BANG!
The sharp crack of the gunshot shatters the silence of the night. From the treetops, dozens of birds burst into flight, scattering into the darkness, while small creatures flee through the undergrowth.
By instinct, Aoshi squeezes his eyes shut the moment he sees the man aim and fire, bracing for the worst. He expects a sharp, burning pain to rip through his body — or Eliss to collapse in his arms with a scream of agony.
And yet, none of that happens.
When he opens his eyes a second later, someone is standing between them and the attackers. A tall, striking young man, his sculpted physique visible even beneath the layers of his refined clothing.
His long, straight, obsidian hair falls neatly over his shoulders.
Between his thumb and forefinger, he holds the bullet fired just moments ago.
