The Silver Curse – Volume 2, Chapter 3: The Hunt Begins
Regrouping
The forest was eerily quiet after the assassin's sudden retreat. Yuto pressed a hand against his side, feeling the warmth of his own blood seeping through his fingers. The wound wasn't deep, but it was enough to slow him down. He exhaled sharply, forcing himself to stay steady.
Mira let out a low whistle. "Well, that was something. Any idea who our little shadow friend was?"
Yuto shook his head. "No. But she knew me—or at least, she knew about the rings."
Mira's eyes flicked toward Yuto's hands, where the silver bands pulsed faintly. "Yeah, I figured. Someone with moves like that isn't just some random assassin. We need to find out who she is."
"Agreed," Yuto said, straightening. "But first, we need to find shelter. I need to tend to this wound."
Mira rolled her eyes but didn't argue. "Fine. There's an abandoned watchtower nearby. I passed by it once on another quest. Should be safe enough for now."
Yuto nodded. "Lead the way."
The Watchtower
The structure was old, covered in vines and moss, but still stood tall against the backdrop of the forest. Mira pushed the heavy wooden door open, revealing a dust-filled interior, scattered with remnants of old supplies and broken furniture.
Yuto dropped onto a makeshift seat, pulling out a cloth to press against his wound. He gritted his teeth as he worked to clean it, but Mira was already beside him, yanking the cloth out of his hands.
"Oh, stop acting tough," she muttered. "You'll just mess it up."
He sighed, but let her work. Mira was quick, her hands steady as she cleaned and wrapped the wound. As she tightened the last bandage, she gave him a pointed look. "Next time, don't get stabbed."
Yuto smirked. "I'll keep that in mind."
She leaned back, arms crossed. "So, what's next? We tracking down our mystery woman?"
Yuto's gaze hardened. "Yes. But we need information first. If she's tied to the disappearances, someone in Valkris might know her."
Mira exhaled, rubbing her temples. "Guess that means we're heading back."
Yuto nodded. "At first light."
A Silent Observer
As night fell, the fire crackled softly in the watchtower. Yuto leaned against the wall, his eyes half-closed, but his thoughts racing.
Somewhere out there, the assassin was still watching.
And he would find her soon enough.
End of Chapter 3