The humans didn't hesitate.
The moment they left the wolf den, they abandoned the path entirely—cutting through the forest at speed, urgency in every step.
They were running.
I remained pressed flat against the trunk of a tree, suspended in the branches as they vanished into the distance.
They know it's me.
There was no doubt anymore.
They're rushing back to the Lord they mentioned.
My grip tightened against the bark.
I can't let them leave.
I climbed down and followed.
Careful.
Silent.
Always above them when I could be.
As the sky darkened and night began to claim the land, the leader finally raised a hand.
"We stop here," he said.
Kael frowned. "I thought you wanted to keep moving."
"We can't travel at night," the leader replied without looking back. "It's too risky."
He turned slightly.
"Youichi. Osevan. Set up a perimeter."
"Yes, sir."
"You two take watch. Rovan and Kael—join them."
Kael hesitated. "Why do we need four?"
"Do it," the leader snapped.
"Yes, sir."
The camp came alive with movement.
Light flared.
Equipment shifted.
The leader stood apart, staring into the forest as the last of the daylight bled away.
His focus was sharper than before.
Different.
Time passed.
I crouched deep in the foliage of a nearby tree, watching the camp below.
Four guards.
Always four.
Light illuminated everything—too much.
Approaching unseen would be nearly impossible.
I can't take them all alone.
I need to split them if I have any chance.
I studied their formation.
The leader stayed central.
The others rotated positions, disciplined and alert.
I could try to lure one out…
No.
The leader would see through it.
Walking straight in isn't an option.
This situation might already be slipping out of my control—
A pressure rippled through my perception.
Like something had noticed me.
A voice carried clearly from the camp.
"I can see you watching," the leader said calmly. "You've been there for a while."
My body jolted.
Does he see me?
How does he know?
"At first, I thought you were just curious," he continued, voice colder now. "But now it feels… intentional."
The other humans glanced at him, confused.
"Who's he talking to?" one whispered.
"Has he gone mad?"
The leader didn't look away from the forest.
"Don't be shy," he said. "You're watching for a reason."
Damn it.
So much for stealth.
Fine.
I dropped from the tree.
Leaves rustled as I stepped forward, moving into the light.
The glow of the campfire washed over me slowly, revealing my form.
I stopped just beyond the edge of the firelight.
My eyes locked onto the leader.
Instinct screamed.
Focus sharpened until the world narrowed to a blade's edge.
"So," he said quietly. "It really was you."
"The one we've been looking for."
His gaze swept over me.
"A mimic who can think."
"Truly… a special event."
He raised his arm.
I shifted instantly, ready to defend myself—
—but instead of an attack, light flickered in his eyes.
"Level nineteen," he muttered.
"…Impressive."
How can he see my level?
These humans are dangerous.
"I still don't understand how you defeated the previous lord," he continued. "That remains a mystery."
He adjusted his stance slightly.
"Once the Lord Koslov hears about this, he'll be extremely interested."
"And he'll want to capture you."
His eyes met mine.
"But you already knew that."
"I assume that's why you're here."
"To stop us from spreading what you are."
He studied me for a long moment.
"You are extremely dangerous."
The others stared at me in open fear.
They had never seen a mimic like this.
Not confident.
Not aware.
Hands tightened.
Monsters ready to be summoned.
The leader took a step closer.
"Are you going to let us leave?"
I looked at him.
Then at the camp.
Then—
At Faren.
My vision narrowed.
Rage surged through me, sharp and sudden—not entirely my own.
Humans.
They think they can do whatever they like.
My gaze dropped.
The Tharnok's body.
Strapped down.
Dragged.
Treated like cargo.
The rage intensified.
The leader noticed.
"The look you're giving me tells me you won't."
He exhaled.
"Then I suppose we'll have to capture you."
"Or," he added calmly, "kill you."
Something brushed my senses.
Faint.
Familiar.
The whispers of the night.
But different now.
Clearer.
Almost… intentional.
The forest shifted.
White lights moved through the darkness.
Mornak.
The leader took a step back.
"Prepare for battle," he ordered sharply.
Hands flew up. Light flared as summoning began.
My attention snapped back—
—but the whispers grew louder.
A distant, rasping voice echoed through the dark.
"Finally."
"You can hear me."
I turned, confused.
"Who are you?" I asked aloud.
The leader froze.
It spoke.
His breath caught.
"But… I can't understand it."
The whisper returned.
"What are your orders?"
I stared.
The Mornak lights snapped toward me—focused. Attentive.
"My orders?" I echoed.
Their glow intensified.
My vision snapped back to the humans.
The cold settled into me.
I hesitated.
Just for a breath.
My eyes darkened as the night seemed to lean closer.
"Kill."
The forest moved.
And the night answered.