Evelyn's heart pounded as she sprinted through the dimly lit alleyways, her breath coming in short, frantic bursts. The sound of rapid footsteps behind her never wavered. Whoever these people were, they weren't ordinary pursuers—they moved like shadows, fast and silent, like predators toying with their prey.
Damn it… she thought. What did I get myself into?
She risked a glance over her shoulder. At least five of them, all clad in dark, form-fitting gear, their faces partially obscured by masks. One of them was gaining on her fast.
Evelyn clenched her teeth and made a sudden sharp turn into a narrower alley, nearly slipping as she skidded across the pavement. Her eyes darted around for an escape route. A fire escape. Without hesitation, she leaped for the ladder, her fingers barely grasping the cold metal as she hoisted herself up.
Just as she thought she was gaining ground, one of them grabbed her ankle.
Her breath hitched. She kicked desperately, her heel smashing into the pursuer's wrist. The grip loosened, and she scrambled upward, clambering onto the rooftop. She didn't stop. She ran across the rooftop, leaping over vents and gaps between buildings, pushing herself beyond her limits.
But they were relentless. Another shadowy figure was already on the roof with her, cutting off her escape.
"You're not supposed to be here, girl."
The voice was low and menacing.
Evelyn's mind raced. She knew she couldn't fight them off, not physically. But she wouldn't go down without a fight.
She took a step back, raising her fists. Come on, think, think!
Then, she heard the buzz of her phone vibrating in her pocket. Lucien.
Her fingers twitched. I need to answer—but they'll see…
She barely had time to decide before the man lunged at her.
---
Lucien's Perspective
Lucien sat in class, his gaze distant as his phone vibrated against his desk. He had already tried calling Evelyn multiple times—no answer.
Something wasn't right.
He tapped his fingers against the desk, his mind racing. She had been acting strange lately. Asking too many questions. And now, she was missing.
Then, a sinking realization hit him. She went looking for answers herself.
Without another thought, Lucien stood up and walked out of the classroom. The teacher barely had time to react before he was already out the door.
He dialed again. Still no answer.
His pace quickened.
---
Evelyn's Last Stand
The masked man swung at her, but Evelyn dodged just in time. Her adrenaline was the only thing keeping her moving. She turned and threw a punch at his jaw. He barely flinched.
Oh, crap.
A second attacker moved in, grabbing her by the wrist and twisting her arm behind her back. She let out a sharp gasp of pain.
"Curiosity kills, you know."
The voice was cold, devoid of amusement.
Evelyn gritted her teeth. She had to think fast. Her free hand shot up, grabbing the edge of the attacker's mask and yanking it down.
For the first time, she saw a glimpse of his face—pale, sharp eyes, an old scar across his cheek. But before she could register more, he retaliated, shoving her hard against the rooftop ledge.
She felt her balance slip.
Then, a sudden whistling sound cut through the air.
A dagger pierced the attacker's wrist.
Evelyn gasped as the grip on her loosened.
The masked men turned, their focus shifting.
Lucien stood on a nearby rooftop, his stance calm but eyes filled with cold calculation.
"Step away from her. Now."
There was a moment of silence. Then, one of them chuckled.
"Looks like we've got an uninvited guest."
Lucien didn't hesitate. In a split second, he launched himself forward, clearing the gap between the buildings effortlessly. The moment his feet touched the rooftop, he was already attacking.
His first target barely had time to react before Lucien's fist connected with his ribs, sending him stumbling backward. The second attacker went for a counterstrike, but Lucien twisted mid-air, dodging with inhuman precision before striking him down with a brutal kick to the jaw.
Evelyn could only stare. Lucien wasn't fighting like a normal person. His movements were precise, ruthless—almost rehearsed.
"Who… exactly are you?" she whispered.
The last remaining figure, the one who had spoken earlier, didn't move.
Lucien narrowed his eyes. Something felt off.
Then, without warning, the figure stepped forward and deflected Lucien's next attack effortlessly.
Lucien's eyes widened slightly. This person—they weren't just another grunt.
A powerful block. A calculated movement. Lucien could tell they were trained at a completely different level.
The figure tilted their head.
"That's enough."
Then, Evelyn screamed.
"Lucien, watch out!"
At that exact moment, the figure tossed a smoke bomb to the ground.
Lucien instantly covered his mouth, bracing himself as thick smoke engulfed the rooftop. He could hear rapid footsteps retreating. When the smoke finally cleared—
Evelyn was gone.
His hands clenched into fists. But before he could react, something caught his eye.
On the ground, a small emblem lay in the middle of the rooftop.
Lucien stepped forward and picked it up. His fingers tightened around it as he recognized the symbol.
His expression darkened.
"So… it's them."
---
End of Chapter 22.