The night erupted into chaos.
The shadow beasts lunged, their crimson eyes burning with malice.
Alden barely had time to react before one of the creatures pounced at him, its claws gleaming under the moonlight.
"Shadowfang—move!"
Shadowfang exploded into motion, a blur of black fur as he dodged the attack and countered with a snapping bite. His fangs sank into the creature's shoulder, earning a monstrous shriek.
Bloodfang leaped forward next, his claws glowing faintly as he raked across another beast's flank. The dark creature staggered but did not fall.
Alden's heart pounded.
These things were strong.
Around him, the other competitors had engaged in battle.
Lyra stood with deadly grace, her Midnight Serpent weaving through the battlefield like a shadow, striking down enemies with lightning-fast precision.
Kael, the silver-haired tamer, moved like a phantom, his panther's claws flashing like blades.
But the attackers weren't just the beasts—the hooded figures were fighting too.
Alden ducked just in time as a masked warrior swung a dagger at his throat. He kicked the attacker's knee, sending them staggering back.
"Shadowfang—behind!"
His wolf reacted instantly, spinning and sinking his teeth into another approaching assassin.
"Bloodfang—flank them!"
The Bloodfang let out a snarl before darting to the side, weaving through the battlefield with deadly agility.
But for every enemy they struck down, more emerged from the shadows.
Alden gritted his teeth.
Who the hell are these people?
A Hidden Threat
As the battle raged on, Alden noticed something strange.
The masked figures weren't attacking indiscriminately.
They were targeting specific tamers.
His eyes flicked to Lyra, who was locked in a fierce duel with one of the stronger assassins.
Then to Kael, who fought with cold efficiency.
Then back to himself.
They were focusing on the strongest.
"They're trying to thin out the competition!"
Before he could warn the others, a massive shadow loomed over him.
Alden barely had time to move as a towering beast—twice the size of a bear—charged at him.
"Damn—!"
Shadowfang lunged, but the creature swatted him away with terrifying force.
"Shadowfang!"
The wolf crashed into the ground with a sharp yelp.
Rage surged through Alden.
"Bloodfang, keep it occupied!"
The Bloodfang snarled, leaping at the massive creature and sinking his fangs into its thick hide.
But it barely reacted.
"Damn it, it's too strong!"
Alden's mind raced. He needed to change tactics.
Then—a voice.
"Having trouble, rookie?"
Alden turned to see Kael standing nearby, his panther stalking forward.
The silver-haired tamer smirked. "I'll give you a hand."
Without waiting for an answer, Kael raised his hand.
"Obsidian—Shadow Bind!"
The panther's shadow stretched, twisting unnaturally before wrapping around the massive beast's limbs, rooting it in place.
Alden's eyes widened.
Shadow magic.
It was a rare ability, and Kael had just used it effortlessly.
"Now's your chance," Kael said coolly.
Alden didn't hesitate.
"Bloodfang—go for the throat!"
The wolf launched forward, his fangs glowing as he tore into the beast's neck.
The creature let out a strangled roar—before collapsing.
Alden exhaled.
Kael smirked. "Not bad."
Before Alden could reply, Lyra's voice cut through the battlefield.
"Alden—MOVE!"
He turned just in time to see a masked assassin charging at him from behind.
"Damn!"
But before the attacker could strike—
A silver blur shot through the air.
The assassin froze.
Then, a deep crimson line appeared on his throat.
He collapsed, dead.
Alden looked up to see Lyra lowering her hand, a sleek dagger glistening with blood.
She smirked. "You really need to watch your back."
Alden let out a shaky breath. "Yeah. Thanks for that."
Lyra flipped the dagger between her fingers. "Don't mention it."
But there was no time to rest.
The masked leader—the one with the golden eyes—was still watching from the trees.
Alden narrowed his eyes.
Who was he?
And why did he feel so familiar?
The golden-eyed man chuckled softly.
Then, without a word, he raised his hand.
And the shadow beasts vanished.
The surviving assassins melted into the darkness.
Just like that—the battle was over.
The survivors stood in silence, the only sound being their ragged breathing.
Bodies littered the ground—both beast and human.
Alden exhaled, wiping sweat from his brow.
Lyra sheathed her dagger. "Well… that was fun."
Kael scoffed. "Speak for yourself."
The other tamers gathered, some wounded, some furious.
"What the hell was that?" one of them demanded.
"Who were those guys?"
Alden stared at the spot where the golden-eyed man had stood.
Whoever he was—he had been watching him.
And Alden had a sinking feeling this wouldn't be their last encounter.
Lyra stepped beside him. "Something on your mind?"
Alden hesitated. Then, quietly, he muttered—
"I think that guy knew me."
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "Knew you?"
Alden exhaled. "I don't know. It's just a feeling. But if I'm right… then we're in bigger trouble than we thought."
Lyra studied him for a moment. Then, for once, she didn't tease him.
She just said, "Then we'd better be ready."
Alden clenched his fists.
He was ready.
Because no matter what…
He wasn't going to let anyone stand in his way.