Meanwhile, in the village, Tails wandered through the bustling streets, trying his best to remain inconspicuous. He adjusted the servant’s cloak draped over his shoulders, his ears twitching nervously as he scanned the crowd. King Nazo had tasked him with finding any information about the mysterious outsider—Y/N—and he dared not return empty-handed.

Tails approached a small group of villagers gathered near a market stall. They immediately stiffened when they noticed him, some quickly averting their eyes while others busied themselves with their goods. His reputation as Nazo’s informant preceded him, and none of them wanted to risk saying the wrong thing.

Clearing his throat, Tails stepped forward, trying to appear as non-threatening as possible. “Excuse me,” he said, his voice polite but firm. “I’m looking for someone. A stranger. They were seen near the castle not long ago. Did anyone notice anything… unusual?”

The villagers exchanged hesitant glances, murmuring among themselves. Finally, an elderly fox cautiously stepped forward. “I-I did hear something,” she stammered. “A few travelers mentioned seeing someone fleeing toward the mountains. But I don’t know if it’s who you’re looking for.”

Tails narrowed his eyes. “The mountains, you say? Did they describe what this person looked like?”

The old fox shook her head. “Only that they seemed… different. They didn’t look like they were from around here.”

Tails nodded, his mind racing. If Y/N had truly gone to the mountains, it wouldn’t be long before Shadow and his Knights caught up with her. He had to report back to King Nazo right away.

Before he could leave, a younger villager stepped forward, his face pale. “I-I think I saw someone heading toward the secret concert,” he blurted, his voice shaking. “But I’m not sure if it was them!”

Tails froze. “Secret concert? What secret concert?”

The young man’s eyes darted nervously. “It’s just… a gathering. Some of us go to hear the band play. It’s hidden in the mountains, underground. That’s all I know, I swear!”

Tails’ eyes widened. The pieces were starting to come together. If Y/N was headed to the mountains and the concert, then there was a chance she’d already met Bliss, Silver, and Blaze. That could spell trouble if they decided to aid her.

Without another word, Tails turned on his heel and headed back toward the castle, his mind racing. He needed to inform King Nazo and Shadow immediately. If Y/N was rallying allies, they needed to be stopped before their plans could gain traction.

Tails hurried into Shadow’s quarters, where the stoic Knight sat sharpening his sword, his crimson eyes focused on the blade’s edge. Shadow glanced up briefly as Tails entered, his expression unreadable.

“You have news, I presume?” Shadow asked, his voice calm but with an edge of authority.

Tails nodded, his hands gripping his cloak nervously. “Yes, Sir Shadow. I’ve uncovered their location. The stranger—Y/N—was last seen heading toward the mountains. There’s a secret concert being held there underground, and I believe she may be hiding among the crowd.”

Shadow’s eyes narrowed. “A concert? Among Bliss, Silver, and Blaze, no doubt.” He stood, sliding his sword into its sheath with practiced precision. “King Nazo will be informed. Ready the Knights. We ride immediately.”

Tails hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should mention his lingering doubts about Y/N’s motives, but he decided against it. Shadow didn’t tolerate hesitation or second-guessing, and his loyalty to Nazo was unwavering.

“Yes, Sir,” Tails replied quickly, bowing his head before retreating to prepare for the mission.

Shadow turned to the nearest guard stationed outside his chambers. “Alert the Knights. We leave for the mountains at once. Y/N won’t escape us this time.”

As the orders were given and preparations began, Shadow’s mind raced with thoughts of the confrontation ahead. If Bliss, Silver, and Blaze dared to interfere, they would have to be dealt with swiftly. The King’s will was absolute, and Y/N would be brought back, no matter the cost.

Shadow stood at the castle gates, his dark armor gleaming faintly in the moonlight as his Knights assembled around him. The night air was cold and still, but his crimson eyes burned with determination. Mounting his horse, he tightened his grip on the reins and addressed the group.

“We ride for the mountains. The King demands Y/N’s capture, and I will not tolerate failure,” he commanded, his voice sharp and unwavering.

“Yes, Sir Shadow!” the Knights responded in unison, their horses stamping impatiently.

With a sharp tug on the reins, Shadow led the charge, the sound of hooves echoing through the darkened streets as they galloped toward the mountains. The quiet village streets they passed through were empty, with only the faint flicker of lanterns lighting their path. Shadow’s mind was focused entirely on the task at hand—bringing Y/N back to Nazo and silencing whatever resistance she was attempting to form.

As they approached the base of the mountains, Shadow raised a hand, signaling the Knights to slow their pace. He dismounted gracefully, his boots crunching against the rocky ground. His sharp eyes scanned the terrain ahead, noting the uneven pathways and towering cliffs.

“Spread out,” he ordered. “Search every trail, every cave. She won’t get far.”

The Knights fanned out, their torches lighting the dark mountain paths as they began their search. Shadow moved with precision and silence, his senses heightened. He knew Y/N was resourceful, but she wouldn’t elude him for long.

As Shadow advanced further up the mountain, he spotted faint footprints in the dirt leading toward a hidden trail. A small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Found you,” he muttered under his breath.

With a swift motion, he signaled for a few Knights to follow as he pressed onward, determined to corner Y/N before she could slip through his grasp again. The concert’s echoes faintly reached his ears, and he knew he was closing in.

What's gonna happen next? Find out on Chapter 16. Have a great day. Author out ❤️ ❤️ ❤️