IGNITE | Sukuna

Chapter 16: Beneath the Masquerade

"Look at this beautiful color," the tattooed boy said, his voice carrying a strange pride.

Subuhi’s gaze fell on his hands, slick with blood as he held up the limp body of a goose. He pressed the blade into its flesh, peeling it apart with practiced precision. Crimson stained his fingers, dripping into the dirt below.

She shuddered, her stomach twisting. Why had she followed him? The forest was terrifying at night, and this boy—strange and unbothered—had seemed like her best option to avoid being alone.

But now, watching him carve the goose with a detached focus, she wondered if she’d made a terrible mistake.

He crouched by the fire he’d made, striking sparks until the flames caught on the dry kindling. Carefully, he positioned the goose over the fire on a skewer fashioned from a sturdy branch. The rich smell of roasting meat filled the air, making her stomach growl audibly. She blushed, wrapping her arms around herself as if to muffle the sound.

The boy glanced at her, an amused smirk curling at his lips. "You look like you’re from a noble clan," he remarked.

Her heart skipped a beat, fear rushing through her.

Had he guessed?

"I’m not," she lied quickly, her voice barely steady.

The boy didn’t look convinced. His piercing eyes seemed to see straight through her. He leaned back, his smirk widening. "Go home," he said bluntly. "A kid like you won’t survive out here."

Her jaw tightened. She hated how small he made her feel, even though deep down, she knew he wasn’t entirely wrong. Still, she couldn’t let him have the last word.

"And what about you?" she shot back. "You’re a kid too. What are you doing out here all alone?"

For a moment, his face shifted. A shadow of something—sadness, maybe—flickered across his features. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by a confident grin.

"I’m training," he said simply. "I’ll be the strongest sorcerer alive."

She blinked, surprised by the conviction in his voice. His eyes, sharp and unyielding, burned with determination.

She laughed, unable to help herself. "You? The strongest sorcerer? You’re just a kid."

"Shut up, brat," he snapped, his brows furrowing.

"Who’re you calling a brat? You’re a brat yourself!"

The tension hung in the air for a moment before dissipating. They both fell silent, the crackling fire filling the void.

She hesitated before grabbing a piece of the cooked meat. She bit into it cautiously, her eyes widening as the rich flavor spread across her tongue. It was delicious—far better than anything she’d expected from a forest meal.

"You’re a good cook," she muttered, swallowing a mouthful.

The boy snorted. "What else am I supposed to do? Starve?"

Ignoring his sarcasm, her eyes wandered to a pile of wood and branches stacked under a tree nearby. "What’s all that for?"

He followed her gaze, then shrugged. "I was thinking of building a treehouse."

"A treehouse?" Her voice shot up in excitement, and her eyes sparkled.

The boy stared at her for a moment, then burst into laughter—a real, genuine laugh that made her cheeks flush. She pouted, glaring at him.

"You can help if you want," he offered, still grinning.

Her pout melted into a grin of her own, her earlier irritation forgotten. "Of course I’ll help!"