The Crimson Legacy (In Progress)

Chapter 22: A Dance of Shadows

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The fortified village loomed in front of Clara, Kuro, and Zoe as they crouched in the undergrowth. The air was thick with tension, and the unmistakable stench of fear hung over the area. Clara's eyes narrowed as she took in the dozens of guards patrolling the fort's perimeter and the clusters of prisoners being led through its gates. 

Clara's eyes lingered on the throne-like structure at the center of the village, where a familiar figure lounged—Talon.

Talon, with his dark, fluid form, casually surveyed the fort, as if waiting for something—or someone. His aura seemed to shift and twist, a shadowy presence that Clara knew too well. She turned to Kuro, who was watching the scene intently, and to Zoe, who clutched her notes tightly against her chest.

Clara gathered them close, speaking in a low, urgent tone. "Listen closely. Kuro, your job is to eliminate any guards out of sight—do it swiftly and quietly. I'll infiltrate Talon's hut and get Seraphine out. We have to work fast."

Kuro nodded, his fingers flexing over his bowstring. "Got it."

Zoe, who had been silent up until now, looked between Clara and Kuro, determination etched across her young face. "What about me?" she asked.

Clara's expression softened slightly, but her voice was firm. "Zoe, stay hidden. This isn't a fight you can join."

"But—" Zoe began, but Clara cut her off.

"No. Stay hidden," Clara insisted. "That's an order." Reluctantly, Zoe nodded, her shoulders sagging with frustration. Clara felt a pang of guilt, but she couldn't afford to risk Zoe's safety, not in a place like this. Not against someone like Talon.

As the plan took shape, Clara and Kuro moved into position. Clara's breathing steadied, and her focus sharpened. She became a shadow slipping through the darkness, a master of stealth and precision. She approached the hut with quiet, deliberate steps, while Kuro, observing her movements, mirrored her in the distance. His eyes scanned the shadows, watching for any guards who strayed too far from their comrades.

The hunt had begun.

Clara reached the edge of the fort, using the tall grass for cover. With a flick of her fingers, she sent a whisper of telekinesis to distract a nearby guard, causing him to glance over his shoulder. She struck with precision, snapping his neck before he could utter a sound. She moved with a fluidity born of countless battles—a wraith among shadows.

Meanwhile, Kuro drew his bow in one fluid motion, aiming at another guard's exposed throat. The arrow flew true, and the guard crumpled to the ground. Kuro's fingers didn't hesitate; he was already nocking the next arrow, his eyes calculating the distance and angle of his next target.

They were two specters, stalking the fort with chilling efficiency. Clara found her way to Talon's hut and slipped inside, her heart racing as she saw an old woman shackled to the far wall.