Chapter 9: unseen strike
Two weeks had passed since Riven's training with Maurs began, and his progress was evident. Riven now levitated ten meters above the mountain peak, his body steady, eyes closed in intense focus. In the crisp, early morning air, he meditated calmly, hovering as if weightless against the vast sky. Below him, Maurs walked back into their camp with a fresh bounty of food from his morning hunt.
Without breaking Riven's concentration, Maurs quietly set down the game he had caught—several large birds and small animals—before moving to gather firewood. The crackle of kindling breaking under his hands was the only sound filling the clearing as he carefully arranged a small fire to cook their meal.
The sun crested the distant mountains, casting a warm glow over the rugged landscape, which lay stretched out far beneath them. After a moment, Maurs glanced up, allowing himself a hint of satisfaction at the sight of Riven's progress. It was remarkable for a novice to gain such control so quickly. Riven had begun to tap into his latent abilities with astonishing speed.
As the fire crackled to life, Maurs set about preparing the meal, his thoughts drifting between their training and the peculiar bond he sensed developing within Riven. For all of Maurs' centuries of knowledge, something about this boy's raw potential was both thrilling and foreboding.
The scene shifts to the royal capital—a city that towered in the distance, surrounded by high, impenetrable walls of stone. The capital sprawled wide, full of winding streets and grand stone buildings, leading up to a towering castle at its heart. Inside the castle, the King and Queen stood in a vast chamber, discussing urgent matters with a select group of the kingdom's most elite fighters.
An intense air filled the room as the royals explained what had been brought to their attention. "There has been a sighting of a dragon near the mountains," the King said, his voice steady and grave. "But even more concerning… reports say the dragon was slain. And the ones responsible are no ordinary individuals."
The Queen continued, glancing at the assembled group. "We need these individuals found and brought here at once. Their strength could be invaluable, or if they pose a threat, they must be assessed."
At this, the leader of the elite team, an 18-year-old young man with sharp eyes and an aura of undeniable authority, stepped forward. His name was Kazu, and his reputation for swift, uncompromising efficiency had earned him the highest respect.
"Do not worry," Kazu replied calmly, with a nod. "We will bring them to the capital. If they were able to kill a dragon, they will be powerful, but nothing beyond our ability to handle."
"Then go," the King commanded. "And be swift."
Kazu nodded, his expression unwavering as he turned to his team, already strategizing his approach. Without hesitation, the elite squad readied themselves, prepared to set out by dawn.
Back at the mountains, Riven remained suspended in mid-air, focused and calm. The energy around him pulsed faintly with his breath, his entire being in tune with the elements surrounding him. Maurs watched from below, his gaze contemplative. He could sense that something in Riven had shifted—a strength awakened, a calmness that seemed nearly unnatural for someone so young.
Just then, a faint whisper echoed in Riven's mind, the familiar yet unnerving voice that had emerged during his training. The voice, smooth and cold, cut into his thoughts with an intensity that sent a chill through him.
Do you feel it, Riven? The power inside you, yearning to be released," the voice said, calm and coaxing, yet carrying a quiet intensity that demanded Riven's attention.
Riven opened his eyes slightly, his brows furrowing. He had come to recognize this voice—an unfamiliar presence that had crept into his mind as his training intensified. "Who are you?" Riven asked in a low whisper, his voice barely audible above the mountain winds.
The voice seemed to chuckle, though the sound was more like a vibration, an echo in his own mind. "Who I am… is not the question you should be asking. Rather, you should be wondering what it is you're becoming."
Riven's jaw clenched as he tried to shake off the voice's hold, but the more he resisted, the more persistent it seemed to become.
"You've barely scratched the surface of your potential, Riven. Do you feel it? The strength waiting to surge through you?" the voice continued, almost tenderly.
Riven took a steadying breath, his body hovering in the air as he focused on keeping his balance. "I don't care about power. I'm here to learn, to understand who I am and what I can do… for my family, for myself."
"Oh? Is that so? And yet, look at what you've already done. You've crossed boundaries, Riven. Left the village, defied expectations. And that anger you felt… where did that come from?"
Riven's mind flashed back to the memory of the villagers turning on him, the harsh words of his father, the betrayal he felt. He pushed those thoughts aside, unwilling to be consumed by them again. "They misunderstood. I didn't have a choice. I had to defend myself…"
"Did you, though? Or was it something deeper? Something… hidden within you, waiting to break free?" The voice seemed to probe at his thoughts, as if testing his limits.
