Death Before Defeat

Chapter 17

It's hooded figure time!

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He was way too tired for this. Elias gritted his teeth as Xavier galloped through the fields, forcing himself to stay concentrated. His entire body felt like he had run five marathons and climbed a mountain to top it all off. A second set of hooves came from behind them, sounding much faster than the ones Xavier produced. A forest appeared before them, just out of reach. If only they could make it in there-

The shapeshifter was panting audibly, being just as exhausted as Aza and Elias were, but kept pushing himself forward. Elias spared a glance behind them and saw the hooded figure slowly closing in, their black horses fur coated in sweat.

Xavier wasn't going to outrun them. He realized with a start.

A shared glance with Aza confirmed his suspicion. They were going to have to stop and face their pursuer.

"Xavier," He said, trying to speak over the blowing wind. An ear turned back, indicating that the shapeshifter was listening. "We're not going to make it. He's too close."

Xavier shook his head nervously, but made a couple of sharp twists and turns around a cluster of stones before slowing down. Elias hoped that would buy them a little more time.

They got off the shapeshifters back, all ducking behind one of the larger rocks. Trotting hooves were getting closer and closer, and Elias held his breath for no other reason than out of habit.

The horse slowed down to a stop and the rider dismounted. Elias risked a glance around the rock and saw the figure look around.

"Come out, come out wherever you are." A familiar voice said. Elias stopped breathing altogether, all forces of habit drowned out by the rising feeling of panic he could feel building up. "I know you're out here." The figure raised his hands to take his hood down, and two bright orange eyes critically took in his surroundings.

Elias moved back and pressed closer to the rock, squeezing his eyes shut. No. No way. Not now. Not like this.

Someone must have made a sound, because within seconds he was in front of them, staff in hand. Aza shot up, her hand reaching for her blades. Xavier crouched, ready to shift. Elias just stared, numb. A cruel smile was on their pursuer's lips, but it faded when he took notice of Elias. His self assured posture crumpled and he stumbled backwards a few steps, looking as if someone had struck him. His eyes roamed over Elias' body, lingering at the stab wound. At least he had the decency to look guilty. When their eyes met, Elias couldn't help but glare at his 'friend'.

"Elias!?"

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Cyrus' POV

An undignified squeak forced its way out of his mouth. He spluttered, completely at a loss for words. Elias was glaring at him, though fear was evident in his eyes.

He was supposed to be dead.

"Oh great. This is the ghost?" Nebe's annoyed voice echoed through his head. He didn't sound even a little bit surprised, lingering more on the border of boredom. "Use that spell and get rid of him. This will only complicate things." He paused. "I don't care how you do it, just destroy him."

Cyrus ignored him and just stared, wide-eyed. Elias' companions hesitated, glancing between the two of them.

The girl spoke first. "Do you two... Know each other?"

Cyrus almost scoffed. Know each other? They knew each other alri-

"We used to." Elias' voice sounded hollow. He hugged his stomach, hiding the stab wound from view. His face was void of emotion, the only indicator that he was feeling anything were his eyes. "This is Cyrus." He turned his anger filled eyes back to Cyrus. "He's the one working with Nebe."