Joshua's heart pounded as he took a step back, eyes darting toward the door. He had to get out. If he stayed any longer, he risked being dragged into Saponu's darkness. Every muscle in his body tensed, ready to flee.
But just as he turned, a cold, iron-like grip clamped onto his wrist. Saponu Sebastian's hand, strong and unyielding, tightened around him like a shackle. Joshua gasped as he felt an unnatural force pull him back.
"You're not going anywhere, boy," Saponu said, his voice deep and steady. "You think you can run from fate?"
Joshua gritted his teeth, struggling against the old man's grasp. It felt as if his bones were being crushed. He twisted his arm, trying to free himself, but Saponu's strength was inhuman. Desperation surged through Joshua, and in a sudden, instinctual move, he jerked his head backward with all his strength.
Crack!
The back of his skull collided with Saponu's chin. The old man grunted in pain, his grip loosening for just a moment. That was all Joshua needed.
He tore his wrist free and bolted toward the door, his breath ragged as he sprinted down the dark corridor. The dim candlelight flickered against the cold stone walls as he ran, his only thought being escape.
Behind him, Saponu wiped a trickle of blood from his mouth, his expression unreadable. Then he turned to David, his voice calm but commanding. "Follow him. Don't let him escape."
David hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "I'll bring him back."
As David turned to pursue, Saponu's voice stopped him. "I heard from your conversation that you wanted to become an ancestor," he mused, his gaze piercing. "I can help you with that too."
David stiffened, his fists clenching slightly. But he said nothing and sprinted after Joshua.
Joshua's feet barely touched the ground as he ran through the maze-like halls. He could hear David's footsteps closing in behind him, relentless and determined.
"Joshua, stop!" David's voice echoed through the corridor. "You don't understand!"
Joshua ignored him, pushing his legs harder. The cold air stung his lungs, but he didn't care. He turned a sharp corner, his heart racing—only to find himself at a dead end.
His breath caught in his throat as he turned back. David stood at the other end of the corridor, blocking his only way out. His expression wasn't one of anger but of quiet determination.
"Please, Joshua," David pleaded, taking slow steps forward. "Just listen to me."
Joshua clenched his fists, stepping back until his back hit the wall. "I don't want to fight you, David. Just let me go."
"I can't." David's voice was laced with regret. "I don't want to hurt you, but I can't let you leave."
Joshua's breathing was ragged. He didn't want to do this. David was his friend. But he couldn't let himself be captured. He had come too far.
David lunged.
Joshua dodged just in time, twisting his body to the side. David was fast, faster than Joshua had ever seen him move before. Joshua barely had time to react before David spun around, aiming a swift kick at his legs. He jumped back, but David was already closing the distance.
Joshua raised his arms just in time to block a punch aimed at his chest. The force sent him stumbling backward, but he managed to stay on his feet.
"Stop running!" David snapped. "You don't understand what's happening!"
Joshua panted, shaking his head. "I don't need to understand. I know this isn't right."
David rushed forward again, his attacks becoming more aggressive. Joshua blocked another strike but staggered as David swept his leg out, knocking him to the ground. Pain shot through his back as he hit the cold stone floor.
David stood over him, breathing heavily. "I don't want to hurt you," he repeated, his voice softer now.
Joshua looked up at his friend, his mind racing. David wasn't fighting to kill. He was trying to subdue him, trying to bring him back alive. That meant Joshua still had a chance.
With a burst of energy, he kicked upward, catching David off guard. David stumbled back, and Joshua seized the moment. He rolled to the side and jumped to his feet, his body screaming in protest.
David recovered quickly, his eyes narrowing. "Don't make me do this, Joshua."
Joshua clenched his fists, his heart pounding. "Then don't."
David hesitated, conflict flickering in his eyes. But before he could act, Joshua sprinted forward—not toward David, but toward the nearby torch on the wall. He grabbed it and swung the burning end in a wide arc. David flinched, stepping back to avoid the flames.
Seizing the opportunity, Joshua turned sharply and sprinted toward the nearest window. Without hesitation, he leaped through the glass, shards slicing at his skin as he tumbled into the night beyond.
As he hit the ground and rolled to his feet, pain flared in his limbs, but he forced himself to move. He didn't look back. He couldn't. He just ran.
The forest was dense, and the night cold. His breath came in gasps as he tore through the undergrowth, branches scratching at his arms and face. He didn't stop, even when his legs ached and his lungs burned. He had one goal—home.
The sky began to lighten, hints of dawn creeping over the horizon. His village was still far away, but he pushed on. As he neared familiar paths, exhaustion clawed at him, but he refused to give in. The moment he saw the outline of his home, relief washed over him.
He staggered to the front door and collapsed against it, gasping for air. He had made it. But as he glanced over his shoulder into the darkness, he knew this wasn't over.
Back in the corridor, David stood frozen, his fists clenched as he watched his best friend disappear into the darkness.
Saponu's voice echoed behind him. "You let him go."
David swallowed hard, his expression unreadable. "He won't get far."
Saponu chuckled, the sound deep and knowing. "Let him run. He'll come back. He doesn't have a choice."
A pause, then Saponu added with a smirk, "I heard from your conversation that you wanted to become an ancestor… I can help you with that too."
David didn't respond. He only stared out the broken window, watching as Joshua's figure faded into the night.