Riven's expression tightened. He couldn't deny that there was a strange sense of power in him, a feeling he couldn't fully understand. But it wasn't something he wanted to indulge. "Enough. You're nothing but a figment. I control my thoughts. I control my actions."
The voice paused for a moment, a silence that felt almost mocking. Then it spoke again, its tone shifting to something deeper, more sinister. "Ah, but Riven… you and I are not so different. We are bound by the same fate. You know it, even if you refuse to admit it."
Riven's chest tightened as he tried to refocus, unwilling to be swayed by the voice. Yet, he could feel its pull, subtle but relentless.
"Why do you resist? Power is not something to fear—it's a gift. And in your case, a birthright. The Kaelthar bloodline was once feared and revered across the land for its strength, for its mastery over forces that others could barely comprehend. Do you think such abilities were meant to be locked away?"
Riven felt his heart pound as the voice's words resonated within him. Despite himself, he couldn't ignore the sense of truth woven into them.
"You don't know anything about me," Riven replied, more defensively than he intended. "I'm not like the others… I don't want to become some ruthless warrior, drunk on power."
"Ruthless?" the voice replied, almost amused. "You misunderstand. Power need not be ruthless; it is a tool, a force of will. Whether you use it to protect or to destroy is up to you. But denying it? That is folly."
Riven's fists clenched as he tried to steady his breathing. Deep down, he knew there was something inside him, something potent and unyielding, but it frightened him as much as it intrigued him. His memories of the village—the loss, the accusations, the betrayal—were too fresh, too raw.
The voice softened, almost coaxing. "You seek peace, don't you? Freedom from this pain. And yet, that peace you seek can only be achieved through power, through control. Let me guide you, Riven. Together, we can make them understand. We can make them see."
Riven's eyes narrowed. "See what?"
"That you are not to be feared, but to be respected. Revered, even. That you have the strength to protect what you cherish… and to end those who would oppose you. It is your destiny, Riven. And denying it will only lead to more pain."
Riven's gaze turned downward, his mind racing. Could this voice be right? Could embracing this power truly bring him the peace he longed for? Or would it only lead to more darkness?
Just then, Maurs's voice cut through the air, breaking the hold the other voice seemed to have on him. "Riven," he called out, his tone calm yet commanding. "Your concentration wavers. Keep your focus. Embrace the stillness within."
Riven inhaled deeply, steadying himself, and allowed Maurs's words to anchor him. The mysterious voice faded, retreating to the back of his mind, but he knew it was still there, lingering, waiting.
As Riven floated back to the ground, he noticed Maurs observing him, a knowing look in his eye.
"Struggling with thoughts, I see," Maurs said as he handed Riven a piece of the cooked meat. "It's common when you're facing new powers… and even more so when those powers run as deep as yours."
Riven accepted the food with a nod, unsure how much Maurs understood. But he could sense that Maurs was watching, perhaps even aware of the inner turmoil he was facing.
"You have potential, Riven, but that potential must be tempered with control," Maurs continued. "The power you possess—it is a path few can walk without losing themselves. But you have the strength, if you are willing to put in the work."
Riven chewed on the meat in silence, contemplating the weight of Maurs's words. The voice had stirred something in him, a hunger he hadn't realized was there. But he knew that Maurs was right. Control would be key.
"Then I'm ready," Riven said finally, his voice firm. "Whatever it takes, I'll master this power."
Maurs gave a slight nod, a flicker of approval crossing his face. "Good. Remember, though: power without purpose is nothing more than chaos. You must find your purpose, Riven. Only then will your strength be true."
The scene shifts back to the royal capital. In the grand hall, the King sat upon his throne, watching as Kazu and his elite team prepared to depart. The mission was clear: find the ones who had slain the dragon and bring them back—willing or unwilling.
Kazu, who had been standing silently by the throne, finally spoke, addressing his team. "This isn't just a simple retrieval mission. We're dealing with forces capable of killing a dragon. Remain vigilant, and show no weakness. We will bring them back."
The team, a dozen of the kingdom's finest warriors, nodded in unison. They were each equipped with specialized weapons and armor, prepared for whatever dangers might await them. Kazu led them out, their footsteps echoing through the castle as they began their journey.
The King turned to the Queen once they were gone, his expression tense. "I only hope that they succeed. If these two are as powerful as the reports say, we may be bringing something far more dangerous into the capital."
