Dawn at the Wild Rift (Book IV)

Chapter 8

"Talon may be famous all throughout Runeterra but he is also one hell of a mysterious man. I do not know what he did when he was at your land but  surely, he had shown only a small part of him. From what I have observed, he is unusually attached to you that I find it laughable. He may treasure you a lot for now but how long do you think will that kind of treatment last? A man like him is an impatient one and you wouldn't know what he'll do next. If you look away from him even for a minute, you'll never get to know who he really is. But for now, always keep your guard up or else, you'll be dominated before you know it."

The words that Sett had spoken of echo in the mind of Hanabi as she watches Talon walks towards her. His sword is still sheathed but Hanabi stiffens for she feels like he could draw it out in any minute. And who knows? He might have her head flying in no time.

But the moment he stands before her, he flashes a soft smile and offers his hand.

"Let's go home," he states but instead of accepting his hand, Hanabi ignores him and passes by him. She heads to the exit but before she could leave the circle, Ezreal holds her by the shoulders from behind.

"Milady, let's call it a night," he whispers on her ear, "you should speak with him before things would get out of hand."

Ezreal waves her good bye as he leaves first. Upon closing the door, Hanabi heaves a sigh before turning back to face Talon. Avoiding him is impossible and she needs to speak to him regarding her VENOM armor.

"You promised me, Kenshin, that you'll bring me back to Magical City but why does it feel like you have no plans at all?" she asks.

But the moment Talon meets her gaze with a cold stare, she involuntarily freezes in place as if her surroundings turned into ice. Walking towards her, tension lingers around him that makes it hard for Hanabi to even speak a word. It feels like he has gained control over the whole place and she is powerless to even defy him in any way.

"Before anything else, Hana, let me take you home and then, we'll discuss this matter calmly," he states with his cold and low tone of voice. It seems that he is giving her one last warning but Hanabi didn't want to submit to him.

"This is not my home, Kenshin, it will never be my home—"

Cutting her off, Talon clips his arm on her hip and pulls her close. Though she tries to push him away, his grip tightens and didn't budge.

"Hana, not only did you run away from the mansion and accompanied another man, but now, you are also defying me with all you've got," he says as his hand finds its way to the back of her neck. Talon looks down on her and lifts her head so their gaze could meet.

"I do not wish to restrain you but you are forcing me to do it," he adds before tugging at the necklace that Ezreal gave to her. "Let's go home, Hana."

Even though it is against her will, Hanabi still responds with an obedient yes. She doesn't know how it happened but one thing is for sure, she doesn't like what is going on and she feels even more unsettled as her body moves on its own and follows Talon's lead.

Walking through the town under the reddish glow of light from the moon, Talon tightly grips Hanabi's hand, making sure that she won't slip away again. She might not be able to leave Noxus but Talon feels uneasy if she is to wander around without him.

Back at Magical City...

"Two teams shall be sent to the world of the ancient warriors and one team shall return the heart of the Enchanted Forest. After five days, if none of the teams is to return, then another group shall seek the hidden temple," Princess Silvanna announces the final decision of their plan.