Eclipsed monarch

The moment the scientist gave the order, the air in the chamber shifted.

The boy's golden eyes darkened, his pupils shrinking as something primal took over. His muscles tensed, and without hesitation—he lunged.

Kael barely managed to react.

CLANG!

A metallic claw scraped against his dagger, sparks flying as the force sent him skidding back. The boy had moved faster than any human should—his body a blur of speed and precision.

Selene had already drawn her twin daggers, but before she could intervene, the scientist chuckled.

"I wouldn't," he mused, eyes glinting. "His instincts are honed for killing. That body—every muscle, every nerve—crafted for the sole purpose of destruction."

Kael steadied himself, his grip tightening on his blade. "You sound proud of it."

The scientist tilted his head. "Why wouldn't I be?

The boy's stance was low, predatory. His dark blue tail flicked, signaling an attack.

Then he vanished.

Kael barely caught it—a flicker of motion before claws raked toward his throat. He dodged by an inch, feeling the wind slice against his skin. The boy's strikes weren't random—they were calculated, relentless.

He's not just fast. He's trained.

Kael ducked a second strike, then countered—but his dagger barely grazed the boy's skin before he twisted mid-air, his body reacting with unnatural agility.

Selene saw an opening and struck.

SHING!

Her dagger met flesh—but instead of pain, the boy grinned.

His wound closed instantly.

Selene's eyes widened. "Regeneration?"

The scientist clapped mockingly. "Oh, much more than that. You see, Subject 017 isn't just enhanced—he's evolved. Pain is irrelevant. Wounds mean nothing. He will keep fighting until either you die… or he does."

Kael exhaled slowly.

That meant one thing—they couldn't outlast him.

They had to end this quickly.

---

Breaking the Chain

The boy lunged again—this time faster, his claws aiming straight for Kael's heart.

Kael dodged—but not completely.

SLASH!

A deep gash tore through his side, blood splattering against the cold stone floor.

Selene moved to cover him, but the boy was already shifting targets, his golden eyes now fixed on her.

Kael clenched his jaw, ignoring the pain.

Then he saw it—the collar around the boy's neck, pulsing faintly with runes.

It's controlling him.

Kael threw his dagger—not at the boy, but at the collar.

CRACK!

The metal fractured, sparks flying as the enchantments destabilized. The boy's body jolted violently, his attack faltering for the first time.

For a split second—his golden eyes flickered with something else. Confusion. Pain. Awareness.

"No…" The scientist's smug expression twisted. "NO! He is MINE!"

Kael didn't hesitate. He closed the distance in an instant—grabbing the fractured collar and ripping it off.

SNAP!

The boy staggered back, his breath ragged. His claws trembled. His entire body convulsed—as if torn between instincts and something else.

Then—

His expression changed.

The primal, obedient killer was gone.

Now, only a terrified fourteen-year-old remained.

---

Unchained Rage

The scientist's face twisted with fury. "You… You ruined everything!"

Kael barely had time to react before the man hurled a vial at the ground.

BOOM!

A thick, purple smoke erupted, filling the chamber instantly.

"Selene—!" Kael's voice was cut off as the scientist's form disappeared into the haze.

Coughing, Kael tried to move, but his limbs felt heavy—the gas was poisoned.

A hand grabbed his arm—the boy.

But this time—his grip wasn't one of violence.

It was steadying him.

Through the fog, Kael heard the scientist's fading voice.

"This isn't over… Not by a long shot."

Then—silence.

By the time the smoke cleared, the scientist was gone.

Kael exhaled sharply. His wound throbbed, but he turned to the boy.

He was breathing heavily, his eyes flickering between wariness and exhaustion.

Selene cautiously approached.

Kael studied the boy. His dark blue tail twitched slightly, his wolf-like ears lowering. His hands—once weapons—now trembled.

Finally, after a long silence—

The boy spoke.

"…Who are you?"