Arin and Alethea strode into the village, their eyes fixed on acquiring supplies and departing swiftly. Their armed presence and masked faces would typically draw attention, but amidst the chaos, they blended in.

The kingdom of Everia's invasion by Tharros' forces had left devastation in its wake. Soldiers patrolled the streets, arresting and brutalizing anyone daring to resist.

As they navigated the market, Arin and Alethea remained focused on their objective, ignoring the surrounding turmoil. Desperate merchants hawked their wares, while scavengers rummaged through abandoned stalls.

Arin's gaze locked onto their trusted supplier, an elderly merchant.

"Ah, Arin! Good to see you, my boy," the old man said, his eyes twinkling.

"Always a pleasure,old man," Arin replied, with a subtle smile

The old man's stall was a treasure trove of rare goods, acquired through mysterious means. No one questioned his sources, grateful for the vital supplies.

As they gathered their provisions, Alethea observed the familiar exchange. "You've known him long?" she asked.

Arin nodded. "He's been our lifeline."

Their conversation was cut short by chaos. Resistance fighters attacked Tharrosian soldiers, sparking widespread panic.

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In the stampede, Arin grasped Alethea's hand. "Time to go!"

But amidst the turmoil, an unseen force grasped Arin's arm, pulling him back.

"Let go!" Arin shouted, struggling against the grip.

Alethea's hand slipped from his as someone collided with their joined hands.

"Arin!" Alethea cried, her voice fading into the distance.

The mysterious holder's strength was unyielding, dragging Arin away.

Arin's anxiety intensified. Who was this,and what were their intentions?

The crowd thinned, revealing a narrow alley. Arin's captor propelled him forward.

"Hello, I'm back," Kyrios said, his voice dripping with amusement, as he held Arin in an unyielding grip.

Arin's eyes widened in shock, his mind racing. "You... How did you find me?"he demanded, incredulous. He and Alethea had taken every precaution to cover their tracks and also their faces were covered the whole time.

Kyrios' smile grew, his eyes glinting. "You didn't think you'd seen the last of me, did you?"

Arin seethed, rage coursing through his veins. He strained against Kyrios' restraint, but it was unbreakable.

"Let go of me, Kyrios," Arin growled, concern for Alethea's safety escalating.

Kyrios' gaze lingered on Arin's face, his expression unreadable. "I've been searching for you."

Arin spotted an opening and struck Kyrios, igniting a fierce battle.

Fists clashed, and feet pounded the alley. Kyrios' eyes sparkled with intensity.

As the fight raged on, Kyrios suddenly pinned Arin against the wall.

"I often wondered what it would be like to be this close. I always stared from afar." Kyrios said.

Arin felt uneasy and creeped out by Kyrios' words. Using all his strength,he pushed Kyrios and broke free once again.

He didn't have the strength to continue a fight with Kyrios. Arin was more concerned about Alethea's safety.

He quickened his pace, eager to escape the alley's confinement.

Kyrios' voice halted him. "My Prince, Prince Arin Leonidas."he repeated,his tone dripping with familiarity.

Arin spun around, his eyes narrowing. "I'm no prince," he asserted, trying to sound convincing.