Blood Runs Home

CHAPTER 3: Nightmare

The class finally ended, and Zyne hurried out of the classroom. He briskly walked towards the corridor where Piku's class was located. Once there, he leaned against the wall near the door, his arms folded across his chest, and he surveyed his surroundings.

Every now and then, Zyne glanced at his watch, making sure he wasn't wasting time. He exhaled slowly, his eyes never leaving the throng of students milling about in the hallway. Some glanced his way, perhaps because of his striking appearance or the air of confidence he always carried. But Zyne didn't care. His focus was on one thing—Piku's classroom door.

A moment later, the door opened, and Piku emerged from among the students leaving. His face was a little tired, but his smile remained warm as he saw Zyne standing there waiting for him. "Zyne, were you waiting for me?" he asked, quickening his pace toward his friend.

Zyne smiled broadly, his arms dropping from their crossed position. “Of course. Did you think I’d let you go alone?” he replied in a casual but sincere tone. “Come on, let’s go to the cafe like we planned this morning. I hope you’ve decided what to order.”

Piku nodded slowly, the corners of his lips still curved in a small smile. “Yes, I’ve thought about it. Thank you for waiting for me,” he said gratefully.

Without further ado, the two of them began walking side by side, leaving campus for their favorite cafe nearby. Light conversation flowed throughout the walk, enveloping them both in the warmth of a close, unwavering friendship.

On their way to the cafe, Zyne broke the silence that had enveloped them. "What class were you studying, Piku?" he asked casually, turning slightly toward his friend. He glanced at Piku briefly, his smile thin, trying to lighten the slightly tense atmosphere.

“Biochemistry,” Piku answered briefly, his voice sounding tired, as he adjusted the strap of his bag on his shoulder.

Zyne raised an eyebrow, looking at him curiously. “Biochemistry, huh? That sounds... tough. So, what are you guys talking about today?”

Piku took a deep breath before answering, “Energy metabolism. We studied the Krebs cycle, how enzymes influence chemical reactions in the body, and their impact on ATP production. Oh, and our professor gave us an extra assignment—case study analysis.”

Zyne's eyes widened slightly, then he put on a mock-serious expression. "Wow, that sounds so... fun. Of course, if you're a mad scientist," Zyne joked, adding a playful tone to liven up the conversation.

Piku chuckled, a faint smile appearing on his face. “Maybe you’re right. But what can I do? I have to get through it if I want to graduate.”

Zyne patted Piku lightly on the shoulder, his smile widening. “Don’t worry, I’m sure you can do it. Your brilliant mind will be able to handle it.” He paused, then added teasingly, “And if you need any help studying, well… I may not be able to help you understand the Krebs cycle, but I can cheer you up with some tea or coffee.”

Piku chuckled, his fatigue evaporating slightly. “That’s more than enough. Thank you, Zyne.”

The light conversation flowed easily, making them forget their fatigue for a moment. Their steps felt lighter as they approached the warm and cozy cafe, their favorite place to spend time together.

“How was class, Zyne? What did you study?” Piku asked, trying to keep up with Zyne’s small talk while glancing at him curiously.

Zyne shrugged casually, a small smile etched across his face. “Oh, it was just a normal class. We learned about digital marketing strategies. Our professor discussed how to create engaging social media campaigns.”

Piku nodded slowly, the topic sounding quite interesting to him. “That sounds interesting. Do you have any examples of the campaigns you discussed?”

“Yep,” Zyne replied, recalling. “We watched a few case studies, one about how a big brand like Frost & Co. used emotional storytelling to reach their audience. They created ads that moved people, making their messages more memorable.”

“So, your job is just to watch commercials and learn how to make people cry?” Piku quipped jokingly, with a small smile.

Zyne laughed, raising his hands in surrender. “That's more or less it. But don't underestimate it, Piku. There's a lot of analysis behind it. We have to understand audience data, their behavior, and how to tap into their emotions. Trust me, it's harder than you think.”

Piku looked at him with an impressed expression, then nodded. “Sounds cool. Maybe someday you can help me promote something.”

Zyne grinned broadly. “Of course. But I’ll charge you, of course. Maybe a hot bowl of ramen or a few extra hours at the gym. You know I need to maintain these muscles,” he said, playfully patting his own arm.