The Queen's gaze was calm but thoughtful. "We need to understand what we're dealing with. The kingdom cannot afford unchecked power roaming freely."
The two monarchs shared a solemn glance, fully aware of the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, Riven and Maurs remained unaware of the forces that had already set out to find them.
Back on the mountain, as night fell, Riven sat by the fire, his gaze fixed on the flames. He could still hear the echo of that voice, a haunting reminder of the power that lay dormant within him. But for now, he knew he had to focus on his training, to listen to Maurs and trust in his guidance.
As Riven sat by the fire, the crackling flames casting shadows on his face, Maurs moved closer, his eyes studying Riven's expression. The boy's gaze was distant, as if he was trapped in thought. Maurs had seen this look before, in those who carried a great burden.
"You've changed since we first met," Maurs said, his voice low. "The questions in your eyes have multiplied, as have the shadows."
Riven glanced at him, a faint hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. "I suppose that's what happens when your life turns upside down."
"Perhaps," Maurs replied thoughtfully, watching him. "But change, like power, is a tool. It's how you choose to wield it that determines your path. Tonight, I want you to forget the past—forget the village, the pain, the questions—and focus on one thing: balance."
Riven nodded, understanding Maurs's intent. Maurs always pushed him to control his thoughts as much as his actions, as if they were part of the same discipline.
"What do you mean by balance?" Riven asked, tilting his head.
Maurs took a branch and prodded at the fire, sending sparks swirling into the night air. "Balance between power and restraint, ambition and purpose. Many wield power for its own sake, forgetting that it is a means, not an end. Those who do so are like a fire without fuel—eventually, they burn out."
Riven listened closely, letting Maurs's words sink in. He'd felt that surge of power growing within him, that raw, untamed energy that sometimes surged without warning. It had saved him when the villagers turned on him, but it had also filled him with something darker, something he wasn't sure he could control.
Maurs continued, his gaze fixed on the flames. "You must decide what you stand for, Riven. There's strength in you, but it will mean nothing if it doesn't serve something greater."
Riven's brows furrowed. "And if I don't know what that purpose is?"
Maurs let out a soft laugh. "Then find it. In time, it will reveal itself. For now, focus on balance—within and without."
The fire continued to burn low as silence settled between them, each lost in their own thoughts. Maurs had a way of planting seeds in Riven's mind, and though Riven didn't fully understand the path he was being guided on, he felt an unfamiliar sense of trust toward the older man.
After a long pause, Riven broke the silence. "Tell me something, Maurs. What drove you? You've lived for centuries—what's kept you going?"
Maurs's expression softened, and he looked away, as if glancing into a memory too far in the past to truly grasp. "Curiosity, perhaps. A desire to understand the world and myself. To protect what I cherish, and to prevent others from suffering the way I once did."
The quiet sadness in Maurs's tone surprised Riven. He had rarely seen the stoic warrior reveal even a trace of vulnerability.
"I think I understand," Riven said quietly. "At least, a little."
Maurs's mouth curved into a faint smile. "Good. That's a start."
The scene shifts to the royal capital, where Kazu and his elite team were preparing to set out at first light. The team's preparations were thorough, each member checking their equipment, sharpening weapons, and ensuring they were fully equipped for the journey.
Kazu walked among them, his gaze sharp and focused. He was only eighteen, but his authority over the team was absolute, a testament to his reputation and skill. As he checked on each member, he stopped in front of one of the younger men, who seemed hesitant.
"Something wrong, Riven?" Kazu asked, his tone even but commanding.
Rylen shook his head quickly, standing at attention. "No, sir. Just… thinking about the dragon."
Kazu's expression hardened, and he placed a firm hand on Riven's shoulder. "Dragons are rare, yes, but we're trained for this. And our target—these two people, whoever they are—are likely just hunters who got lucky."
Riven nodded, a bit more reassured. "Understood, sir."
Kazu continued walking through the ranks, offering brief words of encouragement. His mind, however, was racing. He couldn't shake the feeling that this mission was different. The reports were vague, but if there truly were people capable of slaying a dragon, they were not to be underestimated.
Once the team was ready, Kazu mounted his horse and gave the order to depart. As they rode out of the capital, he felt a surge of determination. He would find these people, and he would bring them back to the capital—no matter what it took.
