Colin, with careless attire and yellow eyes like those of a hungry wolf, crossed the busy street. His steps were determined, as if destiny itself was guiding him.
Ahead of him, the young man who was flirting with the girl had no idea what was about to happen.
The girl, owner of melodious laughter, gazed at the young man with bright eyes. Then, like a sudden storm, her smile dissolved.
A shadowy man emerged from the shadows behind the young man.
The young man, oblivious to Colin's presence, turned around and widened his eyes. He would recognize those yellow eyes anywhere.
"Yo-You!"
Colin put his right arm around the young man's shoulder.
"My great friend!" he greeted him with feigned enthusiasm. "Where have you been? Believe me, I've been looking for you." His yellow eyes quickly passed over the girl, who swallowed hard. "Sorry, but I'm going to steal him from you for a moment, don't worry, it'll be quick!"
Leading the young man away from the crowd, Colin guided him to a shadowy alley. As soon as they were away from curious eyes, Colin released the young man's shoulder and, in a quick movement, grabbed his throat, pressing him against the rough wall.
"Remember me?" Colin whispered, his eyes sparkling like embers.
The young man coughed, desperate to breathe.
"I-I'm sorry!" he gasped, barely able to speak. "Sir... I can't... breathe..."
Colin released him, leaving him gasping on the ground.
"Where's that idiot who attacked me the other day?" he asked, his voice deadly calm.
The young man rubbed his throat.
"Wh-What will you do if I tell you?"
Colin grabbed him by the collar, lifting him again and slamming his back against the wall.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm going to settle the score."
Colin's gaze was that of a beast thirsting for blood.
"R-Right!" the young man stammered. "T-Tomorrow there won't be class, so there are some people gathered at that bar... Wi-Wiben is inside with Samantha..."
"Go there and bring him here."
"Wh-What?" the young man hesitated, only to receive a powerful punch to the stomach that made him double over in pain.
"Go!" Colin growled, holding him by the collar again and slamming him against the wall.
"O-Okay!" the young man gasped, his hands holding his aching abdomen. "I-I'll bring him here as you want!"
Colin released him, and the young man fell to his knees before getting up, staggering, and running away.
◊❱───────⸂◍⸃───────❰◊
The pub was packed, with a constant buzz of voices and laughter.
A lute played on an improvised platform, while the customers, mostly students, drank and laughed incessantly. In the farthest corner, Wiben was absorbed in a conversation with Samantha about university matters, when a young man approached. The young man was pale and sweating profusely.
"What's wrong?" Wiben asked, frowning.
"S-Sorry to bother you, Mr. Wiben, but do you remember the Elf from that day?"
"Elf?" Wiben raised his eyebrows, intrigued. "The one with yellow eyes?"
"Th-That's right! H-He's in the alley across the street and asked me to call you..."
Wiben exchanged a look with Samantha, pondering for a moment. He wasn't the type to refuse a challenge, especially from someone like that elf.
"Are you going?" Samantha inquired, holding his wrist with concern. "What if that horned girl is there?"
"Th-The Elf is alone..." the young man assured, trembling.
"Love, it'll be quick like last time," Wiben replied, trying to reassure her.
Samantha remained reluctant, remembering the last time, which wasn't easy at all.
Wiben had dodged all the elf's blows and punched him countless times, but the elf's resistance was impressive, and Wiben had to pay a healer to treat his swollen knuckles.
"Samantha!" He placed his hand on her face, tenderly. "Everything will be fine! What do you think would happen to me if Loafe found out I refused a challenge from a Dark Elf?"
She swallowed hard and nodded, resigned.
"Okay! But I'm coming with you!"
Wiben smiled, his hard gaze softening for a moment.
He stood up, still holding Samantha's hand, and together they followed the young man out of the pub, toward the alley where the elf was waiting for them.