The forest was alive with danger. Every step Feroz, Mrs. Aliya, and Yusuf took echoed through the trees as if the shadows themselves were listening. The whispers grew louder, cold and sharp, almost like voices chanting his name.
Feroz clutched the map against his chest. His breath came fast, his heart thundering. He could feel the strange power in his veins—pulling, pressing, as though it wanted to burst free.
Suddenly, Yusuf stopped. His eyes narrowed. "They're here."
From the darkness, three figures emerged. Unlike the shadowy creatures Feroz had fought before, these were different—taller, clearer, cloaked in dark robes with silver symbols carved across their chests. Their faces were hidden, but their eyes glowed with a faint blue light.
Mrs. Aliya whispered urgently, "Hunters… the Free Masons' chosen assassins."
The tallest of the three stepped forward. His voice was calm, almost mocking.
"Feroz Khan," he said, "son of Qadir Khan. Hand over the map, and we may let you live… for now."
Feroz tightened his grip on the map. His voice trembled but carried defiance.
"I'll never give it to you."
The Hunter chuckled, low and cruel. "Just like your father. He too thought he could hide from us. But in the end…" His words trailed off, heavy with unspoken meaning.
Feroz's chest burned. Anger flared inside him. He wanted to demand answers about his father, but Yusuf raised his hand.
"Do not speak with them, Feroz. They twist words as easily as blades."
The Hunters moved closer. In one swift motion, Yusuf drew his blade, its steel catching the moonlight. Mrs. Aliya stood firm, her eyes glowing faintly as if preparing a spell.
But Feroz felt it—the surge of energy inside him rising uncontrollably. His hands began to glow with a pale, blinding light. The air around him shifted, pressing outward with power.
The leading Hunter tilted his head. "Yes… yes. The boy awakens. This is what we've been waiting for."
Before Feroz could stop himself, a wave of energy burst from him, shaking the trees and throwing leaves into the air. The ground trembled beneath their feet.
The Hunters staggered but did not fall. Instead, they smiled.
"Good," one hissed. "The hunt begins now."
And then they attacked.