Back on the mountain, dawn was breaking over the horizon. Riven had been up for hours, meditating on a high rock near the peak. Maurs had tasked him with levitating just high enough to feel the morning breeze, maintaining a perfect balance without losing focus.
As the sunlight crept over the mountain's edge, Maurs joined him, observing Riven's stance, the concentration etched into his face.
"Good," Maurs said, nodding approvingly. "You're learning to hold your focus."
Riven let out a breath, lowering himself back onto solid ground. "I think I'm finally starting to understand what you mean by balance."
"Excellent," Maurs replied, his tone pleased. "But remember, balance is not a destination. It's a constant process, something you refine over time. Even the strongest warriors must maintain their discipline."
Riven wiped sweat from his brow, the exertion clear in his face. "What's next?"
Maurs regarded him thoughtfully. "Today, we'll work on something different—speed and reflexes. Power without precision is like wielding a hammer to carve a statue. You must learn to control the force within you, to react in an instant."
Riven nodded, understanding the importance of honing every aspect of his abilities. Maurs led him down the mountain path, stopping at a narrow trail where loose rocks and roots created an obstacle course of sorts.
"Here," Maurs said, gesturing to the path. "I want you to run this path at full speed, avoiding every obstacle without slowing down. Trust your instincts, but control your movements."
Riven took a deep breath, positioning himself at the starting point. He locked his gaze on the trail, his mind clearing as he prepared to dash forward.
With a single nod from Maurs, Riven sprang into motion, his feet moving swiftly over the uneven ground. He ducked under low branches, leaped over rocks, and slid around sharp turns, his body reacting instinctively as Maurs's training guided him.
Halfway through, he stumbled on a loose rock, nearly losing his balance. But he caught himself, refocusing his mind as he pushed forward, determined not to falter.
When he reached the end of the trail, Riven was breathing heavily, his muscles burning, but a sense of accomplishment filled him. Maurs gave him a look of approval, a rare sight that made Riven's efforts feel worthwhile.
"Good," Maurs said, clapping him on the shoulder. "You're improving faster than I expected."
Riven smiled, his confidence growing with each challenge. "Thank you. What's next?"
Maurs crossed his arms, looking him over. "Now, we test your strength."
With that, Maurs walked over to a nearby boulder, placing his hand on it as if appraising its weight. He then stepped back, nodding to Riven. "I want you to lift this."
Riven eyed the boulder—it was massive, easily twice his height and as wide as he was tall. He frowned, unsure if he could even budge it.
"Don't overthink it," Maurs instructed. "Just focus on the task at hand."
Riven approached the boulder, placing his hands on its rough surface. He closed his eyes, focusing on his center, reaching for the strength within. Slowly, he felt the familiar sensation of power coursing through his limbs, and as he opened his eyes, he began to lift.
The boulder rose inch by inch, until it was hovering just above the ground. Riven gritted his teeth, feeling the strain in every muscle, but he held it steady, maintaining his focus.
"Excellent," Maurs said, a rare smile crossing his face. "You're learning, Riven. Soon, you'll be able to move mountains."
Riven lowered the boulder carefully, letting out a breath as he released it. The effort had drained him, but he felt a deep sense of pride.
"You've done well," Maurs said, his tone approving. "Rest now. Tomorrow, we begin a new phase of your training."
As Riven sat by the fire that evening, he felt a renewed sense of purpose, a quiet strength that gave him hope. The voice in his head had faded, replaced by Maurs's steady guidance. And though he knew his journey was far from over, he felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.
As Riven sat by the fire, his thoughts drifted to the events that had driven him to this remote mountain with Maurs. He couldn't forget the figure who had haunted his life since the day he found Geryl's lifeless body. That shadowy figure who, with a cold precision, had drawn a line of blood across Gareth's neck before disappearing, leaving behind only fear and questions. Every detail was etched into Riven's mind—the eerie calm in the figure's movements, the way he'd vanished as if he were a phantom. A dark resolve filled Riven as he thought about it; he would find that person, and when he did, he would have his revenge.
"What weighs on your mind, Riven?" Maurs's voice cut through his thoughts.
Riven glanced at him, his jaw set. "There's someone… someone who killed Geryl. I can't rest until I find him."
Maurs nodded, his expression unreadable. "Revenge can be a powerful motivator, but it can also blind you. If you're to face him, you'll need more than anger."
"I know," Riven replied, his voice tight. "But this isn't just anger—it's a promise. I'll find him, and he'll answer for what he did."
