Chapter 109: The Unlikely Alliance
Shade wrapped an arm around Eirin’s waist, his grip firm and possessive, and stole her from her team’s protective formation. Eirin’s surprised screams filled the air, a mixture of shock and annoyance, as Shade laughed, a triumphant, almost wild sound, while effortlessly dragging Eirin away in the air, a captive, yet strangely exhilarating ride.
The game had truly begun, and it was far from what Eirin or her team had anticipated.
Eirin struggled in Shade’s grasp, her limbs flailing, trying to break free of his strong hold. The wind whipped past them, carrying their voices across the vast field. "Stop struggling," he commanded, his voice firm but not angry, a hint of amusement in its depths.
"Why are you doing this?" Eirin gave up, her resistance crumbling, letting the young man carry her away. "Wouldn’t doing this make this game boring? You’re supposed to be hiding!"
Shade shifted his hold, releasing her waist and instead seizing her hand, intertwining their fingers, his touch surprisingly gentle. "What? Don’t you think it’ll be fun to run away like this?" A rare, genuine smile flashed across his face, lighting up his usually brooding features. His dark eyes glinted with a wild, exhilarating energy.
"No! Were on a different team!" Eirin protested, the wind catching her words, her voice laced with disbelief.
Shade laughed, a carefree sound that astonished Eirin. "So what? Don’t worry too much. I’ll protect you." His words, usually delivered with a sneer, now held a strange, confident assurance.
Eirin’s forehead creased, her gaze fixed on him. "Who are you?" The question was sincere, born of genuine confusion. This Shade, playful and almost reckless, was a stranger.
During their unbelievable airborne exchange, Calixta appeared, a determined expression on her face. She chased after them, throwing sharp, pointed shards ice right at Shade’s back. He deftly dodged them, twisting in the air, using wind to deflect the icy projectiles while instinctively shielding Eirin with his body, his movements fluid and precise.
"What are you doing, Shade? You’re supposed to be hiding!" Link’s exasperated scream followed, his voice echoing across the field, a mixture of disbelief and frustration.