Chasing Shadows

Chapter Eighteen: Uncharted Territory

The park was surprisingly quiet for a Sunday afternoon. A few families wandered along the winding pathways, and the distant sound of children’s laughter mixed with the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze. Ethan and Zane strolled side by side, keeping a comfortable distance as they ambled through the well-kept greenery.

Zane’s gaze flitted around the park with an odd mixture of curiosity and unease. “You sure you’re not planning to lure me into some kind of trap, hero? This is way too wholesome for my taste.”

Ethan snorted, shoving his hands into his pockets as they walked. “Relax, Zane. No traps today. Just thought you could use some fresh air.”

“Fresh air?” Zane scoffed, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “What are we, seventy-year-olds out for our daily stroll?”

“Hey, don’t knock it till you try it. Walking’s good for you.” Ethan grinned, nudging Zane lightly with his elbow. “Besides, after all the alcohol you downed last night, you could use a bit of detox.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me.” Zane grimaced, his hand brushing absently over his still-bruised ribs. “Let’s just say that was one of my less-than-glorious moments.”

Ethan’s expression softened. “You don’t have to beat yourself up over it. Everyone has those moments.”

“Not everyone ends up half-conscious in an alley and then patched up by their ‘arch-nemesis.’” Zane shot Ethan a sidelong glance, one eyebrow raised. “You know, you’re making it really hard for me to maintain my villain cred.”

Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, that’s the idea, isn’t it? Maybe you’re not as much of a villain as you think.”

Zane made a dismissive noise but didn’t argue further. Instead, he let the silence linger between them, a thoughtful look in his eyes as they continued walking. After a moment, he cleared his throat, mischief glinting in his gaze.

“So, what do you usually do on Sundays, hero? Besides rescuing bad guys from their own stupidity.”

Ethan hummed thoughtfully, pretending to think it over. “Oh, you know, the usual: read a bit, catch up on shows, maybe hit the gym if I’m feeling particularly motivated.”

“Riveting,” Zane deadpanned. “No wonder you’re so desperate to drag me along. You were probably dying of boredom.”

“Boredom? Nah.” Ethan glanced at him, a hint of challenge in his voice. “You’re just a change of pace. Keeps things interesting.”

“Interesting, huh?” Zane’s grin widened, a flash of teeth that was more playful than predatory. “If you wanted interesting, you could’ve asked me to show you a good time.”

Ethan blinked, clearly missing the implication. “Like, sparring? I thought we were taking a break from all that.”

Zane laughed—a real, genuine laugh that startled Ethan. “Oh, sweetheart, sparring isn’t quite what I meant.”

Ethan frowned, the confusion deepening the lines on his forehead. “What else could—”

“Never mind,” Zane interrupted, shaking his head, his shoulders shaking with silent laughter. “Forget I said anything. You’re just too pure for your own good.”

“Pure? What’s that supposed to mean?” Ethan asked, his tone genuinely puzzled.

“Don’t worry your pretty little head about it, Ethan,” Zane teased, a wicked smirk curving his lips. “Let’s just say, when I say ‘good time,’ I’m not talking about a friendly wrestling match.”