Though Alex wasn't among the students excited about the expedition, he was still relieved it was happening. Killing beasts could be a good way to blow off steam, and it would give him some time alone with his thoughts.
He swung his sword in an instant, cutting down the wolf charging at him. Its body flew through the air before crashing to the ground, lifeless.
"Hmm, no strong beasts around here," Alex muttered, glancing at the dead wolf. "Might as well have some fun with these."
If not for the teachers' strict instructions to stay at the edge of the forest, he would've gone deeper by now. Not that he couldn't disobey the orders if he wanted to.
He wiped the blood off his sword and strolled forward. "Time to find my next target."
Anyone hearing him would assume he was talking about beasts. But Alex had something else in mind. Something far more sinister.
As he approached the wolf's body, he spotted a figure behind a nearby tree. His eyes narrowed.
Before he could finish, a blur shot toward him, moving at immense speed and catching him slightly off guard.
In a heartbeat, the figure was on him, claws slashing toward his head with deadly precision.
Alex leaped back just in time, the claws missing by a hair's breadth. He looked up to see his attacker.
It was a girl with long black hair tied in a ponytail. She wore a black cloak and mask that covered her face, except for her red, captivating eyes. What drew Alex's attention most were her claws and the red energy swirling around her hand. It could only mean one thing.
"A vampire," he muttered, tightening his grip on his sword.
Memories of Arthur flashed through his mind, and a dark frown crossed his face. He suppressed the emotions, keeping his composure.
His gaze shifted slightly, spotting another figure behind her. Another girl, dressed identically, also with a ponytail. But she lacked claws and didn't exude the red energy of a vampire.
"They're wearing the same thing," Alex noted silently. "Are they part of a group? But the second one doesn't seem like a vampire. And humans and vampires working together? That's impossible."
He didn't know what they wanted, but the killing intent radiating from both was unmistakable. They were here for him.
The vampire's earlier attack made that clear.
For a moment, they stood in silence, sizing each other up.
Then Alex smirked, raising his sword. "I don't know why you're after me, but I've been itching for some payback for the vampire who killed my friend."
His grin widened. "I'd have preferred to kill that particular vampire, but since you're here, I guess you'll take the punishment."
Seraphine and Tessa remained silent, their expressions hidden behind their masks. Neither gave any reaction to Alex's words.
The moment they saw Alex, Arin also gave Seraphine a cloak and a mask. Though, Seraphine mentioned that it wasn't needed, Arin said he had his reasons, to which Seraphine agreed without complaining.
Seraphine, however, was deep in thought. "What's he talking about? I don't remember any other vampires being here."
Her eyes widened slightly as a possibility crossed her mind. "Unless… Father's already sent someone."
She turned to look at Tessa, who met her gaze and gave a nod, gripping her sword tightly. In the next instant—
Seraphine kicked off the ground, launching herself at Alex.
She swung her claws with immense force, aiming for his head.
Sparks flew as Alex blocked the attack with his sword but was pushed back by the sheer strength behind it.
The sound from the clash of metal was all Tessa needed. She absorbed the sound with her Spell, enhancing her physical abilities, and then.....
In a blink, she was at Alex's side, her sword poised to strike.
"Sound magic," Alex muttered.
Seraphine's claws were already descending again, and Tessa's sword was heading for him simultaneously. But just before either attack could land—
A wild gust of wind surged around Alex, pushing Tessa back and diverting Seraphine's claws off course.
He leaped back, creating distance, his eyes locking onto Tessa. "Sound magic..… no, she's not the only one who can use Sound Magic. And she wouldn't have a reason to attack me unless…..."
His thoughts trailed off as he took a fighting stance, his right leg shifting back, his left knee bending forward. His sword was ready.
Seraphine and Tessa exchanged glances again, and in that same instant....
Both of them dashed toward him in unison.
Seraphine summoned Blood Spikes with a flick of her fingers, sending them flying toward Alex.
He raised his sword, and in an instant, rock-like spikes formed in the air, hurtling toward the Blood Spikes.
The attacks clashed and exploded, canceling each other out. But Seraphine and Tessa had already closed in.
Seraphine leaped, her claws coming down like a meteor, while Tessa swung her sword from Alex's right.
Caught between the two attacks, Alex grinned, gripping his sword tightly.
This was only the beginning of the fight.....
But what Alex didn't know was that there was one more person he was yet to see.... Someone far more dangerous than these two.
I know that they're many things we'd like to know. Like, how did Seraphine even get to that forest? What about the Vampire who killed Arthur? And where is Arin currently?
Well, more chapters to come!!
Also, I won't be locking chapters until towards the end of next month. So, chapters will still be free till then. Thank you!!!