Frederick stumbled through the deserted clearing, panting heavily, his heart pounding in his ears. But at least he had escaped the Raging Bulls' corridor.
Or so he believed.
He leaned against a tree, gasping for breath.
"That… that freak… How did he—"
Before he could finish the thought, a calm voice spoke from behind him.
"Why were you sneaking on us? Did you want to know something?"
Frederick's breath died in his throat, and his blood ran cold.
He turned back in horror.
There, only a few meters away, Derek was standing calmly.
Until he spoke, Frederick hadn't even sensed that anyone was behind him. It was as if Derek had materialized out of thin air.
Frederick staggered backward, tripping over his own feet and falling onto the ground. His trembling fingers dug into the dirt as he scrambled away, eyes wide like he was staring at a monster wearing the skin of a boy.
