The weighty thud of footsteps followed by heavy, labored breathing filled Shade's ears as he surged towards the forest exit, flames licking at his heels. He vaulted over a fallen tree trunk and finally burst free.
"It appears that the demon has come back to ruin our celebration."
Shade Cromwell rolled his eyes. Some villagers stood before him, clutching what looked like crude weapons, clearly planning an ambush. They didn't wait for him to respond, charging with their grotesque weapons, intent on killing him on the spot.
The villagers screamed and swung their weapons, but Shade dodged easily. As they continued to rush him, the young man suddenly crouched and groaned in pain. A triumphant roar rose from the villagers.
The mole beside his left eye began to burn, a pulsating agony to the point that he could no longer keep both eyes open. He squeezed his eyes shut, a futile attempt to block the pain, stumbling as a blade whistled past his ear.