Maurs studied him, his gaze thoughtful. "Very well. But remember, strength and skill will be your allies, not vengeance. You must channel your emotions with purpose, or they'll become your downfall."
Riven absorbed Maurs's words, letting them settle within him. He knew Maurs was right—impulsive decisions would only lead to ruin. But he also knew that his hatred for that shadowy figure would fuel him. It would drive him forward, sharpen his senses, and make him relentless.
Meanwhile, at the foot of the mountain range, the elite team led by Kazu was closing in. Their horses trotted through dense forests and narrow paths, moving swiftly yet carefully, their breaths visible in the chilly mountain air. Kazu rode at the front, his eyes scanning the rugged landscape, searching for any sign of their targets. He could feel it—they were close.
Kazu raised a hand, signaling the team to halt. "We're approaching their location," he said in a low voice, his tone serious. "Be prepared for anything. We don't know what kind of power these two possess, but if they could kill a dragon, they won't go down easily."
The members of the elite team nodded, each of them checking their weapons and armor. They were the best of the king's forces, trained to handle even the most dangerous of adversaries. But even they felt a sense of unease; there was something unnatural about hunting two people who had reportedly slain a creature as mighty as a dragon.
Riven, one of the younger members of the team, looked to Kazu, concern flickering in his eyes. "Do you think they'll put up a fight?"
Kazu's gaze was steely as he replied, "If they're as powerful as they say, they won't go quietly. Be ready."
With that, Kazu spurred his horse forward, leading the team deeper into the mountains, each of them on high alert.
Back on the mountain, as the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the terrain, Riven noticed a sudden shift in Maurs's posture. The older man was listening, his head tilted slightly, as if picking up on something Riven couldn't sense.
"What is it?" Riven asked, a tense feeling forming in his gut.
"We're not alone," Maurs replied, his voice low and steady. "There are several individuals approaching our location."
Riven felt his muscles tense. "Do you think they're here for us?"
"It's likely," Maurs answered, his gaze focused. "The news of the dragon's death would have reached the capital by now. And those who control the capital rarely let such rumors go unchecked."
Riven clenched his fists, a surge of adrenaline coursing through him. "Then let's be ready. I'm not going down without a fight."
Maurs nodded, his eyes sharp. "Remember everything I taught you. They will likely attack with speed and coordination. Our goal is to disorient them, not to fight on their terms."
The two of them quickly moved into position, their eyes scanning the mountainside. They could see the narrow trail leading up to their location, the same trail that the elite team would need to follow. Riven's senses were heightened, his heart pounding in anticipation. He knew this was unlike any training he had done with Maurs; this was real, and their lives were on the line.
As he steadied his breathing, Riven's mind flashed back to that shadowy figure once more, and his resolve solidified. If this elite team was coming for him, he would make them remember his name.
The elite team ascended the trail cautiously, their eyes fixed ahead as they climbed higher and higher. Kazu signaled for silence, his hand raised as they approached the ridge near the mountain's peak. He could feel the tension among his men, but he also felt a thrill—the thrill of the hunt.
Suddenly, without warning, a rock came hurtling down the path, crashing into the ground near the front line of soldiers, sending a shower of debris flying. The team scattered, raising their shields as they looked up, trying to spot their attackers.
Kazu's gaze locked onto two figures silhouetted against the sky—Riven and Maurs, standing on a rocky ledge overlooking the trail.
"There they are!" Riven shouted, raising his sword.
"Hold your position!" Kazu barked. He kept his eyes on the two figures, studying them. "Don't underestimate them. They didn't slay a dragon by accident."
Maurs's voice echoed down to them, calm yet chilling. "Turn back now, and no harm will come to you."
Kazu's eyes narrowed. "Surrender, and no harm will come to you."
For a moment, the mountainside was silent, the only sounds being the rustling of the wind and the distant cawing of birds. Then, without another word, Riven and Maurs sprang into action.
Riven launched himself from the ledge, landing agilely on the trail just below the team. He moved with the grace and precision that only Maurs's training had instilled in him, his eyes cold as he assessed the elite soldiers before him.
Kazu drew his sword, his expression fierce. "You may be powerful, but we're the king's elite. You won't stand a chance."
Riven smirked, feeling the thrill of battle surge through him. "Then come and try."
The first soldier lunged at him, sword raised. Riven sidestepped, grabbing the man's wrist and using his momentum to flip him over, sending him crashing to the ground. Another soldier swung at him from the side, but Riven ducked, his movements smooth and controlled. With a swift kick, he knocked the man backward, sending him tumbling down the rocky slope.
