The Stranger
[This is a fast-paced story]
**EMILY KING POV**
I quickened my pace to a jog, my breaths coming out in visible puffs. The stranger was only a few meters behind me, his heavy footsteps echoing through the deserted alley. I didn’t want to stop, and I couldn’t afford to.
Not with him calling my name and commanding me to halt. Sweat, cold and clammy, soaked through my clothes. It had been thirty minutes since he had been on my tail, relentless as a bloodhound.
Gosh, does he have a robot voice? His monotone drone never seems to stop. It's infuriating!
Why am I not terrified? You’ll understand soon enough.
“Emily! Stop!”
His voice was grating, but the real question was how he knew my name. That too will be explained in time.
I clenched my jaw and continued moving, fury fueling my steps. My heart pounded so violently it felt like it might burst from my chest.
Oh, a little warm-up will do!
I veered into a narrow hallway, its walls crumbling and covered in grime. I darted behind a large chunk of debris. From my hiding spot, I could hear the stranger’s footsteps growing louder as he approached my hiding place.
“Emily, I know you’re hiding behind that crumbling wall.”
I rolled my eyes in exasperation. I wanted to retort with a snarky comment:
‘Oh, really? How did you know?’
But instead, I steeled myself and sprang out from my cover. I charged at him with a snarl, my fists clenched. He didn’t flinch. Instead, he met my strike with an unsettling grin on his face. He sidestepped my punch and retaliated with a forceful blow to my stomach.
How dare he hit me like that?! I’ll make him pay!
‘Eh? Are you really a weak woman?’
My inner voice piped up, filled with unwelcome doubt.
I gritted my teeth, stifling the cries of pain that threatened to escape. We exchanged blows, each hit resonating with the sound of our struggle.
I noticed he carried a sword, but he seemed disinclined to use it. That was something, at least. It meant he was playing fair—at least in his own twisted way.
I smirked. I could use my ability to knock him out, but that wouldn’t be fair either.
Despite my resolve, I felt myself staggering for the first time in this fight.
He’s too powerful! I have to run!
Summoning all my strength, I shoved him hard in the stomach, sending him crashing into the brick wall behind him. Seizing the moment, I turned to flee. Before I could get too far, I wiped the blood from my face and shouted over my shoulder.
“Stop following me!”
I tapped into my power and sprinted at full speed. This wasn’t ideal. My brother would have a fit if he knew I was using half my power. I shuddered to think of his reaction if I used all of it.
Oh well! Draining it! Would he kick my ass?
A sharp pain erupted in my chest, making me gasp. It jolted me back to reality. I sensed a dark, ominous aura closing in behind me.
“Shit!!” I cursed quietly, panic seeping into my voice.
The Lost Gate seemed to be my only option for hiding. Dealing with the threat inside it would be more manageable. I ducked into one of the pitch-black rooms, dimming any sign of my presence.
As I moved, I felt something squirming beneath my feet. Using my power—a move I now regretted—I created a faint light in my left hand and looked down.
“Yuck!!”
I grimaced at the sight of a massive, bloody worm wriggling beneath me.
Ew!
I’ve never liked worms. The parasite made a squelching noise, alerting its companions.
The worm slithered in front of me and raised its head. Two more of the grotesque creatures appeared. They made an eerie, unearthly noise before charging at me.
I smirked.
“Not so fast, you dirt!”
I raised my right hand, a smirk curling on my lips as I heard the sound I’d come to enjoy—the combined roar of wind and a thunderstorm. I unleashed it on the worms, my fist clenched. Blood splattered, and the room bathed in a ghastly red light.
I bolted to find an exit, only to realize I was completely lost. This place lived up to its name—the Lost Gate.
Frustration surged through me. Ignoring the dark aura, I screamed in pure rage. The walls trembled as I released another burst of energy. My power waned, and the black aura disappeared. Still, I could hear the stranger’s footsteps drawing nearer.
The stranger!
With my remaining strength, I struck out at him. After the impact, everything fell silent. Except for my ragged breathing.
Something was wrong with my power!
Even the last bit of energy should have made him collapse or at least wounded him.
Who is this stranger?
Why doesn’t my power work on him?
Time seemed to freeze.
I couldn’t even feel my pulse.
I couldn’t hear my heartbeat.
A searing pain spread from my chest, a slow-moving agony that signaled my impending death. I gasped.
Looking down, I saw a sword protruding from my chest, coming out of my back.
The stranger withdrew his sword as I whimpered. My right hand shot up to cover the wound, desperately trying to stem the bleeding.
My body trembled, then grew numb. My vision darkened. Just before I collapsed onto the cold ground, the stranger caught me and lifted me in his arms.
“Why do you keep running away from me, my love?” he murmured softly.
Those were the last words I heard before everything faded to black.
**TRENT NICHOLAS POV**
I sighed in relief as Emily lost consciousness. She had exhausted all her power. I didn’t intend to hurt her, nor did I want to kill her. That was never my goal. The problem was her stubbornness.
Using my power, I managed to stop her bleeding, but the regeneration was slow.
I ran at full speed.
I didn’t want to face the wrath of Emily’s brother.
I halted in front of the large mansion. It was adequate for my trusted people to stay inside. I wanted to take her to my castle, but I knew my people were better equipped to care for her. Moments later, Jeff emerged from the mansion.
“Hey, Jeff!” I called out.
His eyes widened in shock when he saw me. He hurried to my side, taking Emily from my arms.
He knew her, of course.
Who wouldn’t recognize a powerful and beautiful woman like her?
“What happened?” Jeff asked, concern etched on his face.
“Just treat her,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “She’s been through a lot.”
Jeff gulped nervously. He knew better than to cross me. I turned to leave, ready to return to my palace, but stopped mid-stride, realizing I’d forgotten something crucial.
“Jeff,” I said, turning back.
“Y-yes?”
“Don’t let anyone touch her,” I instructed firmly.
With that, I rushed back to my castle.
**JEFF ANDERSON POV**
I was stunned by what had happened to Emily. The king of Zoliat’s younger sister was known to almost everyone due to her extraordinary abilities. She wasn’t easily subdued.
Damn that ability.
She could run at incredible speeds, fight fiercely, summon storms, manipulate wind and fire, heal rapidly, and worst of all, throw people with her scream and eyes if she wanted to.
Now, I had no idea what had truly happened to her. Perhaps she was so distracted by the king’s presence that she got stabbed in the process.
I smirked at the thought.
I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride for my king.
He’s powerful, he’s my idol, and he managed to subdue one of the most influential people ever.
I was jolted from my thoughts by a gasp. I turned to see Aunt Melissa, her jaw dropped in shock. I led her upstairs to the guest room where she stormed in with a box full of medical supplies.
“He doesn’t want anyone to touch her,” I said, trying to warn her.
Aunt Melissa narrowed her eyes at me. “And who do you think you are to make such decisions?”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m following his orders. He wants her left alone.”
She huffed but moved forward, setting up her tools. I stepped out of the room, leaving her to handle things, hoping that Emily would receive the care she needed.
