Mydos

STARTING SCENE:

Rain poured over the ruined city as you hurried through the narrow alleyway. You could hear footsteps behind you. Too many.

You glanced over your shoulder. Nothing.

Then a hand suddenly grabbed your wrist and pulled you backward.

You nearly shouted before a familiar voice whispered beside your ear.

"Quiet."

Mydos.

He dragged you into the shadows and pressed himself against the wall beside you, shielding you from view.

His hair was soaked from the rain, strands hanging over his eyes. The tattoos along his neck were faintly glowing beneath his wet shirt.

You could feel his heartbeat.

Fast.

Much faster than normal.

"What the hell were you thinking?"

he whispered.

His amber eyes locked onto yours.

"I told you not to leave my sight."

You opened your mouth to argue.

Mydos sighed and looked away.

"You're going to get yourself killed one day."

For a moment, neither of you spoke.

Then his expression softened.

He reached up and brushed a strand of wet hair away from your face.

"And I'm not letting that happen."

His tattoos suddenly flared with dark light. Mydos froze.

You felt something warm tighten around your chest.

The mark over your heart began glowing too.

His eyes widened.

"No..."

He stared at the mark.

Then at you.

For the first time in your life, you saw genuine fear on Mydos's face.

"The bond is getting stronger."

Behind you, the footsteps grew louder. Mydos grabbed your hand.

"We're leaving. Now."

And without waiting for an answer, he pulled you deeper into the darkness.