The Elf and the Red Fang

Rukhal's eyes widened in fear as Emmic's blade hovered just inches from his throat. But before Emmic could finish the job, a sudden surge of mana pulsed through the forest, causing him to pause. He felt it—a powerful, concentrated energy approaching. It wasn't a threat like Rukhal, but something different. Curious, Emmic let his senses expand, following the flow of mana. Then he saw her.

From the shadows of the Red Fang Pack's camp emerged a slender figure—an elf. Her long, silver hair glowed faintly in the moonlight, and her piercing emerald eyes locked onto Emmic with a surprising intensity. She was part of the gang, wearing their distinctive red mark, but her aura was unlike the others. She held a mana level far beyond the men around her, 10,000,000—something that could rival some of the most skilled mages in the city.

Her gaze softened as she approached cautiously, and Emmic could sense no hostility from her. Rukhal, sensing his own chance for survival, grinned.

"Ah, Velira," he croaked. "Our little elf prodigy. I told you she’d come."

Emmic glanced at the girl, watching as she stopped a few feet away, studying him with an unreadable expression. Her eyes shifted briefly to the sword at Rukhal’s throat, then back to Emmic. Instead of attacking or defending her leader, she did something completely unexpected—she knelt.

"Please don’t kill him," Velira said softly, her voice melodic but firm. "Not for his sake, but for mine."

Emmic’s eyes narrowed beneath his mask. He didn’t lower his blade, but something about her presence intrigued him. "Why should I spare him? He’s a criminal, and he’s caused suffering."

Velira’s expression didn’t falter. "You’re right. But you’re not here just to kill, are you?" She tilted her head, her gaze piercing through his disguise. "You’re after something. And if you kill him, you'll attract too much attention. I can help you… without the bloodshed."

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Emmic hesitated, assessing her carefully. She wasn’t like the other members of the Red Fang Pack—there was a certain grace and calm to her, and a strange devotion in the way she looked at him. Slowly, he lowered his blade from Rukhal's throat, who let out a relieved sigh.

"Go," Emmic said coldly to Rukhal. "You and your men, leave now. If I see any of you again, you won’t get a second chance."

Rukhal scrambled to his feet, muttering curses under his breath but too terrified to retaliate. He signaled to the rest of his men, who had already noticed the shift in power, and they quickly began to retreat into the forest, disappearing one by one. Soon, only Velira remained.

"You spared him," she said, her tone calm but filled with curiosity. "Thank you."

"I didn't do it for him," Emmic replied, turning to leave.

Velira rose gracefully and followed behind him without hesitation. He could feel her presence, but she didn’t try to speak again until they were far from the Red Fang camp, walking through the thick woods toward the city. The tension between them simmered, but it was clear she had no intention of leaving his side.

After a while, Emmic stopped and turned to face her. "Why are you following me?"

Velira met his gaze without flinching. "Because you’re different. You could’ve killed him, but you didn’t. You spared him, and that tells me there’s more to you than what you let on."

"I don’t need anyone following me," Emmic said, his voice edged with warning. "Go back to your pack. You’ll only slow me down."

Velira smiled faintly, shaking her head. "I left the Red Fang Pack the moment I saw you. I was never one of them in spirit. I followed because I had no other choice… until now."

Her words caught him off guard. Emmic could see sincerity in her eyes, something he hadn’t expected. Before he could respond, she stepped closer, her voice softer.

"You saved me back there, even if you didn’t realize it. I won’t burden you, but I want to help. My magic can be useful, and… wherever you go, I’ll follow."

Emmic's mind raced. He wasn't used to having someone willingly align themselves with him, especially someone so powerful. He could feel her mana swirling around her—a potent force that wasn’t fully unleashed. She was an elf, after all, a race known for their deep connection to magic. He weighed his options. She wasn’t an enemy, and she clearly had her own reasons for leaving the Red Fang Pack.

Finally, Emmic nodded, his mask hiding the brief look of contemplation. "Fine. Do as you wish. But if you get in my way, you’ll regret it."

Velira smiled softly, her eyes glowing with a quiet admiration. "Understood."