Shadow of the Hunt

The forest seemed darker than before, the trees looming like silent sentinels. Kilua's thoughts lingered on Hisoka's cryptic words, the magician's eerie smirk still fresh in his mind. Hisoka's presence was never without purpose, and Kilua knew better than to dismiss his warnings—even if they came cloaked in mischief.

Alluka walked closely by his side, her grip on his hand tighter than usual. "Kilua, who was that man?" she asked hesitantly, breaking the silence.

Kilua hesitated, debating how much to tell her. "He's… someone dangerous. Someone we need to stay away from."

Alluka's brow furrowed, her worry evident. "He knew about Nanika, didn't he?"

Kilua stopped walking and crouched down to meet her gaze. "Yes, but that's why we have to be careful. People like him see Nanika as a tool, not as a part of you. I won't let anyone use you like that."

Alluka nodded slowly, her trust in her brother unwavering. "I believe in you, Kilua."

He smiled faintly, ruffling her hair. "Good. Let's keep moving. The sooner we get out of this forest, the better."

The siblings continued their journey, the oppressive atmosphere gnawing at their nerves. Kilua's sharp senses caught every rustle of leaves and crackle of twigs, his instincts screaming that they were being watched.

The realization hit him like a jolt of electricity. Someone—or something—was following them.

"Alluka," he whispered, his voice low. "Stay close. And if I say run, you run. Got it?"

Alluka's eyes widened, but she nodded.

Kilua scanned their surroundings, his eyes narrowing. "Show yourself," he called out, his voice cutting through the stillness.

At first, there was only silence. Then, a low chuckle echoed from the shadows.

"Impressive, Kilua. I expected nothing less from a Zoldyck."

Kilua's fists clenched as a figure stepped out from behind the trees. The man was tall and lean, dressed in dark clothing that blended seamlessly with the forest. His face was partially obscured by a mask, but his piercing eyes gleamed with malice.

"Who are you?" Kilua demanded, his aura flaring in warning.

The man tilted his head, his voice smooth and condescending. "Someone who's been sent to collect what your family failed to secure." His gaze shifted to Alluka, and Kilua immediately stepped in front of her.

"You're not taking her," Kilua said coldly.

The man chuckled again, unfazed by Kilua's threat. "You misunderstand. I don't intend to 'take' her. I'm here to retrieve the power she holds. By any means necessary."

Kilua's aura crackled with electricity, the air around him growing charged. "If you think you can lay a hand on her, you're dead wrong."

Without another word, the man lunged forward, his movements impossibly fast. But Kilua was faster. He dodged the attack, countering with a lightning-quick strike that forced the man to retreat.

"Not bad," the man said, brushing off his cloak. "But let's see how long you can protect her."

The fight escalated quickly. The man's movements were precise, his attacks relentless. Kilua matched him blow for blow, his years of training as an assassin evident in every move.

But the man wasn't alone. From the shadows emerged two more figures, their presence amplifying the threat.

Kilua's heart sank. He could handle one opponent, but three? And with Alluka to protect?

"Alluka, run!" he shouted, his voice firm.

"But Kilua—"

"Go! Now!"

Tears brimmed in Alluka's eyes, but she obeyed, darting into the trees. Kilua's focus returned to his attackers, his resolve hardening. He couldn't afford to lose.

Electricity surged through his body as he unleashed a powerful bolt toward the group, forcing them to scatter. He used the momentary distraction to close the gap with the masked man, delivering a flurry of rapid strikes.

"You're better than I expected," the man admitted, his tone begrudgingly impressed. "But this isn't over."

With a signal, the other two attackers regrouped, surrounding Kilua. He gritted his teeth, his mind racing for a strategy.

Suddenly, a burst of energy erupted from the forest behind them. The attackers paused, their attention drawn to the source.

Kilua's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the aura. It was Alluka—or rather, Nanika.

The attackers hesitated, fear flickering in their eyes. The masked man cursed under his breath. "So it's true. That power… it's even more terrifying in person."

"Alluka, no!" Kilua shouted, his voice desperate.

But it was too late. The dark energy enveloped the clearing, its presence suffocating. The attackers turned and fled, their bravado crumbling in the face of the overwhelming force.

Kilua rushed toward Alluka, finding her standing in the center of the chaos. Her eyes glowed with an otherworldly light, and her expression was blank.

"Alluka," Kilua said gently, his voice trembling. "It's okay. I'm here. You don't need to do this."

The glow in her eyes faded slowly, and she collapsed into his arms.

Kilua held her tightly, his heart pounding. He had protected her—for now. But he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of an even greater danger.

..............

"Don't miss the chance to get advanced chapters of my novel for FREE! Just copy the link now and start reading!"

https://shorturl.at/3DZhG