You should have listened
733 Words
Ronan’s footsteps grew quieter as he walked deeper into the forest.
Elena stood still, watching his back disappear between the trees. The wooden cart creaked softly beside her as the wind brushed against it.
Aria let out a low growl, clearly unhappy that the stranger had spoken to them that way.
Elena gently stroked her fur.
"It's fine," she whispered.
But her eyes were still fixed on the path where the man had disappeared.
Something about him felt… familiar.
Not his face.
Not his voice.
But the pain she had seen hidden behind those cold golden eyes.
She knew that look.
Because she had seen it in her eyes this past day.
Aria nudged her arm with her head.
"You think he'll come back?" Elena murmured softly.
Aria huffed as if to say unlikely.
Elena sighed and grabbed the handle of the cart again.
"Let's go."
They continued pushing the cart through the forest path. The sun had already begun to lower, casting long shadows through the tall trees.
The forest was quieter now.
Too quiet.
Aria suddenly stopped again.
Her ears twitched sharply.
Elena froze.
"Aria…?"
Before Aria could react, several figures stepped out from the trees ahead.
Three men.
All armed.
Their armor carried the crest of the enemy kingdom.
Elena's hand slowly moved to her sword
Aria immediately stepped in front of Elena, her body lowering as a deep growl rumbled from her chest.
The soldiers laughed.
"Just a girl and a tiger cub," one of them mocked.
"Looks like today’s hunt will be easy."
The first soldier lunged forward.
Elena quickly drew her sword.
Steel clashed.
But the moment the fight began, something moved through the trees behind the soldiers.
A flash.
A blur.
One of the men suddenly dropped to his knees, clutching his throat.
The other two froze.
A shadow stepped out from the forest.
Golden eyes glinted in the fading sunlight.
Ronan.
His voice was calm and cold.
"You should have listened."
The soldiers turned in shock.
"To what—?"
Ronan tilted his head slightly.
"When I said this forest isn't safe."
The two remaining soldiers stared at the fallen man in shock.
He had collapsed so suddenly that neither of them had even seen the attack.
Slowly, they turned toward the newcomer.
Ronan stepped out from the shadows of the trees, his expression calm, almost bored.
The golden glow of the evening sun reflected in his eyes, making them look even sharper.
One of the soldiers tightened his grip on his sword.
"You… what did you just do?!"
Ronan didn’t answer.
His gaze shifted briefly to Elena and Aria before returning to the soldiers.
"I told you," he said quietly. "This forest isn't safe."
The second soldier snarled and rushed forward with a shout.
"You bastard!"
His sword cut through the air toward Ronan’s shoulder.
But Ronan moved before the blade could reach him.
In one smooth motion, he stepped to the side.
The soldier stumbled forward, his attack missing completely.
Ronan’s hand moved like lightning.
A dull thud echoed as the handle of his dagger struck the back of the soldier’s neck.
The man collapsed instantly.
The last soldier hesitated.
For the first time, fear appeared on his face.
Elena watched silently, her hand still resting on the hilt of her sword.
He’s fast… she thought.
Much faster than any ordinary fighter.
The last soldier suddenly turned and ran.
But before he could take more than three steps, a dagger flashed through the air.
It struck the ground right in front of his foot.
The soldier froze.
Ronan walked slowly toward him.
His footsteps were quiet against the forest floor.
"Going somewhere?" he asked calmly.
The soldier quickly raised his hands.
"Wait! I—"
Before he could finish, Aria leapt forward with a powerful roar.
The soldier screamed and fell backward in terror.
Elena quickly called out.
"Aria, stop!"
Aria landed beside the man, her claws digging into the dirt as she growled deeply.
The soldier trembled, unable to move.
Elena approached slowly, her sword now drawn.
"Who sent you?" she demanded.
The soldier shook his head desperately.
"I—I don't know anything!"
Ronan sighed softly.
Without warning, he grabbed the soldier by the collar and lifted him slightly off the ground.
"You tracked them all the way here," he said coldly. "So don't lie."
The soldier’s eyes widened in panic.
- Writer
