𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 {𝐀 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐜} - 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 [1] ✔️

20. SHADOW MAN

THE BEAR'S GROWLS ECHOED THROUGH THE FOREST, ITS search for me relentless. Even though I was invisible, I could sense it tracking my scent. Thanks to Simon's warning about the Ursa Clan, I managed to keep my primal urges in check.

I knew that if I let my guard down, the bear would surely find me and unleash its fury. I had to stay focused and remember everything the Khotlers had taught me about survival in the wilderness. As I crept through the dense underbrush, I could hear the bear getting closer and closer. I knew I had to stay calm and trust in my abilities.

Suddenly, the bear burst through the trees, its massive form looming over me. I held my breath, waiting for the inevitable attack. But to my surprise, the bear stopped in its tracks and sniffed the air. It seemed confused, unable to locate me despite being so close.

I took advantage of this momentary confusion and slowly backed away, careful not to make any sudden movements that might alert the bear to my presence. As I retreated, I heard the sound of another set of footsteps approaching, growing louder with each passing second.

And then, emerging from the shadows, was another bear. But this one was different. Its fur was as dark as the night, blending seamlessly with the surrounding darkness. It was a formidable creature, and I could sense the power emanating from its very being.

The two bears stood face to face, a silent exchange of dominance between predators. It was as if they were communicating without words, a tense moment in the heart of the forest.

I watched in awe as the two bears circled each other, their growls echoing through the trees. It was a battle of wills, a primal dance of power and strength. I knew that I had to make my move before the situation escalated further.

I slowly began to back away, trying to make my escape without attracting the attention of either bear. The tension in the air was palpable, and I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins.

Just as I thought I had made it to safety, a twig snapped under my foot, alerting the bears to my presence. In an instant, they turned their attention towards where I stood, their eyes locking onto mine with a fierce intensity.

I knew that I was facing a life-or-death situation, and I had to act quickly.

Suddenly, the bears halted, their attention shifting to something behind me. The brown bear snorted while the black bear emitted a low growl. I turned my head to see what had captured their interest. To my astonishment, a tall figure emerged from the shadows. Clad in a black misty trench coat and a fedora hat, this man lacked a discernible face. He stood there, his presence commanding and enigmatic, as if he held some kind of power over the bears. The tension in the air seemed to shift like a new player had entered the game.

Sensing the shift in power, the bears slowly distanced themselves from each other, their growls fading away. It was almost as if they recognized this figure as a formidable force, not to be underestimated. As the figure drew closer, the bears began to retreat.

Then, a familiar caw sounded by my side. I glanced down to see the raven Lenore nuzzling against my leg.

It was unmistakably him.

As the bears fled from the towering shadowy figure, Ingram emerged from within him, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. He seemed oblivious to my presence.

"Works like a charm," he chuckled. "They're terrified of it."

"Why is that?" I inquired, catching him off guard.

"Violet!" he exclaimed, turning to face me. "What are you doing here?"

I shrugged, trying to hide my surprise at seeing Ingram here, of all places. "I could ask you the same thing," I replied, crossing my arms. "What's with the whole act?"