Nyx POV
I could feel something was wrong, my senses, sharpened by demon blood, picked up small disturbances. The faint scent of blood, the broken branches along the edges of the fields, and a trace of energy that didn't belong.
Alexander moved ahead with his usual calculated pace, scanning every inch of the terrain. I fell slightly behind, letting my eyes roam. There was a rhythm to the fields, to the way the crops had been planted, but some lines were disrupted, like there was an intrusion. Whoever had been here had been careful, but not careful enough for me to miss.
A sudden rustle caught my attention. I froze, crouching slightly as my instincts screamed that something or someone was watching. I waited, eyes tracking the movement between the tall grasses.
Alexander glanced back . "Found something?" he asked, voice low but sharp.
"Possibly," I said, still focused. "Someone's been here recently. I can feel it."
I let my gaze sweep over the horizon again. Something was out there, waiting, and I intend to find it.
I turned to Alexander. "We should split up," I said.
He gave a curt nod. "Fine. Be careful."
I moved deeper into the forest, the trees growing denser with each step. The sunlight dimmed as I went further making my senses alert.
Then I heard it whisper. "Never thought we would meet so quickly… Welcome. I've been waiting for you."
I froze, my heart beat was steady but senses on high alert. The voice was not human, it sounded like something old. My hand went instinctively to the dagger at my side as I scanned the shadows, trying to point the source.
"Who the hell are you?" I said, a slow smirk curving my lips. "Show yourself."
A low chuckle echoed between the trees. " bold and arrogant, I expected nothing less."
"I see you've done your homework," I said coolly.
With inhumane speed, I flung my dagger. It tore through the shadows before snapping back into my palm as if summoned.
For a heartbeat, the forest fell silent. Then a piercing screech shattered the stillness.
One by one, figures dragged themselves into view, undead beings with hollow eyes and twisted limbs, crawling out from between the trees. Their scent filled the air with a rotten smell.
I tightened my grip on the dagger, a slow smile returning to my lips.
My demon has been on a leash for far too long, I thought. Time to let it out.
I moved, the first undead barely registered my presence before I tore through it, ripping it apart limb by limb. Bone cracked, Flesh gave way, I didn't slow down, I didn't hesitate.
They came at me in numbers, but it made no difference. I was faster, and every strike hit the target.The forest was filled with the sound of bodies hitting the ground.
One tried to attack me from behind. I twisted, grabbed its arm, and tore it before driving it into another. Another lost its head before it could scream. When it was over, the ground was littered with their remains. silence reclaim the forest.
Then the shadows shifted and a figure emerged from between the trees. It began to circle me, its presence felt heavy and predatory.
"Little girl," it said, its voice low and amused, "your methods are quite ruthless."
I turned with it, dagger loose in my hand, eyes cold. Whatever this thing was, it definitely hadn't come to die easily.
The creature attacked without warnings it's strike was brutal. I barely twisted aside before it came again, claws slashing through the air. The impact sent me skidding back, boots carving lines into the forest floor.
We collided again and again, steel against corrupted flesh, force against force. It was strong, smarter than the others. Every move felt calculated, meant to wear me down rather than overwhelm me.
Then I felt it a sharp, burning pain. Its claw tore into my shoulder. Warm blood spilled instantly, running down my arm and dripping into my palm. I hissed, staggering back a bit, but I did not loosen my grip on the dagger.
The creature laughed softly. "There it is," it murmured. "Even demons bleed."
I straightened despite the pain, blood slick on my fingers, eyes glowing with fury.
Before the creature could take the advantage, the air shifted.
Alexander appeared without a sound, no words, no warning. He tore through the space and struck with precision, ripping into the creature and severing one of its limbs in a single motion. The detached limb hit the ground with a sickening crack.
Alexander stepped in front of me , his presence cold and absolute, eyes locked on the wounded thing as if daring it to move again.
The creature moved back, shrieking as blackened blood spilled on the forest floor. It held the empty space where its limb had been, hatred burning in its eyes.
Alexander didn't move to chase it. He didn't need to. His presence alone pinned it in place.
"You shouldn't have touched her," he said calmly.
He moved again at an inhumane speed, one moment he was beside me, the next he was standing with the creature's body crumpled at his feet.
Alexander turned to me, his gaze dropping to the blood staining my hand. His jaw tightened slightly.
"You're hurt," he said.
"I'll heal," I replied evenly.
He moved to my side and helped me against a nearby tree. "Stay here," he said quietly.
Then he was gone, sweeping through the forest to finish the rest. By the time he returned, the woods had fallen silent.
He crouched in front of me, his eyes narrowed slightly as he examined the wound on my shoulder.
"This isn't superficial," he said calmly.
"I've had worse," I replied, though my arm throbbed in protest.
"That thing was testing you," he said.
I nodded. "Then they got their answer."
He helped me to my feet. "We're done here for today."
As we turned back toward the palace, I knew this was only the beginning.