Two Hunters, from different worlds.

Chapter 18

"I want to take you out and show you something."

Stepping out of the spaceship, I pointed to the ground just a few steps away. A line encircled our entire spacecraft, drawn with deliberate precision.

"This is our barrier," I declared, my voice unwavering. "A shield against the demons, a protection to keep us safe. None of us must cross it, and no one tainted with darkness can step inside."

One of the brothers scoffed, his voice rough and punctuated by the sharp clicks his kind made when irritated. "If there's a battle to fight, we won't back down, woman."

I met his gaze head-on. "If battle comes, it will be me and Vor who face it. I intend to prove my power, show you the truth, and claim what is rightfully mine."

A distant voice, laced with cruel amusement, interrupted. "And what exactly do you deserve, WITCH?" Hysterical laughter echoed through the darkness. "I've waited a long time for this moment. And now, at last, you are reborn."

Revon emerged from the shadows, his red eyes gleaming like twin beacons in the dim light. His skin was pale as death itself, but his expression remained unchanged-mocking, condescending.

"I should have kept you alive, like we did with that friend of yours. A shame, really. Thanks to her little games, our mistress has ordered every witch and sentinel to be eradicated on sight." He stepped forward, one deliberate pace at a time, stopping just shy of the barrier. He looked down at it and shook his head, feigning regret. But I knew better. He wasn't sorry he had lost me-he was sorry he had lost his plaything. Filthy bastard.

I clenched my fists, anger and hatred surging through me. He meant Argentea. But this time, I wouldn't let him win. I wouldn't let my emotions control me.

"If I recall correctly, the one who kicked your ass once did it again, sending one of you straight to hell." My tone was mocking, taunting. "And I'll do the same to you. Oh, wait... I forgot. You don't have a soul. You're just a monster puppeteering a corpse that should've stayed in its grave."

Heat surged through me, fire licking at my fingers. Two flames ignited in my hands, burning with my fury.

Revon sneered, undeterred. "Don't be so sure of yourself, little phoenix. When I get my hands on you, you'll beg me to spare your new friends." His eyes scanned the warriors around me before settling on Vor. "A pity Aartock isn't here. And that you killed my favorite Yautja. No matter. I see plenty more here who could be useful to my mistress."

"Come forward, witch," he purred, savoring the word, dragging it out like a twisted pleasure. "Let me grant you the end you deserve."

From the darkness behind him, he unsheathed a blade. My breath hitched.

"Your father's sword," he mused, turning it in his grip so the metal glinted in the dim light. "It has served me well in battle. But if I'm not mistaken... it belongs to you, doesn't it?"

Fury roared through me. I stepped forward, Vor right beside me. The moment we crossed the barrier, we were in battle stance, but first, we had to deal with the shadow dogs.

The beasts circled us, but none dared lunge at me-my flames burned them to ash before they could even get close. Vor moved with deadly precision, his blade slicing through them like paper. He struck, impaled, and ripped through them with merciless efficiency, his body a blur of violence until the last one fell lifeless at his feet.

Revon's smirk faltered. He had underestimated us.

We squared off. He lunged-straight for me. But Vor was faster, intercepting every strike with his spear. Steel clashed, sparks flying as they exchanged blows, but Vor was relentless. He parried, deflected, and finally-struck. One of his blades buried deep into Revon's chest.

Revon staggered, laughter bubbling from his lips even as he stumbled back. "These alien weapons can't kill me," he mocked. "I'm not some weak human prey, beast."

Blood poured from his wound, but still, he yanked the blade free as if it were nothing.

He turned his gaze back to me, taking a step forward-but Vor was faster. He moved behind Revon in a flash, driving his spear clean through his skull. The spearhead protruded from Revon's head, and for the first time, his laughter turned to a strangled gasp.

"You fucking witch!" he snarled. "You let this idiot alien protect you, when you know damn well how to fight!"

I stepped closer, placing my burning hand over Vor's, channeling my fire through him and into the spear. Revon's body erupted in flames, his screams drowned out by the inferno consuming him.

"Find peace," I whispered. "And return to the light."

As his body disintegrated into nothing, relief flooded me. I turned to Vor. His eyes locked onto mine, and in that moment, I knew-he had seen my strength, my resolve.

Without a word, we returned to the ship. The others were waiting, silent and watchful. No cheers, no words of praise. Only a slight nod of acknowledgment before they turned and disappeared inside.

At least now, they knew. Now, they understood the truth of shadow demons.

Before the spaceship door closed, I glanced back-just in time to see two glowing eyes in the darkness. A silhouette of a woman in black. But when I blinked, she was gone.

---

"Take care of yourself, and Roy!" I called from the ship, my voice laced with bittersweet emotion.

Race smirked, waving a hand. "I know what I'm doing, Chloe-Reya," he corrected with a grin. "And you, take care of her, my new friend!" His last words echoed as he turned and walked away.

Goodbyes always carried weight. Some were heavy, some light. But there was no time for sorrow. Soon, I would see my family again. My adopted daughters-Ashina, Clodovea, Morana. Maybe.

But first, the Elder Clan awaited us. And they would never-never-separate me from Vor. Or from my father's sword. Not again.

I gripped the hilt, determination burning in my chest. My gaze met Vor's.

"Not bad in a fight," I teased. "But what if I told you I could make you even stronger with my power?"

His chest puffed with pride. "I look forward to fighting by your side again. I knew you were worthy of the name I gave you... but I think Phoenix suits you better."

He pointed to the engraving on my sword. Phoenix.

I smiled. The name felt right. I stepped closer, resting my head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. It was as calm as the vast space stretching before us.