at me with a malicious smile, while two other men appeared behind him, blocking my only exit.
One of them wore a similar tactical vest with metallic accents that glinted faintly in the dim light.
— So this is where you've been hiding, kid, — said the first man, his voice dripping with mockery.
— We finally found you, — added another, his tone low and laced with contempt.
My heart pounded, but I forced myself to stay composed.
— Who are you? — I asked, my voice steadier than I felt.
The man chuckled darkly.
— You know exactly who we are.
— And what do you want with me? — I straightened my posture, trying to project confidence I didn't feel.
— Isn't it obvious? Someone's very interested in what you can do. And they gave us clear orders: bring you in. Alive.
— I don't know what you're talking about. — I tried to lie, but the tremor in my voice gave me away.
— Don't bother pretending. — He took a step closer, the floor groaning under his weight. — The doctor sent us to get you. And whether it's the easy way or the hard way, you're coming with us.
My mind raced, every instinct on high alert. My body was ready to act, even though I had no idea how I'd get out of this.
— You weren't after Evander before. What changed? — I asked, stalling for time while trying to process their motives.
— The doctor gave us another chance, — one of the men said, his voice tinged with something close to reverence. — He saved us from our old boss, who only wanted your friend.
— You're wasting your time. I'm not the one you're looking for.
— Oh, really? — the first man laughed, raising the device on his arm. — Then you won't mind if we test this out on you.
Before I could respond, a blue light glowed on the device, and a beam of energy shot out, striking the ground just inches away from me. The impact sent chunks of concrete flying, and I instinctively jumped back, feeling the wind around me intensify.
— Last chance, kid. Come quietly, or... — He left the threat unfinished, but the twisted smile on his face said all I needed to know.
Without thinking, I raised my hands, and a gust of wind exploded outward, slamming him against the wall. The other two men, however, didn't hesitate—they charged at me immediately.
— He's faster than he looks! — one of them shouted, already aiming his weapon to fire.
I knew I had to act quickly. With a swift motion, I spun my hands, creating a whirlwind to block the incoming blasts. The energy projectiles dissipated into the swirling air, but maintaining the barrier was draining me fast.
— Damn it... I need an exit.
My eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape route. A broken window near the back of the building caught my attention—it was my only chance.
Taking the opening, I sprinted toward the window, the sound of gunfire ringing out behind me.
— Get him! — the leader barked, struggling to his feet.
As I leapt through the window, I used the wind to cushion my fall, landing hard but unharmed. I barely had a moment to catch my breath before hearing the shouts of the men above.
I bolted through the empty streets, my heart pounding like a war drum. My body was on the edge, every muscle tensed as I tried to put as much distance as possible between me and my pursuers.
The shouts behind me began to fade, but I knew I wasn't safe. They had found me, and it was only a matter of time before they tried again.
After running several blocks, I ducked into a dark alley and crouched behind a dumpster. My breathing was heavy, and the sound of my racing heart echoed in my ears.
— They really came for me... — I muttered, running my hands through my black hair as I tried to calm down.
The air around me still swirled faintly, responding to the fear and adrenaline coursing through me. I closed my eyes, taking deep breaths to steady myself.
— I need to think... I need to prepare for when they come back.
— But how?
I adjusted the mask on my face, making sure no one could recognize me if they saw me. With quick steps, I left the alley and melted into the crowd, my mind spinning as I tried to come up with a plan.
By the time I got home, it was late. The house was quiet, but the lights in the living room were still on. As soon as I stepped inside, my grandmother appeared in the hallway.
— Zephyr? Do you know what time it is? — she asked, her voice a mix of concern and exhaustion.
— I... lost track of time. Sorry, Grandma.
She crossed her arms, looking more hurt than angry.
— You barely spend any time at home lately. You're distancing yourself from us. This isn't normal.
I lowered my head, the weight of her words pressing down on me.
— I just have a lot on my mind...
— Then share it with us, Zephyr. You don't have to carry everything on your own.
— I'll be fine, Grandma. I promise.
She sighed, shaking her head.
— I hope so. Because whatever it is, it's eating you alive.
My grandfather stayed silent, but the look he gave me was just as heavy with unspoken concern.
— It's nothing. I'm just tired.
— Tired... — my grandmother repeated softly, her voice tinged with sadness rather than anger. — You didn't even go to school today... but fine. Go get some rest.
I nodded, muttering a faint thank you before heading upstairs and locking myself in my room.
Lying on my bed, I stared at the ceiling, the events of the day replaying in my mind.
— They're not going to stop. I have to be ready.