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But before it closed, I heard a harried yell from the stranger’s throat:
“Wait!”
I don’t think so, pal!
The alleyways behind my bookstore opened into a tangled labyrinth I knew like the back of my hand.
I took lefts and rights, zigzagging, hoping my knowledge would lose him.
The sound of my boots against the cobblestones echoed with urgency.
Every now and then, a glance over my shoulder showed that ominous silhouette still on my tail.
Why was he after me?
Was he some part of the Vendikar’s plan?
Was he part of the whole nasty trick?
Is any of this even real?
Despite my familiarity with the alleys, I took a wrong turn and found myself at a dead-end, old brick walls towering around me, trapping me.
Panic bubbled up again, the feeling of being cornered, preyed upon.
I fumbled in my bag and pulled out a small can of mace.
As the stranger stepped into the light, I took in his appearance fully.
His eyes, a radiant hue I’d never seen before, stared back, filled with a mix of concern and urgency.
His otherworldly glow was indeed unsettling, but it was the look in his eyes that took me aback — it wasn’t malice at all but… something else.
Concern?
“Stay back!” I warned, my voice quivering yet defiant.
He halted, hands raising in a non-threatening gesture. “I mean you no harm,” he spoke, his voice a deep, soothing timbre. “My name is Mayn.”
I tightened my grip on the tool, but my stance wavered. “W-Why are you f-following me?”
“I’ve been tracking the Vendikar and their devious plots across galaxies. I’m here to help.”
I blinked, processing his words. “V-Vendikar?”
He nodded. “The beings that sent you a package. I can see it has already infected your system.”
My eye bulged, shocked. “The p-package? H-How do you k-know about the p-package?”
Mayn took a slow, cautious step closer. “I’ve witnessed the horrors the Vendikar inflict. Their transformation isn’t just physical — it takes over the very soul. My mission is to find those affected and offer aid.”
Despite my fears, his earnestness was palpable. “This… This can’t be real! This is some twisted joke!”
He shook his head and took another step forward. “Your reaction is normal for a semi-intelligent species.”
Excuse me?!
“You must come to terms with your affliction quickly. There isn’t a moment to spare.”
