The cold wind ravished the barren village, covering the air with a thick cloud of dust and snow that coiled itself around the area Alex was standing. Through the cloud, a silhouette began to slowly move to confront Alex. It was small, obviously feminine. The dust and snow seemingly parted around her, as if afraid to touch her. She twirled her fingers through her hair, letting Alex stare at the intricate white lace of her gloves and sleeves.
“What a thoughtful gift.” She thought allowed, staring at the destroyed magic circle. “You should have told me that you were going to tidy up our mess. I had this avalanche prepared all for nothing.” Before Alex could blink she was instantly behind him, her face leaned against his back. Her soft lips touched the skin of his neck. “Sister always told me that men like you were cruel and harsh, but you seem so warm and loving.” Before Alex could even think of grabbing her, she was gone again. From the top of a rackety old building, her voice pierced through the wind. “And you’re strong as well. I think I might love you.” She closed her eyes, magic power leaking off of her skin and soaring into the air as wisps of light. After a few moments of silence, she opened up her eyes.
“That boy really looked up to you, perhaps even as his older brother.” She was talking about Riley, and a wicked smile crossed her lips. “Aren’t big brothers supposed to protect their siblings? How unfortunate, you couldn’t even do that.” In a moments time she was in front of Alex once more, her palm thrusting up to strike his chest. Then, in a split second, she was several meters behind him. She’d moved before her strike even made contact. “I don’t want to fight you, but how else are you going to avenge your dear friend? That poor boy had such high hopes. You were going to teach him to be strong. I’ll never forget that smile he gave you in the carriage ride here.” Her eyes glowed golden, seemingly staring right through Alex. “He looked really cute there, didn’t he? Like a puppy begging for a treat.” She laughed, holding out her hand to him. She awaited his approach.
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Riley wandered into a strange cave where he could hear some voices. They were quiet, but he could hear them. He walked through the strange, jagged mouth to witness a lady ripping a few other men apart. At least, he assumed it was her. She barely moved herself, but there was a strange aura around her. Riley drew Yukiko from its sheathe, slowly approaching her with the blade pointed at her head.
“Keep still, I don’t wanna hurt you ma’am.” He kept his eyes on her, ensuring that if he felt magic he’d be ready to jump into action. “I’m gonna have to ask you to come with me quietly.”