Marcus POV
I couldn't sleep, so I decided to take a walk in the village clearing. As I was walking, I noticed a figure emerging from the bush path.
The way he walked at a quick pace turning around frequently seemed suspicious. He looked like he was hiding something and I could sense something was off. Curiosity got the better of me, and I followed him discreetly from far behind to avoid getting seen.
We walked deeper into the forest until finally we arrived at a location. The place had two buildings standing beside each other. One was large and elaborate and the other one was a small but without wimdows. I had no torch so I was thankful for the bright moon.
He entered into the large building through a front door. I went closer to the window and peeped. I saw a man sitting on a chair and two other huge men one of which was the man I tailed standing before him. I couldn't heat what they were saying but it was obvious the man in the chair was their leader and he was instructed them to do something. The man on the chair was facing the opposite direction so I couldn't see his face.
When he was done talking, they both said "Yes sir" in unison and made there way for the door.
Just as they were about to open the door, he called them back. He stood and moved towards them. That was when I saw his face. Something in me told me I have seen this man before but I couldn't tell where.
He said something to them again and they both nodded. As they made for the door, I quickly hid myself among the bushes that where behind me. They both made their way towards the same path we just came through.
I was not sure who they were or what they were doing but I have a strong feeling this was not good.
I followed them again this time maintaining a closer distance. I was trying to see if I can eavesdrop on their conversation.
I was hoping they would say something about what they where doing but they were mostly talking about the wrestling fight. Suddenly one of them stopped. " why did you stop"?
"Didnt you hear that?"
"Hear what?" I thought I heard footsteps, someone could be following us." My heart raced as soon as those statement left his lip.
His partner tried to dissuade him but he was already checking the bushes. I laid flat behind a nearby big tree to avoid getting seen, he finally gave up the search and resumed his walk.
The time for the semi-final stage of the competition came and everyone converged at the arena as usual.
Steve, Tyler and I took a seat at the front row. The fight had started and as usual was fierce and exciting. The thud sound of hefty men falling and the exciting howling and growling from the crowd took over the air. I still couldn't shake last night off my mind.
Finally, it was Nicole's turn. We cheered him as ther announcer invited him into the makeshift ring. It was the fight that will determine whether or not he will get I he finals. He was up against Greyback of the full moon pack.
Greyback stood across from Nicole, he is a a hulking figure with fur sprouting from his arms and face. He snarls at Nicole, baring his teeth in anticipation of the fight to come
The crowd roars around them, a sea of faces shouting and cheering as they prepare to battle. Greyback charges towards Nicole, his muscles bulging beneath his skin as he throws a powerful punch. He dodge to the other side. He countered with a swift kick to his midsection, but he twists away at the last moment, avoiding his strike.
They circle each other warily, both of them on high alert for any sign of weakness in the other. Greyback feints to the left, then lunges to the right, trying to catch Nicole off guard. But he is too quick for him, sidestepping his attack and landing a glancing blow to his shoulder
The crowd goes wild at that sight, our cheers echoing through the arena as they continue to battle. Sweat pours down their faces, Nicole was breathing heavily as he dodged and weaved, trying to stay one step ahead of his opponent.
Greyback is no less exhausted, his chest heaving as he struggles to catch his breath. But he refuses to give up, his eyes blazing with a fierce determination to defeat his opponent at any cost.
Both parties traded blows back and forth, each of them landing glancing hits that leave bruises and cuts on their skins. The crowd screams and shouts, their excitement reaching a fever pitch as the fight progressed. This is so far one of he longest fight. Both fighters are good.
In the final moments, Nicole summon all his strength and launched a devastating punch at the Greyback's jaw. It connects with a sickening crunch, and he staggers backwards, dazed and disoriented.
He took advantage of his momentary weakness, leaping forward to land a final blow that knocks him to the ground. The crowd erupts in cheers, their thunderous applause echoing through the arena as Nicol stands victorious over his defeated opponent. The announcer raised Nicole's hand in triumph.
He is breathless and exhausted. I couldn't help but feel proud of him as he basked in the adulation of the crowd.
I watched my father from across the ring and I could see pride visible on his face. I was confident that Nicole will take the trophy home. The announcer declared the end of the fight for the day and everybody dispersed.
I couldn't get Alyssa's thought off my mind so I decided to go and look for Ethan. I was told Ethan did not come too. Something about this did not feel right but there was nothing I could do about it so I decided to go back to my room.
I was on my way back when I caught sight of him. This guy that I tailed yesternight. He was looking as suspicious as yesterday. Something within prompted me to follow him. I knew it was foolish but I stilled followed him. He went back to that same house from yesterday. I hid behind the window to eavesdrop. Today the leader was not in the room and they were talking freely. They were audible and I could hear them talking excitedly about the fight.
From their conversation I was able to understand that Thomas of the Red Hills pack was their leader. But his face was different from the person I saw last night. This confirms my suspicion that something was off about this place and these people. I heard one of them ask the other guy if he has given the lady her food.
"I will do that right away" he said and made for the door. I hid myself behind the same tree from yesternight. He came out with a plate of food and a cup of water. He entered the small hut.
The room has no window so I couldnt see what was inside but I was almost certain that they where holding someone hostage in there. I waited until he came out and then I went into the room. Luckily for me it was unlocked.