✓ | The Borrowed Identity (Fate's Transgression Series, #4)

TBI 17: Curse

[ Chapter 17: Curse ]

Selene | Selvy

I took a spoonful of the noodle soup, its warm steam caressing my face. As I savored the first taste, a burst of flavors danced on my palate. The broth was rich and savory, while the noodles that were soft yet chewy, absorbed the flavors of the broth, and the added vegetables and herbs provided a refreshing contrast.

With each spoonful, I found myself immersed in the delightful medley of flavors. It was a comforting and nourishing experience, a brief break from the troubles that awaited us. The taste of the soup seemed to transport me to a place of tranquility, even if just for a moment.

Valan watched me with a mysterious look, perhaps expressing satisfaction to see me enjoying the simple pleasure of a meal amidst the chaos. In that small moment, the weight of our responsibilities temporarily lifted, replaced by the warmth of camaraderie and the comfort of good food. Yet, it is always evident that danger is just a step behind us.

Every single person nearby heard a scream, then it was followed by a terrorizing growl of a vicious animal. Parang normal routine na ata ito dahil kada-lilipas ang oras, parehong entry lang ang nangyayari.

Agad nagtatakbuhan ang iba habang napatigil ang ilan dahil sa gulat at hindi agad makagalaw sa pinaroroohan. I was about to shout at a person to run when a tentacle took him in a snap. Doon ko lang din napagtanto kung ano ang buong pangyayari.

Panic filled the air as the monstrous creature revealed itself. It was a colossal octopus, its numerous tentacles thrashing about wildly. Its massive, bulbous head featured piercing eyes that glowed with a malevolent intelligence. The screams of terror intensified as the octopus's tentacles snaked through the air, seizing unsuspecting victims with a vice-like grip. People scattered in all directions, desperately trying to escape the creature's clutches.

"What the hell is that?!" I exclaimed.

"What do you expect?" Valan uttered with a hint of mischief and ignorance. With quick thinking, Valan unsheathed a blade that suddenly came out of nowhere, its gleaming edge reflecting the sunlight, and charged at the massive cephalopod.

Valan engaged the octopus in a fierce battle, his swift movements and precise strikes a testament to his combat prowess. Tanging ang nagawa ko na lamang ay mapatunganga dahil sa mangha, gulat at takot. Para lamang akong tao sa gilid na siyang pinapanood ang pag-aaway ng isang bayani at ang kanyang nemesis.

Kalaunan ay nawala bigla ang mga tao na hawak ng pugita. They vanished into thin air. As the battle waged on, the octopus proved to be a formidable foe, its tentacles lashing out with ferocious strength. But Valan fought without falter despite his condition and leveraging his skills to exploit the creature's vulnerabilities.

With coordinated attack, he managed to weaken the octopus, forcing it to retreat. Valan delivered a final, decisive blow, severing one of the creature's tentacles. The octopus writhed in pain and retreated back into the portal where it came from, its presence a haunting reminder of the danger that lurked in any corner.

The street fell silent, the chaos subsiding as the threat dissipated. Valan stood amidst the aftermath, breathing heavily but relieved that he had successfully protected those in harm's way.

"Is it gone?" I said, drawing near to his post. I looked around and once again, the streets were empty with human presence. "Are you alright?"

"No on both," he replied. "It's still here, recalibrating." His eyes were roaming around, trying to spot any anomalies. "Stay close, we're not sure if it's here for you or-"