Her question demanded more than just an answer — it demanded truth. Our gazes locked, burning into each other, silence thick between us.
What was I supposed to say? I hadn't planned on revealing anything yet. Do I lie? Or risk it all?
I searched her eyes for something — a clue, a sign, anything — and what I found instead was hope.
But what did she hope for my answer to be?
I couldn't decide.
Then she broke eye contact with a soft sigh and bent down, gathering the fallen chrysanthemums one by one.
"My father has magic too, you know…"
My heart skipped.
I guess she took my silence as a yes.
But now she was the one revealing her secret.
"…Though he doesn't use it often," she continued. "We lived peacefully in our small house — just the two of us. But lately, he's been seeing things… shadows following him around, even back home."
She paused, then turned to me, her voice trembling slightly.
"Hunter, there's someone out there — and he's chasing my father."
I stepped closer. "Amanda, do you know anything your father owns that could cause this?"
She hesitated, thinking hard.
"No," she finally said.
My shoulders dropped. For a moment, I thought I was onto something. But maybe the answers lay elsewhere — with her father himself.
"I understand what you're saying," I replied quietly. "This shadow's name is Zarin. We've been trying to fight him off, but he's powerful… too powerful. He's here for something — and your father has it."
"I don't want my father to die, Hunter. He's the only one I have. I just can't lose him… I'm scared."
Her voice broke near the end, soft but trembling. Her head hung low, as if the weight of those words pressed her down.
For a moment, I couldn't speak. I could feel her fear — it wrapped around us, thick and cold.
"Amanda…" I said quietly, stepping closer. "We can defeat him if we work together. I'll protect both of you…"
I hesitated, but then met her eyes. "I promise."
She blinked rapidly, her lips parting as if to speak, but no words came. Only a silent nod — small, fragile — like hope trying to stand on shaking legs.
After paying, I looked at her.
"For now, it's best you stay close to your father," I said, voice steady but low. "There are people I need to talk to — my team. They'll want to know what's happening. Once we have a plan, I'll come back. Tomorrow morning, I promise."
Amanda hesitated before nodding again. "Alright… just—be careful, Hunter."
A faint smile crossed my lips. "You too."
I gave one last look around the shop before heading out, the small bell above the door chiming behind me. The air outside felt heavier — quieter — as if the shadow had only retreated, waiting.
The wind howled softly at the edge of the tallest tower in Elton.
Zarin sat there, unmoving — one knee bent, cloak fluttering faintly in the breeze.
The city below glimmered with restless life: people walking, trading, laughing… unaware of the shadow watching over them.
His eyes trailed toward the small flower shop across the street — her shop.
He'd watched everything unfold. Every word. Every hesitation. Every flicker of fear.
"Hunter…" he murmured the name with quiet amusement. "So… you've found her."
His tone was unreadable — somewhere between admiration and mockery.
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, a faint smirk forming.
"They still think this is their game," he whispered. "How naïve."
For days, he'd been several steps ahead — waiting, letting them scramble, letting them chase shadows he carefully laid out for them.
After all, a hunter is easiest to catch when he believes he's the one doing the hunting.
His gaze shifted, cold and calculating. "The flower girl and her father…"
He exhaled slowly, the air around him rippling faintly with power. "You'll bring it to me soon enough."
He rose to his feet, the faint crackle of magic humming through the rooftop.
The moonlight caught his eyes — crimson and sharp like blades drawn in silence.
"Run all you want," he said quietly, turning away. "You're already in my web."
And with that, Zarin vanished into the night — the city below unaware that the game had only just begun.
----
I finally got home with a new bunch of flowers.
A long sigh escaped my lips as I prepared myself for Jace's inevitable remarks before opening the door.
The moment I stepped inside, I noticed everyone was still gathered in the living room.
Master sat calmly in his usual chair — unreadable as ever.
I bowed respectfully. "Good morning, Master."
"Hunter," his voice was calm but heavy, "did you find what you were looking for?"
I placed the flowers gently on the table.
All eyes turned toward me — the room holding its breath.
"Master… she told me everything."
A wave of quiet relief passed through them.
Even Cody, who rarely showed emotion, exhaled.
"Go on," Master said.
I explained everything in detail — Amanda, her father, the shadow, everything. Not a single event was left out.
When I was done, Master leaned forward slightly.
"And this man you speak of… do you know him?"
"I've seen him before," I replied. "He's a middle-aged man with a deep scar on his left cheek. Tall, quiet—"
Master suddenly stood up, eyes wide, face pale.
"Master?" Zayn called, startled.
But Master didn't answer immediately. He seemed frozen — lost somewhere between shock and fear.
When he finally spoke, his voice was low. "Hunter… are you certain of this?"
"Yes," I said slowly. "I'm very certain. Master, is everything alright?"
He glanced around the room as though weighing his words, then gave a quick nod. "Yes… yes, of course."
Something in his tone didn't convince me.
"So…" I continued, "I was hoping you could meet him — maybe talk to him, see why Zarin's after him."
Master's gaze hardened. "I see."
A pause. Then — "Actually, I don't think you need me."
Confusion rippled across the room.
"Why wouldn't we?" Katara asked.
"If it's you his daughter trusts," he said, standing again, "then you should go."
And without another word, he turned and disappeared into his chambers — leaving us in stunned silence.
I watched the door close behind him.
Master wasn't a saint. I could tell from the look in his eyes — something was off. Something he wasn't saying.