Piku chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Yeah, yeah. Those big muscles. I’ll remember that.”

The lighthearted conversation continued, making the walk to the cafe seem quicker and much more enjoyable. Each step felt lighter as they exchanged stories, filling the silence with laughter and camaraderie.

They finally arrived at The Owl's Nook, a popular cafe among Crestwood students. It was known for its cozy atmosphere, perfect for working on assignments or simply relaxing. The aroma of fresh coffee mixed with the warm scent of wood immediately greeted them, accompanied by the soft sounds of acoustic music playing in the background.

“We’re here, Piku,” Zyne said as he opened the cafe door, stepping aside to let his friend enter first.

Piku stepped inside, his gaze sweeping the cafe's interior. The wooden tables were filled with students busy with books, laptops, or simply enjoying their favorite drinks. The warm yellow glow from the chandeliers made the place feel like a second mansion. "This place is always busy, huh?" Piku murmured, following Zyne to an empty table in the corner.

“Always,” Zyne replied, setting his bag down on the chair. “But that’s part of its charm. So, should we order something first, or should we just talk about what was on your mind?”

Piku picked up the menu from the table, trying to distract himself from the burden hanging over his chest. “Coffee first, I need something to refresh my mind,” he said quietly.

Zyne nodded and waved to the approaching waiter. “Two caramel lattes, please,” he said with a warm smile, before turning back to Piku. “You look restless, Piku. Is something bothering you?”

Piku was silent for a moment, his fingers tapping a soft rhythm on the table. “I… just feel like something’s not right lately. Too many things don’t make sense, Zyne,” he said, his voice almost drowned out by the noise in the cafe.

Zyne leaned forward, showing his full attention. “Does this have anything to do with your dream this morning?” he asked carefully, not wanting to press Piku too hard.

Piku nodded faintly, his eyes fixed on the empty table in front of him. “Maybe… I don’t know how to explain it yet. But it feels like… something is missing, or maybe something is waiting for me.”

Zyne looked at him empathetically, then smiled gently. “You don’t need to rush. We have time. Just talk as much as you want, Piku. You know I’m always here for you.”

Their conversation continued slowly, building an intimate and deep atmosphere amidst the bustle of the cafe that witnessed their togetherness.

Meanwhile, in the forest surrounding Grayhusk's residence, Talon remained hidden, watching the magnificent mansion from afar with great vigilance. His sharp gaze pierced the darkness, searching for a gap in the recently tightened security.

"Why is the mansion's security so tight? There are even CCTV cameras everywhere now," Talon muttered, frustrated by the situation. "I really don't know where to begin."

However, suddenly, something unexpected happened. The entire Grayhusk residence plunged into darkness, and the electricity in the large mansion went out without warning. Talon's eyes narrowed, focusing on the sudden change in situation. "What the hell is going on? Why did the power suddenly go out?" he thought, his body tensing with vigilance.

An idea crossed his mind, making him pause for a moment. Wait a minute. This was a golden opportunity. Talon's gaze shifted, now filled with a cold determination that fueled his passion. "If this isn't a coincidence, then I have to take advantage of it. This might be the best opportunity to target the Grayhusk leader," he said quietly, almost as if talking to himself.

Without hesitation, Talon began moving quickly and silently, using the darkness as a natural cover. His steps were light but confident, heading towards the Grayhusk mansion, hoping the chaos inside would give him the advantage he needed. In his mind, he knew this moment was not to be wasted.

"Why did the power suddenly go out?" Andrew asked in a puzzled tone, glancing out the now pitch-black window. A faint moonlight filtered through the curtains, providing a small amount of illumination to the increasingly tense meeting room.

He walked to a drawer near the stairs, opened it quickly, and pulled out a flashlight. With a nervous movement, he turned it on, sending out a white light that illuminated the gloomy room. “Something’s strange,” he muttered, mostly to himself, as his expression reflected a slowly growing sense of alarm.

However, before Andrew could take any further, a dark shadow appeared behind him. Talon moved silently, like a hunter poised to pounce. In one smooth yet deadly movement, he finished Andrew off without giving him a chance to react. Andrew's body fell to the floor with a soft thud, nearly drowning in the encroaching darkness.

