Shadows of Hunt
1054 Words
Okay, okay… calm down, dear. You’re so brave… don’t cry,” Aliyan said gently, wrapping a comforting arm around Mayla.
“Sorry…” she whispered, still sniffling.
From a distance, Captain Eagle observed the scene with a hint of disbelief. “What’s all this drama now?” he muttered to Realm, the Major’s trusted agent sent to protect Mayla.
“It’s just… Maila’s cat is sick, so she’s sad,” Realm explained quietly.
Captain Eagle scoffed, sarcasm evident in his tone. “It’s just a cat. And look at Aliyan consoling her…” His eyes narrowed slightly, a twinge of jealousy surfacing for the first time.
Unbeknownst to them, someone from afar smiled softly, watching the scene unfold—a smile both beautiful and enigmatic.
Mayla poured out her frustrations to Aliyan, telling him of all the troubles she couldn’t solve in this world. She hadn’t even seen her parents’ faces; no one had ever told her about them. She had only an uncle and his wife, who treated her harshly. She had always been alone… in every world.
Meanwhile, Captain Eagle’s expression darkened as he watched Aliyan’s concern for Mayla. Frustration bubbled within him.
“Aliyan! I sent you for work—what are you doing?” Captain Eagle called out angrily, her voice sharp and commanding.
Aliyan blinked, confused. “What happened? There’s no reason to get this angry,” he said, trying to explain. He didn’t understand why Captain Eagle was so upset.
Mayla, noticing the sudden tension, felt a strange familiarity with Captain Eagle. I feel like I’ve seen her face before… she thought, trying to recall, but nothing came to mind.
“Maila…” Aliyan called softly, trying to pull her attention back from her thoughts.
“Yes?” she replied, still distracted.
“Do you remember I told you about a girl?” he asked.
“The girl… oh, the one you like,” she murmured, realization dawning.
Captain Eagle froze, her eyes widening in surprise. Aliyan shifted slightly, a faint blush creeping across his face at the revelation.
Then, with a mixture of pride and nervousness, Aliyan pointed toward Captain Eagle. “Meet my love… my lifeline… Captain Eagle,” he declared.
Mayla’s jaw dropped slightly at the confession. Aliyan stood still, his embarrassment barely concealed, while Captain Eagle herself was rocked by the unexpected revelation.
In that charged moment, emotions intertwined with tension, jealousy, and curiosity—setting the stage for deeper connections and unforeseen conflicts.
Oh… so I was right,” Mayla whispered to herself, watching the scene unfold. Captain Aliyan truly was a hidden gem. From a distance, Maverick observed quietly, a small smile tugging at his lips. Despite his stern demeanor, he was genuinely happy for both of them.
Captain Eagle, still reeling from the revelation, felt her cheeks flush crimson. Mayla, sensing the tension and joy, threw her arms around Captain Eagle and congratulated Aliyan. For a moment, all her sorrow was forgotten.
“Captain Aliyan, I sent you on a mission, not to get engaged!” Maverick scolded, though the anger in his voice was more playful than real.
Aliyan grinned mischievously. “What could I do? If I hadn’t said it now, Captain Eagle might have gotten furious… and turned black from burning!” He laughed heartily, while Captain Eagle shot him a glare sharp enough to rival any weapon.
Soon, the others—Maverick and Aliyan—had departed, leaving Captain Eagle and Mayla alone. The air was lighter, free from the previous tension.
“Forgive me, sweet Mayla,” Captain Eagle said softly, her voice tinged with sincerity. “I didn’t treat you well before.”
Mayla shook her head gently, a warm smile gracing her lips. “It’s okay, Captain Eagle. TT often told me about a girl, and whenever he mentioned her, his face would light up. That girl… was you. I’m glad I finally know.”
Captain Eagle’s expression softened. “So… are we friends now?”
“Yes, why not?” Mayla replied cheerfully. “You’ll have Captain Eagle by your side.”
Aliyan, still nearby, added with a grin, “And I’ll stand by you in every trouble, Captain Eagle. But for now… let’s go eat something.”
The bitterness and tension between them had melted away, leaving laughter, warmth, and the comforting knowledge of newfound friendship. Captain Aliyan’s heart felt lighter than ever, grateful for the moments that bridged misunderstandings, revealed truths, and forged bonds that would last.
Cruella… Cruella…!
Gary’s frantic voice echoed through the dim chamber.
“What is it now, Gary?” Cruella snapped as she rose from her seat. “I left for a few moments of rest—what storm have you brought this time?”
Her fury was unmistakable. The crimson glow in her eyes deepened, burning brighter than before. From the shadows, Schrader watched quietly, a cruel amusement playing on his lips as Gary trembled.
“Speak,” Cruella hissed, stepping closer, “or should I put you on the stove? It’s been far too long since I last tasted human flesh.”
Gary’s body began to shake uncontrollably.
“The prey… the one we’ve been waiting for,” he stammered. “He has fallen into the trap.”
Cruella froze.
“Is it true?” she asked slowly. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
Suddenly, her silence shattered into wild, unrestrained laughter—sharp and terrifying, echoing like madness through the chamber.
“What should we do with him now, Cruella?” Schrader asked, gesturing toward the helpless boy restrained within the machine. Despite the boy’s condition, Schrader’s face showed no fear—only curiosity.
“Nothing,” Cruella replied coldly. “Not until David gives the order. That boy is no ordinary prey.”
She stepped closer to the machine, her gaze lingering on the boy.
“I only wish we had captured the girl as well—the one who was with him,” she added darkly.
“Yes,” Schrader said thoughtfully, “but if we hadn’t escaped in time, they would have uncovered our secret… the ones searching for that boy.”
Cruella’s smile slowly returned—calculated, cruel, and filled with promise.
“Let them search,” she murmured. “The game has only just begun.”
- Writer
