The King sat in his grand, towering hall, his fingers gliding over the armrest of his throne. His eyes gleamed beneath the hood of his cloak, as if a grand plan was unfolding in his mind.
"This power… is far too dangerous." His voice was low, calm, yet heavy with meaning.
The hooded figure standing before him asked, "What are your orders?"
A cold smile formed on the king's lips. "The game has just begun. I think it's time for me to step in myself. They still have no idea they're being watched… and that's exactly how I want it."
Rising from his throne, he walked over to the large map hanging on the wall. His finger slowly traced the location where Ethan's group was staying.
He murmured, "Let's see how long they can last against what's coming for them…"
The Next Morning – Everything's Peaceful… Or Is It?
The golden morning light streamed through the windows, spreading across the wooden floor. In one corner of the room, Alice was still asleep, a book resting on her face.
Ethan, slumped on the couch, groaned, "I still can't believe that potion actually worked…"
Selena chuckled. "Of course, it did. We're talking about Faiyra, after all."
Faiyra, now back to her usual size, stretched her arms with satisfaction. "Well, at least we know we can use this in the future… in emergencies."
Luna narrowed her eyes. "Unless you turn into a giant beast again and destroy the roof!"
Everyone laughed. But in that moment, something strange filled the air—an odd sensation, as if something had shifted in the environment.
Alice, now awake but still groggy, muttered, "…Uh, is it just me, or does something feel off?"
Ethan frowned and glanced around. Something wasn't right. But what?
Faiyra's eyes sharpened as she whispered, "Someone's watching us…"
The room fell into silence. Seconds passed, but nothing seemed out of place. A cool breeze drifted in through the window, making the curtains sway slightly.
But the truth was… just outside their home, hidden within the shadows, an unknown figure was still watching. And they had a mission—one that could change everything.
"Alice, why do you always sense something? One time it's a bad feeling, then a good feeling, then something in between. Just once, try not sensing anything and let's see what happens!" Ethan groaned, rubbing his forehead.
Alice narrowed her eyes and threw the book she was holding straight at him. "I'm serious! Something's not right!"
Ethan dodged—only for the book to smack Faiyra right in the face. She lost her balance and crashed onto the floor. "Ow! Alice! I didn't even do anything!"
Selena spoke calmly. "Honestly… I feel something weird too. Like someone's watching us from afar."
Luna crossed her arms and frowned. "If someone is watching us, then there must be a reason. We should find out who it is before they make their move."
Still lying on the floor, Faiyra muttered, "Well, there's an easier way…" She pushed the book aside and grinned, her golden eyes gleaming. "We set up a trap."
Ethan's face lit up. "Oooor… instead of going through all that trouble, we just jump into the forest and grab whoever's out there!"
Everyone stared at him.
Alice took a deep breath. "Let's just go with the trap, because your plans have a 99% failure rate."
Ethan shrugged. "Fine, fine. Do whatever you want. But when it turns out I was right, you all owe me a huge apology."
Faiyra smirked. "If you're right, we'll build a golden statue of you."
Ethan clapped his hands together excitedly. "You said it! You all heard her! Witnesses!"
Selena chuckled. "Alright, let's focus. We need a proper trap."
A Few Hours Later…
The group was still tangled in ropes and branches, looking more like they were wrestling with the forest than setting up a trap.
"Damn it! Why does this rope keep knotting up?!" Ethan growled, struggling to untangle the mess in his hands.
Perched on a tree branch, Faiyra laughed. "Maybe because you never do things properly?"
"First of all, I'm very professional. Second, the problem is the rope, not me!" Ethan yanked the rope hard—only for the trap to spring early, ensnaring him instead. With a loud BOOOOM!, he crashed onto the ground, tangled in his own trap.
Selena shook her head. "Yep. Super professional."
Hanging upside down in the ropes, Ethan groaned. "Alright, fine. Forget the ropes. I have a better plan."
Luna facepalmed. "No, we are not using your plan."
Alice knelt down and cut the rope, setting him free. "Let's just wait overnight and see if anyone falls for it."
What they didn't know… was that their mysterious observer was far too smart to fall for such a simple trick.
High above them, perched on a thick tree branch, the figure silently watched their childish attempt at a trap. A small smirk played on their lips.
Soon, it would be time to report back to the King. The group had finally started suspecting something… and that was exactly what the King had been waiting for.
That Night…
The moon shone softly in the night sky, casting long shadows of trees that danced on the forest floor. The group crouched behind some bushes, a little distance away from their rope trap.
Faiyra whispered, "Everyone, stay alert. That spy could step into the trap any moment now."
Ethan bit down on a small twig and grinned. "I'm starting to feel like a real hunter!"
Alice gave him a look. "Ethan, that's a twig, not a cigar. Take it out, you look ridiculous."
Selena spoke softly. "Shh, be quiet! Something's coming…"
Everyone tensed up. The sound of rustling leaves filled the silence. A shadow moved behind the trees. The trap was set—one step on the scattered leaves, and the rope would snap. The group held their breath.
And then…
"ARRRGHHHHH!"
A loud scream echoed, and something burst out from the bushes.
A wild boar.
Everyone's eyes widened in shock. The boar, which came out of nowhere, rushed across the leaves— SNAP! —the trap activated. The rope wrapped around the poor creature, lifting it into the air as it squealed loudly, flailing its legs.
Ethan clutched his head. "Please tell me this is a joke!"
Faiyra covered her face with her hands. "We were after a spy, not dinner!"
Luna crossed her arms and shrugged. "Well, at least the trap works."
Selena sighed. "Alright, let's free it. Just be careful it doesn't attack."
They cautiously approached, loosening the rope. The boar fell to the ground, glared at them for a second, then bolted away at lightning speed.
Ethan collapsed onto the ground, groaning. "Our lives are seriously a joke! Can we not come up with a decent plan for once?"
Alice sighed. "Looks like we'll have to find another way to catch that spy…"
But what they didn't know was that, at that very moment, the mysterious figure watched them from afar, a sly grin on his face. He had gathered enough information. Now, it was time to report back…