Chapter 97: Awe-Inspiring Escape
"Charles, let's take a look at the edge of the forest," Alyssa pleaded, her voice sweet and persuasive. "We can watch from a distance. If we don't see anything, we'll leave right away. Please?"
It had been four years since they left home. Alyssa and Charles were no longer the naive youngsters they once were—they were adults now, bonded closer than ever as a true couple.
Two weeks ago, they were still nestled in Hector's cavern, captivated by his stories. But now, the tales were over, and Alyssa's curiosity was far from satisfied. She yearned to see humans for herself, not just through the colorful narratives Hector spun.
Charles hesitated. Despite Hector's glowing descriptions of human kindness, his father's words echoed ominously in his mind. Humans were dangerous, greedy creatures who would exploit them without a second thought.
Charles paced nervously, his heart torn. Who should he believe?
"We'll just peek from behind the bushes," Alyssa continued, sensing his hesitation. She nuzzled her head against his neck, her gentle touch melting his resolve. "And we're fast! Even if they're bad people, they won't catch us!"
Charles sighed, defeated. "Alright, but just this once. If we don't see anything today, you have to promise not to ask again."
Alyssa's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I promise! Oh, Charles, you're the best!"
"Follow me." Charles smiled, shaking his head in amusement as he led the way south. Hector had once mentioned that humans frequented the southern edge of the forest.
Alyssa bounced along behind him, her steps light with anticipation.
...
They crouched behind a dense thicket, peering at the clearing ahead. Alyssa's eyes widened with curiosity. "Are those... humans? What are they doing?"
Charles's heart sank. A sense of unease crept over him as he took in the scene. Several iron cages stood ominously in the clearing, shrouded in black cloth. Surrounding them were seven or eight wizards dressed in black. Two wore masks—one painted with the emblem of an Eight-Eyed Giant Spider, the other with a Billywig.
An involuntary shudder ran down Charles's spine. These were no ordinary humans. They belonged to the R Organization—a name that sent chills down his father's spine.
The wizards seemed to be guarding the cages, their eyes scanning the perimeter. Alyssa leaned in for a closer look, her curiosity overriding caution. She took a small step forward, just as a blond-haired man turned their way, his gaze sharp and alert.
"Did you hear that?" the blond man asked his companion, a muscular man with a jagged scar across his face.
"Keep your voice down! We're not supposed to use names on missions," the scarred man growled.
"Relax. There's no one here." The blond man twirled his wand carelessly. But his eyes didn't leave the bush where Alyssa and Charles were hiding.
Charles felt a chill. They had been spotted.
"Run!" he whispered urgently, grabbing Alyssa's hoof and pulling her away from the clearing.
They bolted through the forest, dodging branches and leaping over fallen logs. But the wizards were faster. With loud cracks, they Apparated, appearing in front of Alyssa and Charles and cutting off their escape.
They were surrounded.
Alyssa trembled as she felt the malice radiating from the circle of wizards. Her eyes filled with tears, but she stood her ground, pressing closer to Charles for comfort.
Charles's mind raced. They were outnumbered and outmatched. There was no way out... except one.
He leaned in close, his voice low and firm. "I'll distract them. You run back to Hector and get help."
Alyssa's eyes widened in fear. "No! I won't leave you!"
"You have to," Charles insisted. "For our child's sake."
Alyssa choked back a sob. She understood. She had no choice.
Charles nuzzled her one last time, his touch lingering as if memorizing the feel of her soft fur. Then he stepped forward, his body tensed and ready to fight.
"Go! Now!"
With a broken heart, Alyssa turned and ran, her tears blurring the path ahead.
Behind her, Charles charged at the wizards with all his might, a blinding flash of white fur. The spells flew fast and fierce, lighting up the forest with deadly beams of magic.
Alyssa didn't dare look back. She didn't want to see the end.
Her only hope was to find Hector in time.
As she disappeared into the woods, a pained cry echoed through the forest, followed by a deafening silence.
Alyssa's heart shattered, but she kept running, her legs fueled by the faint hope that Charles's sacrifice wouldn't be in vain.