Maurs watched from above, his gaze calculating. He knew Riven could handle himself, but he also knew the importance of conserving energy. This was only the beginning.
Kazu stepped forward, his sword raised, and his eyes locked on Riven. "Enough of this. Face me, if you dare."
Riven's gaze hardened, and he readied himself, his muscles coiled like springs. This was the moment he had trained for. Without a word, he charged at Kazu, their swords clashing in a flurry of sparks.
Kazu was fast—faster than any opponent Riven had faced before. His strikes were precise, each one aimed to kill. But Riven's training had taught him more than just speed; it had taught him patience. He parried each of Kazu's strikes, waiting for an opening.
Finally, he saw it—a brief hesitation, a slight shift in Kazu's stance. Riven seized the opportunity, slipping past Kazu's guard and landing a solid blow to his side, sending him staggering back.
Kazu gritted his teeth, his face twisted with determination. "Impressive," he said, a hint of respect in his tone. "But this isn't over."
As the fight continued, Maurs joined the fray, taking on several soldiers at once with ease. His movements were fluid and controlled, each strike calculated. The elite soldiers, despite their training, struggled to keep up with his skill and precision.
The battle raged on, the mountain echoing with the clash of metal and the shouts of the elite soldiers. Riven and Maurs fought side by side, an unstoppable force against the king's finest.
But Riven knew this was only a taste of the battles to come. He could feel the fire within him growing, a dark energy that whispered of greater power yet to be unlocked. And as he fought, he made a silent vow to himself.
Riven's breathing was steady, his face unreadable despite the fresh gash that ran across his left eye, down his cheek, and across his chest. The pain was nothing compared to the intensity of the fight before him. He stood, fists clenched, facing Kazu, who seemed equally determined, circling him with a dangerous glint in his eye.
Kazu moved first, launching himself toward Riven with a series of calculated, precise strikes. Each swing and stab was expertly aimed, leaving Riven barely enough time to dodge or deflect. He kept his movements tight and efficient, drawing on every lesson he'd absorbed from Maurs. Each punch and kick he managed to land was an attempt to test Kazu's defense and measure the full extent of his skill.
As Kazu's blade came down in a sharp arc, Riven narrowly evaded it, countering with a quick, powerful jab to Kazu's ribs. The blow connected, forcing Kazu back a step, but he quickly recovered, looking more focused than ever.
"Impressive," Kazu murmured, his voice a mixture of annoyance and admiration. "But it won't be enough."
Kazu went on the offensive again, his strikes growing even faster and more unpredictable. Riven could feel the weight behind each swing, the subtle skill woven into every movement. But he was learning as he fought, taking in Kazu's patterns, predicting the split-second shifts in his stance. With every exchange, he was getting faster, more prepared.
He waited for an opening, carefully calculating the right moment to strike back. Then it came—a slight shift in Kazu's footing, a brief hesitation as he overextended his reach.
Riven seized the chance. He stepped inside Kazu's guard, using his weight and momentum to slam his elbow into Kazu's side. The force was enough to make Kazu stagger, and Riven didn't let up. With swift, relentless force, he landed another punch to Kazu's jaw, then a knee to his gut. Kazu grunted, visibly shaken, and for a split second, his balance faltered.
But Riven pressed on, delivering a brutal kick that sent Kazu sprawling onto the ground. He watched as Kazu struggled to rise, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth, his face contorted in a mixture of pain and anger.
Kazu pushed himself to his feet, panting, clearly wounded but unwilling to back down. "You… won't… get away with this," he hissed, but his movements were slower, his guard weakened.
Riven knew he could end it here if he pushed just a bit more, but he glanced to the side, sensing Maurs' silent, urgent signal. This was not the time to linger, no matter how tempting it was to finish the fight.
In one swift motion, Riven stepped back, creating a safe distance. Maurs was already moving, his expression unreadable as he gestured for Riven to follow him.
Riven nodded, giving Kazu one last, intense stare before turning and running after Maurs. They didn't look back, weaving through the shadows, vanishing into the dense cover of trees as they fled the scene.
They moved quickly, leaving behind any trace that could lead back to them, their figures disappearing into the depths of the wilderness. Only silence remained, broken only by the faint rustling of leaves as they escaped, knowing it wouldn't be long before they were hunted again.
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