𝕄𝕪 𝔾𝕚𝕣𝕝𝕗𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕕 𝕚𝕤 𝕒𝕟 𝕖𝕝𝕗

Chapter 7: Shadows in the Streets

William crouched low behind a row of parked cars, his heart pounding in his chest. He had followed the men in black suits and the scientists from the alley to Main Street, keeping his distance so he wouldn’t be spotted. The city streets bustled with early morning activity, but William was too focused on the group ahead to notice. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something dangerous was about to happen.

After a few blocks, he lost sight of them. Panic welled up, but he quickly ducked into an alleyway, scanning the streets. A couple of tense minutes passed before he spotted the group again—this time, they were stopped in the middle of the street. But it wasn’t just the scientists that held William's attention. His breath hitched as he saw what they had captured.

Lying in the middle of the road, tied down with thick, metal-like ropes, was a monstrous creature. It was massive, larger than any animal William had ever seen—part bear, part wolf, its fur dark and matted, with glowing eyes that flickered between green and gold. Its teeth were long and jagged, its snout snarling as it thrashed against its restraints. William had never seen anything like it. He didn’t even know creatures like this existed, let alone walked the streets of Joufuko.

Horrified, William ducked behind the corner of a nearby building, staying out of sight. His pulse quickened as he heard the men discussing something, their voices low but urgent. He strained to hear them.

"Call headquarters," one of the men said, glancing at the creature nervously.

Several minutes passed as William watched the scene unfold. The scientists studied the creature while the men in suits kept a perimeter, ensuring no one came too close. Then, a black van pulled up, and a man stepped out. Unlike the others, he wore a different uniform, marking him as someone higher up—a leader, maybe. William pressed himself closer to the wall, trying to listen.

“Dr. Theodore,” one of the scientists greeted the man. “I appreciate you personally coming here. As you can see, we’ve managed to capture this creature. It was far too strong for us to handle with just manpower, but thanks to those electric ropes you designed, we were able to subdue it.”

Theodore, his face stern and calculating, looked over the bound monster. “Good work, but don’t get too comfortable. We know there are other creatures like this lurking in the city. We need to be prepared for anything. We have no idea what these things are capable of.”

The scientist nodded in agreement. “Of course, sir.”

Theodore’s eyes narrowed as he glanced around the scene. “Take this one to the facility immediately. Make sure no citizens of Joufuko hear about this. We can’t afford any public panic.”

“Yes, sir,” the group responded in unison.

But then, as Theodore scanned the area, his gaze fell on the corner where William was hiding. Their eyes locked, and William’s heart nearly stopped. *He saw me.*

Without hesitation, William bolted from his hiding spot, sprinting down the street. He could hear Theodore bark an order behind him. “One of you, follow him!”

William didn’t dare look back. He ran as fast as he could, weaving through the crowds, his heart hammering in his ears. He didn’t know if the man was right behind him or far off, but he couldn’t take any chances. He ducked into alleys, cut through backstreets, and jumped over fences, trying to lose whoever was tailing him.

For a moment, he thought he’d shaken them. But then, as he rounded a corner, he heard footsteps behind him. The man was still following, though William couldn’t see him. He needed to disappear—fast. Spotting a busy coffee shop ahead, William quickly slipped inside, mingling with the crowd. He waited, his breath ragged, until the footsteps passed by. The man hadn’t seen him.

Relief washed over him as he doubled back and made his way home, keeping an eye out for anyone trailing him. Finally, after what felt like hours, he reached his apartment building. Exhausted, he stumbled through the door, panting.

Lin was sitting on the couch, watching TV. She barely looked up when he entered. “Fuck!” she slurred, imitating something she must have heard on one of the channels.

William, despite his exhaustion, let out a half-laugh. “Where did you learn that?”

Lin turned to him, her expression innocent. “On the TV. Why? Is something wrong?”

“Well,” William began, still catching his breath, “it’s not a word you should be using all the time. It can be good or bad, but people don’t always like hearing it, it's a word used to emphasize on what you're trying say.”

Lin tilted her head, confused. “What’s emphasize?”

William grinned, leaning against the wall. “It’s when you show more emotion in what you’re saying. But maybe don’t use that word too often, okay? Some people get upset.”

Lin nodded, accepting his explanation. “I understand.” Then, her expression shifted to concern. “Why are you in a panic?”

William’s face turned serious. He sat down beside her, explaining everything he had seen: the scientists, the strange bear-wolf creature, and how he had almost been caught spying on them.

Lin’s eyes widened with worry. “You were almost caught? What if they find you?”

“It’s fine,” William said, trying to reassure her. “I managed to lose them. But we should stay inside for a couple of days, just to be safe. They know someone was snooping around, and we don’t want them coming back here.”

Lin nodded, her face tense. “Okay. I’ll stay hidden.”

William decided to change the subject, not wanting to dwell on the danger for too long. “You know,” he said, “your English has really improved. You sound almost fluent.”

Lin’s face brightened. “Elves are good at mimicking,” she explained. “But even though I sound fluent, I still don’t understand a lot of words.”

“That’s okay,” William said. “It’ll come with time. And if you ever need help, just ask me.”

Lin smiled softly. “Thank you, William. For everything.”

William smiled back, feeling a warmth spread through him. “I’m just glad you trust me now. Want something to eat?”

Lin nodded, her eyes bright with gratitude. “Yes, please.”

As William got up to make something for them, the weight of the day began to lift. There was still so much they didn’t understand—about the creatures, the scientists, and the dangers lurking in the city. But for now, they had each other, and that was enough.