{ Author }
Deep in the shadows, unseen by Mia or Hunter, a figure stood motionless, watching. Their presence was masked by the darkness, their breathing controlled, silent.
The scarred man's laughter echoed through the alley, but the observer wasn't focused on him. Their attention was locked onto Mia—the way her energy flared, the way she moved, hesitant yet powerful.
"She's stronger than I expected."
The voice was barely a whisper, lost beneath the chaos of the battle. Fingers curled into the fabric of a dark coat, eyes narrowing as Mia lifted her hand, energy crackling at her fingertips.
This was no ordinary girl.
The figure tilted their head slightly, as if considering something. Then, with a final glance at the unfolding fight, they turned and disappeared into the night.
They had seen enough.
{ Mia }
The cat lunged again, faster than before. Hunter barely dodged, shifting mid way.
My heart pounded as the scarred man took a step toward me, a wicked smirk stretching across his face.
"Still think you can win, little girl?"
I clenched my fists. Ash's power surged within me, coiling like a storm, waiting to be unleashed.
I closed my eyes, feeling the energy coursing through me like fire at my veins.
My muscles tightened, my bones hurting as if they were being stretched and reshaped. A sharp pain shot down my spine, and I bit back a gasp as fur sprouted across my arms.
My hands curled, my nails lengthening into claws that gleamed in the dim alley light. My breath came out in short, ragged gasps.
This is happening.
Ash's presence flared in my mind. "Don't fight it. Let go."
My vision sharpened, the world around me shifting, my senses exploding with clarity. Every sound, every movement, it was all too much but just right.
I opened my eyes.
The man's eyes widened. " Oh no..." He muttered under his breath. " This is new..." He flinched as I pounced on him.
I stopped. " Ash... He isn't resisting, should I stop?" I asked concerned.
"No, Mia," Ash's voice slithered through my mind, sharp and insistent. "He almost killed your dad. He works for the man hunting you. If you let him go, he'll just come back stronger."
My claws twitched. Ash was right. Wasn't she?
I felt a surge of anger course through my veins, I growled. " He's not getting away with that!"
I clenched my teeth as my claws regrowed as I slashed the man's thigh.
" Stop! Please! Have mercy!" The man screamed.
" Oh." I growled smirking evily. " Don't worry... You'll get your peace after I'm done with you..."
"N-No. P-Please!" He begged.
"You didn't stop when my father pleaded," I growled, pressing my claws against his skin. The scent of his fear was intoxicating.
He whimpered, his hands trembling. Just like my father had.
My breath hitched. Was I becoming the very thing I hated?
"Mia, finish him!" Ash urged.
My grip tightened. I should. He deserved it. Didn't he?
His face lost its color and his hands started to tremble.
" P-Please I'll do anything!"
I smiled a new found determination fueling my desire, slowly I started tracing my claw along the outline of his face.
" Anything?"
" Y-yes." He nodded eagerly.
" Well, I guess if you insist. " I smiled pulling my hand back. His eyes glimmered with hope but it quickly vanished as my claws came into contact with his other thigh.
" You won't die peacefully."
"Mia, that's enough."
Hunter's voice was steady, but there was something beneath it, concern. Not for the man. For me.
I ignored him, and started tracing my claw along the scarred man's face. His breath came in short gasps, his entire body shaking.
"Mia!" Hunter grabbed my wrist before I could strike. "This isn't you."
"Isn't it?" I yanked my arm free, my voice colder than I expected.
"Cupcake…" Hunter's voice was softer now, but raw, almost pleading. He stepped closer, hands half-raised, like he was afraid to startle me. "Please. Look at yourself. This… this isn't who you are."
I took a deep breath heasitating but then, Ash growled.
"Don't listen to him, Mia!" Ash hissed, her voice wrapping tighter around my mind. "Attack! End this now!"
"No, Ace!" I shouted, shaking my head as if I could shove Ash's presence away. "He's the one who tortured my dad, the one who attacked our home! He's the reason I—"
My breath hitched. My claws hovered over his trembling form.
Was this justice? Or was I becoming just like him?
I clenched my teeth, my breath ragged. The scarred man lay beneath me, his body shaking, his eyes wide with pure terror. It should have felt satisfying, he deserved this. But...
My gaze flickered to the puddle near his head.
A distorted reflection stared back at me.
Glowing eyes. Bared fangs. Claws dripping with blood.
A monster.
No. No, that's not who I am.
Hunter took a step closer, his voice softer now, almost pleading. "Mia… please."
His warmth, his presence, it cut through the haze in my mind like a blade of light.
Ash hissed in my head, her voice wrapping around my thoughts. "He deserves this! You can't let him walk away!"
But I wasn't listening anymore.
I exhaled sharply, forcing my claws to retract. My muscles ached, resisting the shift back, but I pushed through.
The scarred man's breath hitched in relief. I shoved him back, disgust curling in my gut, not at him, but at myself.
What was I about to do?
Hunter let out a sigh of relief. " Glad you're back cupcake." He patted my head.
I just stared at the man and growled. " Don't let me see your face again!"
The man scrambled to his feet but collapsed, his legs too weak to hold him. With a pained whimper, he crawled away into the darkness.
I stood there, shaking. The weight of what I almost did pressed down on me, suffocating.
I turned to Hunter, my vision blurring. "I'm sorry." My voice cracked as I threw my arms around him, gripping him like he was the only thing keeping me tethered to myself.
Hunter hesitated for only a second before wrapping his arms around me. "It's okay, Cupcake. Everyone loses control sometimes."
{ Author }
The same strange figure appeared in the shadows.
" Well well well. It looks like I underestimated her."
He shook his head disappearing with a sinister smirk playing on his lips.