Talon stood for a moment, staring coldly at his victim. “Sleep well, poor wolf,” he whispered softly, his voice blending with the shadows surrounding him, before disappearing back into the darkness without a trace.

Meanwhile, in the dining room, Victor and Fiona Grayhusk were enjoying their dinner when the lights suddenly went out. They stared at each other, the sudden silence making the atmosphere feel even heavier.

"What happened to our electricity? Nothing like this has ever happened before," Victor said, trying to remain calm, though a hint of worry crept into his voice.

Fiona placed her fork carefully on her plate, her eyes fixed on the dining room door. “Maybe there was a power outage,” she said quietly, trying to calm her anxiety. “But it’s strange. With the security measures we have, this shouldn’t be possible.”

They waited, hoping one of the servants would emerge with an explanation. However, all they were met with was a tense silence.

The darkness felt increasingly pressing. Victor finally stood up with a determined movement, grabbed a candle from a nearby shelf, and lit it with a match. The small flame provided only a small amount of light, but it was enough to emphasize the seriousness of the situation.

“I’ll check it myself,” he said firmly, his steps reflecting a mixture of courage and worry.

Fiona stared at him, her eyes filled with unconcealed worry. “Be careful, my husband,” she whispered softly, as the shadows of the candles danced on the walls, as if foretelling the threat still lurking in the darkness of the night.

Talon crouched in a dark corner of the hallway, just a few feet from the Grayhusk family's dining room door. In his firm hand was a small smoke bomb, a device he had precisely designed for one purpose: to neutralize the Grayhusk family's superior sense of smell, which was derived from the wolf race.

He stared intently at the wooden door, the seconds ticking by. "This way, they won't detect me," he whispered softly, barely audible. The smoke bomb not only clouded the air, but also contained a special chemical compound capable of dulling the sense of smell for several hours.

From behind the door, Talon heard footsteps approaching. The faint sound of chairs scraping and spoons clinking against plates confirmed that the dining room was not empty. He took a deep breath, calming himself. "Time to act," he thought. With a quick but silent movement, he pulled the pin from the smoke bomb and threw it through the slightly ajar door.

Thick gray smoke began to billow, quickly filling the room. Surprised voices could be heard from inside.

“What is this?!” Victor exclaimed, standing up hastily and trying to sniff the air. However, his efforts were futile—his nose, usually keen on the slightest scent, now seemed to be silenced.

“It’s a trap!” Fiona exclaimed sharply, her body instinctively moving closer to her husband. Her eyes scanned the room, which was slowly becoming shrouded in mist, her sense of alarm growing with each passing second.

The smoke brought more than just chaos; it brought an invisible threat that was beginning to choke the air.

Amidst the chaos, Talon acted with deadly precision. He leaped into the room, his steps nearly silent, like a shadow blending into the darkness. His movements were swift, but unhurried, like a hunter who knew every moment must be perfectly utilized.

His sharp eyes searched for his target, ignoring any distractions around him. His focus was one—complete his mission. Amid the chaos and panic of the Grayhusk family, Talon knew that timing and precision were his most valuable allies.

Suddenly, from behind the thick smoke that filled the dining room, a knife shot out with deadly speed and precision. It cut through the air silently, heading straight for Fiona. The attack was too fast for her to dodge. She gasped as the sharp edge of the knife pierced her stomach. Excruciating pain shot through her body, knocking her off balance.

“Fiona!” Victor shouted, his voice breaking the tense silence. He swiftly caught his wife’s body as she nearly fell. Dark red blood began to seep from the wound in Fiona’s stomach, soaking his hands and the floor beneath them. Fiona’s face was as pale as paper, cold sweat beading on her forehead. She could only groan softly, trying to endure the unbearable pain.

A waiter arrived with two cups of caramel latte, placing them on the table with a polite smile before leaving. A sweet, enticing aroma filled the air around Piku and Zyne, but Piku seemed unfazed. His hand slowly reached for his cup, but there was a subtle tremor he couldn't control, perhaps from exhaustion or the burden of his ongoing thoughts.

