Selmira stands still, but her gaze is tense as she faces my Father.

"I know he's here." My father says.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Selmira replies, but her voice betrays the uncertainty she's trying to hide."You're lying!" Father continues. "I know he's here. Now let me in, or I'll find my own way."

My heart beats faster.

"How many times do I have to say it? Sota is not here!" Selmira has given herself away.

"If he's not here, then how did you know this was about Sota?!" Father has skillfully tricked Selmira. "Now let me in!"

"No! I won't let you in!" But before she can close the door, Father pushes her aside with ease.

Oh no. Father will find me.

I can't do anything to stop this. Should I reveal myself? Should I hide?

No. A I have to run. 

I activate the Wind Cloak and sprint towards the window.

Father sees me, and our eyes meet.

"Sota, wait! Please!" He calls out.

I ignore his plea, open the window, and jump.

I run into the forest. It's very dark, and I can barely see anything.

Behind me, I hear my father's footsteps, but he doesn't catch up.

Finally, I deactivate my Wind Cloak and hide behind a tree.

"Sota." Father suddenly calls, his voice no longer sharp but soft, almost pleading.

He is out of breath. He can't keep up with my speed.

"I know you're nearby. You don't have to run. I don't want to lose you."I exhale shakily. His words hit me right in the heart."I never truly understood you." Father continues. "And maybe I pressured you too much. But I love you, Sota, no matter what secret you're keeping. You are and always will be my son. I want you to come back. I won't question you anymore, I promise."

It feels like my heart is breaking, and for a moment, I feel weak and uncertain. 

What should I do?

Did I overreact? I should never have run away.

With one last deep breath, I step out of my hiding place.

Father stands there, completely exhausted, but with a look of relief on his face. When he sees me, he opens his arms.

"Come here, my boy." He says softly. I hesitate for a moment, but then I run to my father and fall into his arms.

The embrace feels like salvation. Tears well up in my eyes.

"I was afraid of losing you." Father murmurs. "I didn't know what to do."

"I'm sorry." I say, my voice nearly breaking. "I couldn't... I couldn't tell the truth."

Suddenly, we hear a sound in the forest. It's a laugh, but not a human one.

"What is that?" I whisper.

Father draws his sword. "I have no idea. Get your Wind Cloak ready."

Without hesitation, I activate my Wind Cloak using wind magic and draw my dagger.

The sound comes closer and closer. Then, the creature emerges.

The sight makes my blood freeze. A black being. Its eyes glow white. Its face looks like it's wearing a mask. It is humanoid, but it has sharp claws.

"What... What... What is that?!" My voice trembles with fear.

My father is afraid too, but I can see the determination in his eyes. He won't go down without a fight.

"Sota. Run now and get help. I'll hold it off!" He commands.

"No! I can't leave you here alone!" I shout desperately.

"Sota! That's a Shadow Demon! You don't stand a chance!" My father yells.

I refuse. 

If I leave him now, he will die. I won't allow that.

In the next moment, I realize just how weak I truly am. The monster charges at me, and before I can even react, its claws are already near my chest.

But then, my father's sword intercepts the attack. The Shadow Demon steps back.

"What is going on here?!" A female voice approaches. It's Selmira.

"Selmira! Boost my strength immediately! This is a Shadow Demon!" My father commands.

"A... Shadow Demon?! But... No! No time for that! I'll cast it now!"

Selmira channels her mana and casts a strength boost. I can feel the magic surrounding my father.

He takes his battle stance.

I focus entirely on the Shadow Demon so that I don't get caught off guard again.

My father charges at the demon.

The Shadow Demon hisses, an unnatural, distorted sound. It reacts to my father's movement, raising its claws, ready to counter the attack.

My father strikes. His sword whistles through the air, empowered by Selmira's magic. The first slash lands, carving a deep wound into the demon's black skin. But instead of bleeding, only a dark, smoky substance seeps from the wound.

Yet, the monster doesn't even flinch. Instead, it counters with inhuman speed. My father barely dodges, but one of its claws grazes his shoulder. He gasps, blood dripping onto the forest floor.

"Father!" I call out, but he raises his hand. "Stay back, Sota!"

I clench my fists. 

I can't just watch!

Selmira raises her hands and casts another spell. Sparks of light crackle between her fingers. "I'll weaken it! Just hold it off!"

The demon notices her. It lets out a gruesome growl and rushes towards her!

My body moves before I can think. I dash forward. My dagger strikes the demon's side, but the blade bounces off as if hitting stone.

The Shadow Demon turns its head toward me. Its glowing white eyes pierce through me. Then, with inhuman strength, it grabs me and hurls me against a tree. A sharp pain shoots through my back.

"Sota!" I hear Selmira scream.

As my sight clears again, I see my father attacking once more. His strikes are precise, powerful, but the demon is faster. It moves like a shadow, dodging effortlessly before striking back.

A sharp claw swipe.

My father gasps.

Blood sprays into the air.

I see it all in slow motion. My father staggers back, a deep wound across his chest.

"No!" I scream. My heart pounds. Panic grips me.

The demon straightens up. Its mask-like face almost seems satisfied.

"Sota. Run!" My father gasps, but I don't listen anymore.

I can't run.

Not this time.