Arin's eyes locked on the rough-looking men.

"Let's resolve this peacefully," he said,his voice firm and controlled.

The leader sneered. "You're with the thief. You'll pay for what he stole," or nobody leaves.

The leader's hand playfully rested on the hilt of his sound,a subtle threat.

Arin looked at the leader's hand on the sword,then back at his face. His expression darkened, patience worn thin.

With swift movement, Arin disarmed the leader, twisting his arm behind his back.

One of the men, fueled by anger, stepped forward."Think you're tough?"he sneered, grabbing Alethea's arm.

The leader chuckled maniacally, satisfied with the quick thinking of his men.

Arin's gaze became cold and his killing intent was off the charts. He released the leader, shoving him backwards.

But before Arin could react,Alethea took matters into her own hands.

With lightning-fast speed, she broke free and delivered a swift kick.

The man crumpled, clutching his stomach.

Alethea stood tall,her eyes flashing with warning.

Arin's gaze shifted from concern to approval,his

eyes crinkling at the corners. He swiftly positioned

himself between Alethea and the attackers.

Alethea mirrored his stance, his fists clenched.

"Ready?" Arin asked, his voice low.

Alethea nodded.

The stranger stepped forward, producing a pair of slender daggers. "I've got your backs," he said,his

eyes glinting and a crazed smile on his face.

The men fueled by anger and embarrassment,charged.

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Arin delivered swift kicks and punches, taking down attackers.

Alethea followed suit years of training on full display.

The stranger darted between the attackers, his daggers

swift and precise.

"Defensive stance," Arin whispered.

Alethea nodded her gaze locked on the attackers.

Together, the trio fought in perfect sync.

Arin took down two attackers with swift jabs.

Alethea dispatched another with a perfectly executed kick.

The stranger's daggers struck true, targeting vulnerable spots.

The men attacked, their movements wild and uncoordinated.

But Arin, Alethea and the stranger worked in tandem, a well-oiled machine.

"Take down the leader,"Arin called out.

The stranger nodded, targeting the largest attacker.

With a swift strike,the stranger sent the leader crashing.

The remaining men faltered,their morale broken.

"Retreat," one shouted, turning tail.

The two stood victorious,their breathing steady.

Arin turned to Alethea."You okay?"he asked, his expression softening.

Alethea nodded,a hint of a smile on her face.As they began to walk away,the stranger spoke out, "I wasn't able to introduce myself fully last time. I am Kyrios. May I know your names?

Arin's gaze remained fixed ahead, ignoring Kyrios.

Alethea glanced at Kyrios briefly. "We already know what you're capable of. No need for introductions."

Kyrios chuckled, unfazed. "Ah, straight to the point, I like that."

Arin quickened his pace, trying to lose Kyrios.

Kyrios easily kept pace, his eyes fixed on the duo.

"You're quite the elusive pair," Kyrios said, his tone light. "I'm starting to find it intriguing."

Alethea shot Kyrios a warning glance. "We're not interested in your companionship."

Kyrios' smile widened. "Oh, but you are. You just don't know it yet."

Arin's frustration grew.

Arin stopped abruptly, turning to face Kyrios. His eyes narrowed, his voice low and menacing.

"Listen, Kyrios. Back off. Now."

Kyrios raised an eyebrow, amused. "Or what?"

Arin took a step closer, his fists clenched. "You don't want to find out."

Kyrios chuckled, unfazed. "I think I do."

Alethea placed a hand on Arin's arm, cautioning him.

Arin's gaze didn't waver. "You're pushing your luck, Kyrios. Leave us alone."

Kyrios' smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure.

"Very well," Kyrios said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'll leave... for now."

Kyrios turned to leave, but not before casting a lingering glance at Arin and Alethea.

The air remained tense even after Kyrios disappeared into the crowd.

Alethea let out a relieved breath. "Think that's the last we've seen of him?"

Arin's expression remained grim. "I doubt it."

The tension lingered,but they knew they had to move on. Leaving the encounter with Kyrios behind,they navigated through the winding streets,their silhouettes illuminated by the rising sun.

....

Arin and Alethea settled in a small, secluded cottage on the outskirts of the village.

As they rested,Arin turned to her.

"What do I call you?"he asked.

Alethea smiled

"Alethea,"she replied.

Arin nodded.

The silence that followed was comfortable.

Later, Alethea stood up.

"Where are we headed next?"she asked.

Arin's expression turned determined.

"We need to get out of here."

Alethea nodded.

"Agreed."

They gathered their belongings and slipped out of the cottage,into the fading light.

Their destination:the unknown.