The moon casts a silver glow over the deserted streets of La Etapa, an abandoned town clinging to the outskirts of the city. It's a place where rats scurry through narrow alleys and illegal activities reign freely in the shadows.
It might seem kind of reckless to walk alone at this hour, but with my skills and magic, anyone who tries to mess with me is in for a very bad day.
I round the corner of a narrow street, clutching my cloak tightly against my chest.
In the distance, the glow of neon lights spills across the cracked cobblestones, marking a two-story building that's seen better days. Its brick walls are stained with streaks of mold and it looks like it's walls are ready to break down at any moment. A couple stragglers loiter near the entrance, murmuring to one another beneath a flickering sign that reads:
Fantasía Oscura.
As I approach the building, the men lingering outside the building turn to face me, their gazes thick with an unspoken threat. As to prove my point, one of them flashes a crooked smile at me, while the other lets out a low whistle.
"Well now, pretty lady," the smiling one drawls, "Are you traveling all by yourself?"
Even from here, I can smell the stench of alcohol clinging to them.
"It's none of your business," I say, and walk past them.
Just as my hand reaches the tavern door, I catch the faint shift of movement behind me, a hand reaching for my shoulder. Instinct kicks in, my body moving unconsciously from years of training. Before the stranger can make contact, I move smoothly out of reach and turn to confront them, eyes sharp as daggers as I stare down at them.
"Can I help you?" I ask, voice cold and edged with warning.
The men freeze for a second, clearly caught off guard by the precision of my movements. However, the shock fades quickly, replaced by wicked grins.
"Yeah, actually," one of them says with a chuckle. "Why don't you come with us? We'll show you a good time, if you catch my drift."
They step closer, slowly beginning to surround me.
"I think I'll pass," I say coolly, lifting my chin. My fingers twitch at my sides, tingling with the warmth of a fire spell itching to be cast. It's risky to use magic so openly… but there are always ways to keep my enemies silent. Even if it means making them scream first.
"C'mon now, little girl," the other one sneers. "Do you even know who you're talking to?"
"Not really," I reply flatly.
They exchange a glance. Both are taller than me, one with short brown hair and matching eyes, the other with long black hair and the same dark gaze.
"Then let me enlighten you," the brown-haired one says, raising his palm. A spiral of wind forms above it, swirling quickly and powerfully.
Wind magic, I note. So, he's a mage.
"We're ranked top thirty in La Caverna's fighting arena," he says with a smug grin. "We're not your average thugs. If you're smart, you'll do as we say. Wouldn't want to make us angry now, would ya'?"
A beat of silence hangs between us—then I burst out laughing.
The men glance at each other, confused, as I wipe a tear from my eye.
If only these idiots knew who they were threatening.
Their eyes darken, clearly not amused by my laughter.
"You just made a big mistake, stupid girl," the brown-haired man growls, raising his hand to strike.
My flames flicker to life across his palm only to be instantly snuffed out by a sudden burst of ice that engulfs his hand.
My breath catches in my throat.
That magic… I know it.
I whirl around, and there he is.
The Cobra.
He stands tall in the same attire he wore in the arena, his presence alone is overwhelming. "Using magic to attack a girl?" he says with a dark edge, "Not a good look for a mage."
The two men turn to meet his gaze, irritation on their faces.
"Who the hell are—" one starts, but the words die in his throat.
Their expressions shift instantly, their anger melting into disbelief.
"You…" the black-haired one stammers, eyes wide as he points. "You're the mage who defeated El Cuervo!"
"I am," Cobra replies, his voice nonchalantly. "Now, do me a favor and scram."
They don't argue. Without a word, they spin on their heels and run like they sighted a ghost.
When they're gone, I turn my attention to him. A flicker of irritation rises in my chest. He's already outshining El Cuervo's legacy, and I don't like it.
Still, I shouldn't be rude so I mutter, "Thanks."
His cool blue eyes meet mine. "Any time, Raven."
I blink, stunned for a moment. He knows who I am even without my mask? Who is this guy?
"So you do know me," I murmur.
Cobra shrugs. "Let's head inside."
I eye him warily but nod. Whatever this is, it probably isn't good, but I don't have many options here.
So when he opens the door to Fantasía Oscura and gestures for me to enter, I hesitate only for a second before stepping inside.