fatherless

Ali's mind was boiling. Every word Jack and John had spoken echoed in his head, giving birth to new questions. The fact that his family had been protectors of something, the hidden letters, the existence of a map… These were possibilities he had never even considered before.

But one thing was certain: The orphanage director, Miss Eleanor, had truly wanted to protect him. But why?

Luca's ears perked up, attentively listening to their surroundings. "You want us to trust you," he said in a firm voice, "but trust isn't given—it's earned."

Jack tilted his head, looking a little more serious this time. "Look, Ali, you've already made your choice. You want to follow your family's path, don't you? If you really want answers, you need to come with us."

Ali narrowed his eyes. "Where are you taking me?"

John let out a laugh. "Good question! But first, let's get out of this hotel. Then we'll talk."

Ali hesitated for a moment. Trusting them was a huge risk. But staying here and waiting would gain him nothing. He turned his gaze to Luca. Luca's golden eyes were gleaming with determination.

"Alright," Ali said. "But at the first wrong move, this cooperation is over."

Jack smirked and nodded. "Fair deal."

John peeked through the door and glanced down the corridor. "Alright then, let's get this adventure started."

With doubts still boiling inside them, Ali and Luca took a step into the unknown.

They followed Jack and John through the dimly lit hotel corridor in silence. The hotel had fallen into an eerie stillness in the dead of night. Only the sound of footsteps and the distant whisper of the wind could be heard. Ali's mind kept replaying Jack's words over and over. If his family had truly been the protectors of something, why had they never told him? And more importantly—what did the map lead to?

When they reached the stairwell, Jack suddenly stopped and turned to Ali. "We're heading out this way. But the hotel staff and... other eyes might be watching. Stay quiet."

Ali and Luca nodded. John, however, grinned. "Hey, if we get caught, what's the worst that could happen?" he whispered.

Jack shot him a sharp look. "This isn't a game, John."

They carefully began descending the stairs. Luca's fur bristled; he could sense that something wasn't right. Just before they reached the lobby, Jack abruptly stopped and raised a hand, signaling them to halt.

The lobby was dark and silent, but someone was there.

A figure emerged from the shadows—tall, dressed in a sleek black suit, his calculating eyes watching them closely. His hands were in his pockets, as if he had been waiting for them.

Jack's face tensed. "Damn it…" he muttered.

The man inclined his head slightly. "A little late-night escape?" His voice was calm—too calm, like ice.

Ali swallowed hard. Who was this man? And why was he here, waiting for them?

Luca let out a low growl. This stranger was dangerous.

Jack took a deep breath. "Ali, Luca... We don't want trouble with this guy."

But it was too late. The man stepped forward, and the shadows around him seemed to shift with him.

The air in the room grew heavier. The lobby was no longer just an exit—it had become a trap. Ali's muscles tensed, Luca's fur stood on end.

Jack slipped his hands into his pockets and spoke cautiously. "I knew you were following us, but I didn't think you'd show up this quickly, Ethan."

Ali's eyes widened. Ethan. That name alone was enough to put Jack on edge. Even John had instinctively taken a step back.

Ethan tilted his head slightly and smiled. "I didn't expect you to underestimate me, Jack. But still… Seeing you run in such a hurry is a little disappointing."

Ali studied Ethan's face. Why was he here? Was he connected to Jack and John's employer? Or was he part of an entirely different faction?

Jack clenched his jaw. "Are you here to stop us?"

Ethan slowly stepped closer. "I'm not sure I'd call it 'stopping.' I just don't want Ali falling into the wrong hands."

A chill ran down Ali's spine. "You know me," he said, his voice firm. "Who are you?"

Ethan hesitated for a moment, his eyes scanning Ali carefully. Then, he shook his head slightly. "There's a lot you still need to learn, kid," he said. "But first… I need to know where Jack and John are taking you."

Jack stepped protectively in front of Ali. "That's none of your concern."

Ethan sighed. "Unfortunately, it is."

Then, in a split second, Ethan's eyes flickered like a shadow, and he vanished. Ali's breath caught in his throat.

That speed—?!

Luca didn't hesitate for a second. He yanked Ali back and extended his claws. But it was too late. Ethan reappeared behind Jack in an instant and sent him crashing into the wall with a single motion. Jack hit the surface hard, groaning in pain. John staggered backward in shock.

Ali's heart pounded violently. This man… was no ordinary person!

Ethan turned his gaze to Ali, locking eyes with him. "Now, Ali… You're coming with me."

Ali's breath hitched.

This night was truly the beginning of a path with no return.

His mind screamed for an escape. They had to get out of here—now!

Luca sprang into action, swiping his claws at Ethan without hesitation. But Ethan moved like a shadow, dodging effortlessly. His eyes gleamed like two sharp daggers in the dark. "Interesting," he murmured, watching Luca. "You're quite the intriguing little detail."

Ali positioned himself beside Luca, scanning the room frantically. A way out… There had to be a way out!

Jack was still on the ground, groaning. John stood frozen in shock. They wouldn't be able to help.

Ethan moved again, appearing beside Luca in an instant, dodging his claws and reaching out to grab him. But Luca was fast—he exchanged a quick glance with Ali and leaped back.

That was their chance. The entrance!

Ethan was still focused on Jack and John. Ali seized the moment and grabbed Luca's arm. "Now!" he whispered.

Luca didn't hesitate. Their footsteps echoed against the marble floor as they sprinted toward the door.

Ethan's eyes flicked toward them.

"Don't let them escape," he muttered, shadows swirling around him. But just as he prepared to move, John stepped in front of him. "Buddy, I think you should calm down," John said, blocking Ethan's path.

Ethan's gaze shifted to John. Shadows rippled around the mysterious man, but for a moment, he hesitated. Then, he let out a deep breath and smiled.

"No matter what you do, don't let them get too far."

Ali and Luca had already disappeared into the darkness of the streets.

But they knew.

This was only the beginning.