Chapter 14 — Crimson Games

Kai was adjusting his stance after the battle with the Orc Lord when a cold brush of air grazed his neck. Before he could react, Selene appeared behind him, arms wrapping around his torso, fangs grazing the sensitive skin of his neck.
Kai’s emerald eyes widened. When did she get behind me? I didn’t even see her move.
Instinctively, he twisted, breaking free, creating distance. His ninjatō and kunai were raised, ready. He lunged.
But she was already gone — and then suddenly behind him again, arms sliding around him effortlessly. Her crimson eyes glinted with amusement.

“You’re… amusing,” Selene murmured, lips curling. “I’ll make you mine.”

Lira, sitting nearby tending to Darius, could only watch, cheeks burning red.

Kai said nothing. Not a word. He never held back — not now. Every movement, every strike, was pure instinct and precision. He launched himself at her with everything he had, judo tossing her off him, moving faster than ever before.
Yet, Selene matched him effortlessly. She smiled, taunting but calm, moving with impossible grace.
As she drew closer, she lightly kissed his left cheek, a playful, almost mocking gesture. Kai’s eyes widened in surprise. Lira’s blush deepened, her hands clenching her staff.
Kai pushed harder, faster, every strike sharp and decisive — yet Selene always anticipated, wrapping her arms around him again before he could land a final blow.
“Take it easy, strong…but not strong enough to beat me,” she whispered, lips brushing his ear.

Selene tilted her head, her crimson gaze softening with curiosity. “How old are you?”
Kai straightened, eyes narrowing. “You first.”

“Don’t you know it’s rude to ask a lady her age?” she teased, fangs flashing faintly. “Look, I’m not here to hurt you — I told you. You’re mine now. So… how old are you?”

Kai’s jaw tightened. “…Thirteen.”
Her smile widened, fangs peeking through her red lips. “Thirteen… hmm. I’ll wait until you’re fifteen.”

Without warning, Selene’s form dissolved into the shadows. Her voice, soft but echoing, lingered around him:
“Remember… I’m always watching you. If you’re in trouble again, just call. I’ll be there.”
Kai’s fists clenched. He was annoyed — frustrated that she left without explanation, without reasoning, leaving him with only her cryptic promise.
He stood silently, ninjatō in hand, kunai at his side, mind calculating every possibility. Her presence was dangerous, intoxicating, and infuriating — and he would not let her sway him. Not yet.
From somewhere in the shadows, her faint laughter drifted back to him, playful and predatory.
Kai’s eyes narrowed. Curious, aren’t you… Selene Duskryn?