As he tried to lift the cup, his fingers lost their grip, and in an instant, the cup slipped from his hand. A loud crash sounded as the cup hit the floor, shattering into tiny pieces. Several customers in the cafe immediately turned their heads, their eyes flashing with curiosity and shock.

Piku stared at the broken cup with wide eyes, his chest starting to tighten. “Zyne... I feel like this is a bad omen,” he said softly, his voice trembling.

Zyne immediately rose from his chair and gently touched Piku's shoulder to reassure him. "Hey, calm down, Piku. It was just a little accident. Nothing's going to happen," he said with a gentle smile, trying to dispel the anxiety that was gripping his friend.

Piku bit his lip, his eyes still glued to the floor. “But... it feels like—”

“Piku,” Zyne interrupted in a calm voice. “Look at me.”

Piku finally looked at Zyne, albeit with a doubtful expression.

“Nothing bad is going to happen,” Zyne said, his voice firm but reassuring. “You’re overthinking things. Trust me, I’m here. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.”

Zyne's words slowly calmed Piku, though the anxiety still lingered. A waiter approached, offering to replace their order with new cups, and Zyne quickly took care of everything.

“See? It’s no problem,” Zyne said, sitting back down. “Now, take a deep breath and try to enjoy this coffee, okay?”

Piku nodded slowly, though his heart still felt a little heavy. However, he knew Zyne was always there for him, and that made everything feel a little better.

Victor looked up angrily, his eyes staring wildly at the smoke that enveloped the room. “Who are you?! What do you want?!” he shouted, his voice a mix of panic and anger. However, the thick smoke blurred his vision, making it impossible to make out the attacker.

At the far end of the room, hidden behind a veil of smoke, Talon stood quietly. A cold, satisfied smile graced his face. He watched the chaos he had created, savoring every moment. “One more step,” he muttered almost silently. In his mind, this was the beginning of the Grayhusk family’s downfall.

Fiona tried to say something, her lips moving softly, but only a mumble escaped. Victor pressed a trembling hand against his wife's stomach wound, trying to stop the bleeding. "Hang in there, Fiona," he whispered, his voice hoarse. Tears began to well up in his eyes, but he refused to give in to panic.

Amidst the chaos, Talon began to prepare his next move. He drew a second knife from his belt, gripping it tightly, his gaze sharp and focused. The smoke in the room was his ally, obscuring his every move. He knew that timing was everything.

Victor, still kneeling beside Fiona, suddenly realized something. “This smoke… this isn’t just any smoke,” he thought. He tried to sharpen his senses, but his sense of smell felt completely paralyzed. The inability to detect any threat made his heart beat even faster.

But despite the uncertainty and the looming threat, Victor's resolve grew stronger. He knew his family was under attack, and he would not let the enemy get away with it. "You will never touch my family again!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the darkness, though he had no way of knowing if the attacker had heard his threat.

Talon smiled slightly at Victor's shout. To him, it was just a futile effort by someone already cornered. With silent steps, he began to approach, bringing the danger closer to the Grayhusk family.

Talon, still hidden behind the thick smoke, heard Victor Grayhusk's angry voice. He grinned faintly, enjoying every second of the chaos he had created. In a voice barely above a whisper, he taunted, "Are you sure you can protect your family? You don't even know who you're facing."

Victor Grayhusk stood there, panting, still holding the knife stained with his wife's blood. His eyes were sharp, filled with anger, but also clouded with a panic he couldn't hide. He pointed the weapon in the direction of Talon's voice, even though all he could see before him was a thick, shifting fog, like a constantly shifting shadow.

“What exactly do you want?! Who are you and what do you want from me?!” Victor shouted, his voice echoing in the enclosed space. But the only answer he received was laughter—a low laugh that rang through the smoke, filled with contempt and cold hatred.

Talon laughed softly, his voice haunting, like a voice emerging from the shadows on a dark night. “Me?” he murmured, his tone playful. “You don’t need to know. You just need to know one thing—tonight is the end for you.”

He moved silently, as if he were part of the smoke itself. Each step was light, undetectable, and deadly. Talon watched Victor with keen eyes, gauging his every move, searching for an opening for his next attack.

