Chapter 41: Thin Ice
The forest was dark, silent except for Dune's rapid footsteps and the occasional rustle of leaves. He pushed harder, his legs burning as he used another Nebastep.
"You can run, Dune, but it's pointless!" Elijah's voice echoed through the trees, sharp and playful. "Don't you get tired of this? Or do you just enjoy making me chase you?"
Dune didn't answer. He vaulted over a fallen tree, another platform erupting under his foot to push him higher. He had to keep moving. Elijah was faster, stronger, and worse, he was enjoying this.
Suddenly, a black blur shot past him.
"Too slow."
Elijah appeared in front of him, floating just above the ground. His long black jacket flared out. He tilted his head, grinning like a predator that had cornered its prey.
Dune's eyes narrowed. "You're insane."
"Maybe." Elijah shrugged. Then, faster than Dune could react, he vanished, just a flicker in the air.
Dune barely had time to think. He used a Nebastep beneath him, launching himself sideways just as Elijah reappeared where he'd been standing, sword slashing through empty air.
"Nice dodge!" Elijah said, clapping mockingly as he turned to face him. "You really are a clever little rabbit, aren't you?"
"Stop talking and fight," Dune snapped, his voice low.