Chapter 4 : Fragments for the Hunt

The hushed voices in Father's study carried through the corridor, sharp and grim.

“She was taken during her journey to the academy,” Father said, his tone clipped and edged with urgency. “Our men are searching, but the culprits likely moved her to a secondary location.”

Mother’s voice followed, calm but resolute. “Claire is strong, Alaric. She wouldn’t go down without a fight.”

“I know,” Father replied, frustration threading his tone. “But the enemy seems well-prepared. They anticipated her abilities… and ours.”

My chest tightened. Claire was formidable, trained in swordsmanship and mana control. But if even Father acknowledged the enemy’s preparation, it meant they were dangerous.

I quietly retreated before they noticed my presence, unease gnawing at me.

____

Claire’s Perspective]

The carriage lay overturned on the dirt road, its elegant design battered and broken. Claire stood amidst the wreckage, her sword drawn, radiant mana enveloping her in a faint crimson glow.

Three attackers circled her, their movements coordinated and deadly. They were no common bandits; the precision of their strikes and the controlled mana surrounding them marked them as trained fighters.

Beside her, Sir Durand fought valiantly, blood streaming down his arm. Despite his injuries, he shielded her from the brunt of their assault.

“You're targeting a noble of the Wolfhart family,” Claire said, her voice sharp with defiance. “You’ll regret this.”

One of the attackers smirked. “Regret? You’re quite confident for a child.”

As one lunged, Claire parried with swift precision, sparks flying as their blades clashed. She countered with a quick slash, grazing his arm.

“Durand!” she called out, eyes never leaving the enemy.

“I’m with you, my lady!” Durand roared, deflecting a strike aimed at her flank.

But the enemy was relentless.

A towering figure emerged from the shadows, his oppressive presence suffocating the battlefield. His strikes were faster and more devastating than the others, his control over mana overwhelming.

“You’ve put up a good fight, little noble,” he sneered, resting a jagged blade on his shoulder. “But this ends now.”

Claire’s heart raced, but she steadied herself. Her aura flared brighter as she lunged at him, sword aimed at his chest. The clash was brief but brutal. Despite her skill, his sheer strength and mastery overwhelmed her.

“Lady Claire!” Durand shouted, knocked back by another strike.

Claire fell to one knee, her aura flickering. Exhaustion crept in as the enemy moved swiftly, binding her hands before she could retaliate.

“You won’t get away with this,” she spat, eyes blazing with defiance even as they dragged her away.

The attackers disappeared into the dense forest, leaving behind the shattered remnants of the carriage and an unconscious Durand.

_____

Back at the mansion, tension weighed heavily in the air. Father and Mother had already mobilized forces, but their grave expressions lingered in my mind.

I returned to my room, my thoughts racing.

The trade routes she was taken on—were they moving her to another location? If so, where?

I unfurled a map I had secretly acquired, tracing potential routes and hiding spots. My gaze fell on a secluded area near the eastern woods.

It has to be there.

I rose to my feet, fists clenched. Doubt gnawed at me for the first time.

But one thing was clear.

I had found the location.

To be continued