Victor shielded his injured wife with his body, hugging Fiona tightly as if trying to act as a shield for the woman he loved. His breathing was heavy, filled with anger and fear. With his sense of smell paralyzed by the thick smoke, he could only rely on his limited vision, his eyes wildly searching for movement in the darkness.

“Show yourself, coward!” Victor shouted, his voice echoing in the room, which felt increasingly cramped by the pressure of the situation. His tone conveyed desperate determination, trying to lure Talon out of hiding. However, it sounded more like the scream of a father and husband on the verge of despair, fighting against an unseen enemy.

Talon stood before Victor, holding the knife casually, the dim reflection of the remaining lamplight making the blade seem even more menacing. With light yet sharp movements, Talon twirled the knife in his fingers, like an artist playing with his tools. However, beneath that calm, a deadly aura lurked, making the air feel heavier.

Victor, overcome with rage and anxiety, stepped forward without hesitation. He attacked Talon with swift, powerful movements, his knife aiming for every vital point. However, every stab and s***h he made hit nothing but air. Talon moved with incredible agility, like an elusive shadow.

To Victor, it was as if Talon could read every attack before he could launch it. Victor's every step and movement seemed slow and predictable in Talon's eyes. With a faint, almost mocking smile, Talon dodged without much effort, his steps so light yet accurate.

“Impressive reflexes, young man,” Victor said breathlessly, a mixture of admiration and frustration starting to creep into his voice.

Victor paused his attack for a moment, his body tensing and his eyes narrowing, trying to find an opening in Talon's defenses. However, beneath his composure, Talon was already preparing his next move, like a predator patiently waiting for the right moment to pounce.

Talon took the moment to slip back into the darkness, his body seemingly blending into the shadows that gripped the room. “It’s time to end it all, Mr. Grayhusk,” his voice came like a whisper on the wind, cold and unfeeling, echoing through the swaying shadows.

Victor turned quickly, his eyes trying to penetrate the pitch-black darkness. However, he only saw shadows moving nimbly around him. His breathing grew heavier, and cold sweat beaded on his forehead. Although his hand still gripped the knife tightly, doubt began to erode his courage.

Suddenly, from an unexpected direction, Talon appeared behind him, like a shadow rising from the darkness. In one swift, silent movement, the knife in his hand slid with precision, piercing Victor's back between his ribs, reaching his heart with pinpoint accuracy.

Victor gasped, a sharp pain spreading throughout his body. His eyes widened, his body trembling as his energy slowly faded. “You… coward…” he muttered in a weak voice, but filled with anger and despair.

Talon leaned close to Victor's ear, his voice low and cold, grasping at the moment of victory. "Honor has no place in this world, Mr. Grayhusk. Only the cruel survive."

Victor's body crumpled to the floor, his breath ragged from the unbearable pain. Warm blood flowed freely, soaking the cold marble floor, creating a deep red pool that glistened in the darkness.

Talon stood over Victor's limp body, his eyes mercilessly staring down at the man who had once been the symbol of the Grayhusk family's power. Victor's breath was ragged, the blood pouring from his wounds painting a cruel end on the cold marble floor.

“The smoke is starting to thin,” Talon murmured softly, his gaze briefly shifting to the room that was slowly coming back into view. “I have to get out of here.”

However, before leaving, he knelt beside Victor, who was still breathing with the last of his strength. Talon drew a small, sharp dagger from the sheath at his feet. "I'll take something as a souvenir, Mr. Grayhusk," he said coldly. In a swift and unhesitating motion, Talon sliced off one of Victor's ears, fresh blood splattering as he did so.

Victor writhed, but his body was too weak to resist. He could only stare at Talon with eyes that were starting to lose focus. “You…” his voice was barely audible.

Talon stood back up, grasping the ear he had cut off, then stared at it for a moment before putting it into a small pouch at his waist. “See you, Mr. Grayhusk,” he said quietly, in a tone that mixed mockery and arrogance.

With a deep sigh, Talon turned, rejoining the shadows that had become his allies. His footsteps were nearly silent, and he vanished without a trace, leaving the room now filled with an eerie silence, accompanied by the scent of blood and the lingering traces of smoke.