The village bustled with excitement, alive with the vibrant energy of the harvest season. Stalls were overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables, children ran through the streets with laughter, and the air was filled with the smell of fresh bread and roasting meats. It was a time of joy, and yet, amid the celebration, something felt off for four friends who had known each other their entire lives.
Malachi and Isabella had grown up together, bonded by the shared experience of being orphans. Their connection ran deep, and their trust in each other was unshakable. The other two were sisters—Vivienne and Seraphina—who came from a normal, loving family. The two sisters had always fit in perfectly in the village, their laughter ringing like a melody through the quiet town.
As they walked through the market, enjoying the festive atmosphere, Malachi suddenly froze. His sharp eyes narrowed on a man standing a few stalls away, his hand marked with a strange symbol.
He turned to Isabella, his voice low but urgent. "They've found us."
Isabella's face immediately drained of color. Her hands trembled as she looked at the man and then back at Malachi. Without a word, the group quickened their pace. They urged Vivienne and Seraphina to follow, but a sense of dread hung heavily in the air.
The man, noticing their sudden haste, began moving quickly after them. Malachi's heart raced, and before long, the entire group was running through the market, weaving between startled villagers.
"What's happening?" Vivienne shouted, her breath heavy with panic. "What are we running from?"
Isabella's voice was shaky, but filled with urgency. "Keep running, if you want to live!"
But the chase only grew more intense. The man was relentless, and they could hear his footsteps gaining on them. Just as they thought they might escape, a sharp whistle cut through the air, followed by the thud of an arrow. It struck Isabella in the back, sending her crashing to the ground in pain.
"Isabella!" Seraphina screamed, her heart racing as they all turned back to her.
Isabella's breath came in shallow gasps, her body trembling as blood pooled around her. The wooden arrow had done its damage, and she groaned in pain. "Get out of here!" she shouted, barely able to speak through the agony.
Malachi knelt beside her, holding her tightly. "I can't leave you here."
"Take them," Isabella gasped, struggling to push him away. "Make sure you get out of here. I can take care of myself…"
"Isabel…" Malachi whispered her name, his voice breaking.
"Go!" she shouted again, her voice stronger, even through the pain.
Reluctantly, Malachi stood and pulled Vivienne and Seraphina with him. His speed was unnatural, his movements blurred as he ran with a strength that terrified the sisters.
Meanwhile, the man and his companions had caught up with Isabella. They dragged her roughly to her feet, a sinister smile curling on the man's lips.
"And this marks the end of your running," he said, his voice dripping with malice.
Isabella's eyes flashed with hatred. "Vladisus," she spat, her voice laced with venom.
The man chuckled darkly. "Hi, love," he greeted her, his words mocking as he looked down at her with a twisted smile.