HIDDEN HER

Chapter3(Saved)

Ace’s Pov

They didn't answer, eyes defiant even in defeat. But their silence was not enough. King Zizka would not let me reach Hillswirls without a fight.

Panting heavily, as I stood and let the assassin go, watching as they vanished into the shadows. I was not afraid of either Zizka or his warriors; if they thought they could stop me, they must be joking.

Weight of betrayal, the ache of Leo's bite, and sheer exhaustion from everything bore down on me. But I am a warrior-a warrior who fights regardless of readiness.

I had made a promise to my father—a promise that needed to be fulfilled. My eyes flicked between the trees, searching for any hint of movements.

The figure who had emerged earlier stood still, but I could feel the tension in the air. There were more of them, waiting, hidden among the shadows of the forest.

And just as I had predicted, the silence broke. A blur of movement to my right-a dagger sliced through the air towards me.

I reacted instantly, instincts honed from years of battle kicking in. With a swift motion I dodged the blow; the clash of steel ringing through the night.

These were not average fighters. Their movements were far too swift, too precise. Whoever sent them knew me well-and knew that I was not in the right state to fight.

But I had something that they did not: my father's training.

Before the attacker could recover, I struck with precision, driving my sword into his side. He fell with a grunt.

Two more men jumped from the shadows and attacked me simultaneously. I spun narrowly avoiding a blade aimed for my back. I blocked the first attack then kicked the second attacker hard, sending him stumbling into a tree.

The third man came at me with fierce ferocity. I sidestepped, slashing across his arm and forcing him to drop his weapon. Though I was outnumbered, I wasn't outmatched. My years of experience paid off and each move was calculated with every deliberate blow.

But then, from the shadows, another figure emerged-faster, more skilled. I met him head on, our swords clashing with fierce intensity.

The man’s strikes were relentless. His blade moved like a blur, forcing me to defend at every turn. I could see it in his eyes-this one wasn't just an assassin. He was here to end me.

"Still the same fighter, I see," a voice taunted from the darkness.

My heart sank. That voice. I knew it. "Show yourself, Leo!" I growled, momentarily distracted by the sound of my former friend.

The skilled attacker took advantage of my distraction, landing a powerful strike, I stumbled backward, my head hitting a sharp rock as I fell. Pain shot through my body and I struggled to sit up. My sword lay just out of reach.

Leo emerged from the shadows, his face twisted with disdain. "This could have been avoided, Ace. But you threatened me. You threatened everything I've worked for."

I snarled through the pain, forcing myself upright. "You're the one who chose the wrong side, Leo."

"This doesn't have to end with your death," Leo said, his tone almost pitiful. "Surrender now, and I'll let you live."

I spat blood on the ground. "I'd prefer to die on my feet than live on my knees."

Leo's face clouded. "Then die."

He lunged at me, sinking his strong canines into my neck as I screamed, the searing pain unlike anything I had ever felt. His grip was iron, and no matter how hard I strive, I couldn’t break free.

My vision blurred, and I could feel the power of life draining away from me. There was no way that this could be the end. Not like this.

Suddenly, a sharp whistling sound cut through the air.

Leo staggered backward, his hands flying to his neck. His eyes widened in shock as the blood cut a path through his fingers. An arrow had sunk deep into his flesh, the shaft quivering from the force of the shot.

The assassin pinning me down was hailed next, an arrow piercing his side, and he collapsed with a grunt, leaving me gasping for air.

I struggled to sit up,with my hand clasped tightly to the wound on my neck.I twisted my head to look toward the trees to find the archer.

Leo turned too, voice trembling with fury. "Who dares?!"

A figure emerged from the shadows with bow and arrow. Cloaked and masked, the archer moved with purpose, it’s face thoroughly obscured.

“Back off,” the figure commanded, voice steady and authoritative.

That voice—it was familiar, and I couldn't quite place it, but something about it stirred an old memory that I couldn't grasp.

Leo glared at the archer, his hands still pressed to his wound. "You're going to pay for this," he spat before retreating into the darkness.

I sagged against the tree, exhausted and in pain. I turned to look at the archer who saved my life. She stood there, calm and composed, as though the chaos that had just unfolded had not affected her at all.

“Thank you,” I managed to say, trying to catch my breath.

"You happen to be lucky I was nearby," she said with a firm tone.

I stared at her closely. A woman's cloak, the way she carried herself; she must have received some serious training. I had expected a gruff, hardened voice from someone who'd just saved me in the midst of an ambush, but this... this was something entirely different.

"Be careful out here," she added. It sounded strange, a mixture of concern and innocence that stopped me short. Her voice was calm, almost melodic, like a fallen angel speaking with genuine care.

Is she from Hillswirls?