Intertwined

4. SHADOWY CHASE

-Shadowy Chase-

Without thinking twice he started moving as fast as he could, chasing the shadow slithering between the low and fragile houses. His heart was pumping so loudly in his chest; for a second he was afraid that that person could hear its beat. Soon enough Alexander had realized that the man has led him into the woods. His stamina was high but he now was out of breath. He couldn't help it but wonder how the other person was still going as if they were just walking.

Finally, the shadowy man has suddenly stopped moving; breathing heavily. Alexander was proceeding slowly towards his target when he stepped on a dried branch making it crunch. The person turned around with searching eyes but Alexander had already hidden behind a tree. The man started moving towards him, taking out his dagger. Alexander took out his blade and held it firmly on his chest. He was ready to strike when a growl made the shadow jump backwards.

"I took care of him!" The shadow said in despair with trembling voice.

Alexander frowned. Was he talking to him? He lowered his blade and tilted his head towards the way he heard the man, trying to figure out what was happening.

"You did, yes. But are you sure you didn't reveal anything about us?"

"No! Of course not! I reassure you!"

Who is that person talking? Alexander wondered. There was no one else there when they had arrived. Could he be so furious that he did not notice that person?

A mischievous laugh broke the sobbing sound of the man he was chasing earlier.

"You? Reassuring us? And what does that man want here?" A woman said mockingly while her voice was mixed with the muffled sound of a wolf ready to attack.

"Wha- What man? There is no man," The man was pacing in circles in despair.

"That man behind the tree Jonah!" another deep, angry voice sounded.

Jonah... The shadow's name is Jonah... Alexander stood still in his position. He knew very well that it would not be wise to start running since he did not know how many of them were out there after all. He slowly took another blade he had hidden inside his vest. He was ready for a fight when the first stranger talked again.

"Don't worry," he laughed impishly. "I'm talking to you uninvited stranger. We have our meal already served, but your lovely essence is already imprinted in my nostrils. There is no running away from us boy!" His laughter was mean, hoarse.

Alexander remained calm. That person could be just guessing his presence or he could just do it to make Jonah even more fearful.

"And now?" The woman giggled loudly.

"And now we dine," the other man laughed.

"No, please! I did everything you have asked me! Please! I- I will do whatever you want!" Jonah begged in vain.

"Anything?" the woman giggled once again.

"Anything madam! Anything!" Jonah's voice cracked, ending into desperate sobbing.

"You know what I want?" She said with a serious voice.

"Wha- What Mistress? I will run and get it for you!"

"You could run," she laughed. "I like it when you run," another laugh mixed with a growling.

"No... Please," Jonah swallowed a lump formed in his throat.