Chapter Two
1167 Words
The Awakening
As the three of them dashed through dim alleys, Adrian's fitted suit was sliced by the icy Manhattan night.
With a keen sense of direction, Selena took the lead, moving with ease and purpose.
With her shoes clicking unevenly across the wet pavement and her breath coming in rapid spurts, Chloe gripped Adrian's arm.
The screams of their assailants behind them became softer but still eerie.
Selena said, "Keep up," over her shoulder.
She continued to move quickly, her hazel eyes searching the shadowy alleys with a predator's accuracy.
"Who are those… things?" With a shaky yet furious voice, Chloe asked.
"They’re not human," Selena said forcefully. "They are creatures of darkness, shadows.
They also desire Adrian. Adrian felt as though the events of the night might overwhelm him, and his heart was racing.
"Why me? "What did I do?" Selena stopped suddenly and turned to look at him.
Her demeanor was unwavering as her eyes met his.
"You didn't do that. That's who you are.
A loud collision reverberated behind them before Adrian could ask her any more questions.
The metallic clang echoed down the alley as a garbage can fell over.
Selena gestured for silence as she shoved Adrian and Chloe against the wall.
The monstrous but humanoid shadows scuttle into view.
Their movements were eerily fluid as their blazing eyes examined the environment.
Selena produced a shining silver sword engraved with complex symbols from within her garment.
"Stay here," she said in a steely whisper.
She hurled herself toward the closest thing, her sword cutting through the air, without waiting for a reply.
The sword made contact, and the shadow dissolved into a puff of vapor with a piercing cry.
Chloe's eyes were wide with fear as she held Adrian tight.
"What's going on, Adrian? Who is she?
Adrian said, "I don't know," in an almost audible voice.
"But I think we need her."
Selena's motions were a blur as she mercilessly eliminated the last of the shadows.
Her chest heaving, she turned back to them as the last of the aliens vanished into thin air.
"We need to keep moving."
They persisted in their escape, ultimately arriving at a deserted warehouse outside the city.
After guiding them inside, Selena locked the door.
Only the dim brightness of moonlight coming through broken windows illuminated the vast room.
Selena replied, "This should buy us some time," as she leaned against the door.
Her breathing were ragged and her serenity was broken.
Adrian took a step forward, his anger exploding.
"Enough! I require answers.
Who are you? What are those items? Why are they after me, too?
Selena's posture was defensive, but her eyes softened.
I go by Selena Cross. I was meant to keep you safe.
Those beings are shadows, working for a much more sinister force.
Adrian, they are attracted to power. Your strength."
Adrian's expression was one of astonishment as he shook his head.
"Power? All I am is a businessman.
A little, unentertaining smile formed on Selena's lips.
"Adrian, you are more than that.
You belong to a long-standing family that has been inactive for many generations.
However, someone or something has roused it.
With her arms folded defensively, Chloe took a step forward.
"And what does that mean for him?"
"It means he’s a target," Selena said somberly in response.
"The shadows won’t stop until they’ve consumed him."
Adrian's thoughts spinning, he ran a hand through his hair.
"How do I stop this?"
Selena paused, perhaps considering what she was about to say.
"A sanctuary is a location. It's the only location where you can feel secure.
However, it's a long way off, and the trip won't be simple."
Chloe squinted her eyes. "And why should we trust you?"
Selena looked directly into her eyes. "Because without me, he’s as good as dead."
Like a shroud, the weight of her words descended upon them.
Adrian's thoughts were racing as he rested against a corroded beam.
All of it—the visions, the weird energy he was experiencing, the unwavering feeling that his life was going awry—pointed to something far greater than himself.
He eventually answered, "Fine," in a firm voice.
"I'll accompany you. However, Chloe also attends.
Despite her tense jaw, Selena nodded. "All right.
However, we depart at sunrise. Take a nap while you can.
Chloe and Adrian discovered a corner in the warehouse and made improvised beds out of abandoned tarps.
Chloe's apprehension was evident as she held on to Adrian's arm.
"Adrian, are we really doing this?"
He covered hers with a comforting hand. "We don’t have a choice."
As the night went on, Adrian's mind kept returning to the sights that had been bothering him.
The howling, the penetrating eyes, and the dark forest all seemed like parts of a jigsaw that he had yet to complete.
Selena was sitting across the warehouse, her blade lying on her lap, her back to the wall.
Her body tensed, her gaze focused on the door.
A stranger who had completely changed their life in a few short hours, she was a mystery.
But Adrian kept thinking that she had the secret to comprehending what was happening to him.
Selena stood up as the first rays of light came in through the broken windows.
"It’s time."
The three of them went off into the unknown, the city disappearing behind them.
Selena took the lead, moving with intention.
Chloe and Adrian trailed after, their uneasiness increasing with each step.
They traveled through thick forests and barren roads for hours.
Selena said nothing, her concentration unflinching.
Adrian's mind swirled, questions rising to the fore.
At last, he was unable to contain himself any longer.
"Selena, where are we going?"
Her face was inscrutable when she looked back at him.
"To a location known as Wolf's Crest. You can discover the answers you're looking for there.
Adrian shuddered as he heard the word. He was unable to pinpoint why, but it seemed familiar.
"And what will I find there?"
There was a glimmer of grief in Selena's eyes as her gaze softened.
"The truth about who you are."
Chloe scowled. "How about these dark areas? Are they going to follow us there?
"They will attempt," Selena acknowledged.
"However, Wolf's Crest is safe. It's the only location they are unable to access.
They reached the edge of an expansive woodland as the sun began to set.
With their twisted branches creating a natural barrier, the trees towered like sentinels.
Selena stopped and looked at them.
"After this point, there's no going back," she stated firmly.
"Are you ready?"
Adrian's determination hardened as he met her eyes. "Let’s go."
The route ahead was obscured by mystery as they entered the forest's shadows together.
The stillness became suffocating as the temperature dropped.
Nevertheless, Adrian sensed a glimmer of optimism among the gloom.
For once, he wasn't jogging aimlessly. There was a sense of fate about the direction he was heading.
⸺THE END⸺
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