Author not: ok OK ok guyssss...
I love love LOVE this chapter. You are going to meet a SUPER cool character and I hope you like them... it gets juicy.

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As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, Aries found herself haunted by the elusive Demhi, the one target she couldn't seem to apprehend. Despite her relentless efforts, the enigmatic figure remained beyond her grasp, leaving her frustrated and disappointed in herself. She couldn't help but scold herself every day, feeling a sense of inadequacy gnawing at her resolve.
During this time, Amyr's absence became conspicuous, leaving Aries to wonder whether she was being watched from afar or simply abandoned to her pursuit. The absence of any new targets added to her mounting restlessness and unease, amplifying the voice in her head that insisted there was more to the situation than met the eye. That persistent voice continuously reminded her that Kalden held secrets, that he was more than he portrayed himself to be.
This growing suspicion tore at her heart, for she had allowed herself to trust him, to let him in unlike anyone else before. The realization that he might have lied to her caused cracks in the walls she had built around her emotions. As the days passed, her feelings for him only intensified, a truth she struggled to accept. Her heart yearned for him even as her mind warred against it, torn between her attraction and the need to guard her vulnerability.
Despite the turmoil within her, every encounter with Kalden left her exhilarated and electrified, igniting a spark she couldn't deny. A simple touch would send a tingling sensation through her arm, and she couldn't help but be drawn to him, despite her anger and suspicion. This emotional turmoil only fueled her self-hatred, as she chided herself for falling into the trap of feelings she had vowed to resist.
Yet, amidst the turmoil, a part of her couldn't help but long for the connection they shared, the rare bond of trust she had allowed herself to experience. It was a battle of conflicting emotions, and she found herself hating the vulnerability he had unwittingly awakened within her. Sitting across from each other, Aries and Kalden found themselves in the present moment, the weight of their unspoken emotions palpable in the air. The table before them was adorned with porcelain bowls, filled with a warm meal, and spoons in hand, ready to be enjoyed. However, an uncharacteristic silence hung between them, a stark departure from their usual lively conversations during their travels.
Normally, their meals would be accompanied by constant banter, discussions on various topics, and shared laughter. But as days turned into weeks, the once vibrant chatter had dwindled, leaving Aries feeling a sense of unease. The absence of their usual verbal exchange gnawed at her, and she longed to break the silence. Yet, something held her back, a mix of emotions that left her grappling for words.
Her lap held a collection of notebooks, sketchbooks, and maps, filled with scribbled notes, profiles, and observations from their journey. Aries was a woman of action, always striving to understand the world around her, to unearth the mysteries she encountered. But lately, her focus had been divided, her mind entangled with the complexities of her feelings towards Kalden.
It was a constant battle within her, the desire to confront the truth, to express her thoughts, feelings, and suspicions. But fear held her back, fear of losing the fragile trust they had built, fear of being vulnerable, and fear of what revelations might emerge.
As they sat in silence, the weight of their unspoken words became almost suffocating. Aries knew she couldn't continue like this, allowing the silence to deepen the chasm between them. But the courage to speak eluded her, and she found herself grappling with a sense of frustration and helplessness. As Aries focused on her notes, the abrupt commotion outside disrupted her concentration. She looked up, a deep frown forming on her brow. Kalden, sensing her concern, followed her gaze to the window. Without a moment's hesitation, Aries stood up, her instincts taking over.
As she approached the window, she swiftly opened the shutters to peer outside. A growing crowd on the streets caught her attention, and the urgency in their movements was evident. A sense of danger filled the air, and Aries knew they couldn't ignore it.
Time was of the essence, and she wasted no time in taking action. Aries quickly donned her armor, strapping her sword to her waist. Kalden, understanding the gravity of the situation, joined her without question. They rushed out the door, determined to confront whatever had caused the chaos.
Navigating through the bustling streets, they pushed their way to the front of the crowd, people frantically trying to escape the source of the screaming. Aries' heart raced, but she remained focused on the task at hand.A sudden eruption of chaos ensued as a large gang emerged from a building, brandishing weapons and pursuing innocent women and children. Aries, filled with a mix of shock and rage, witnessed the horrifying scene unfold before her eyes. The gang members callously destroyed stalls, and without remorse, they attacked and harmed the defenseless people who tried desperately to escape the onslaught.
As the ruthless mob pillaged the victims' belongings, stuffing their ill-gotten gains into their pockets and bags, Aries' emotions swirled within her. Confusion quickly gave way to an intense anger, visible in the fire that blazed in her eyes. Determined to protect the vulnerable, she swiftly drew her sword and engaged one of the robbers, delivering a forceful strike to disarm him.
Beside her, Kalden sprang into action, revealing his dual shotguns, their presence warning the gang members that they faced formidable opposition. With their combined efforts, they aimed to subdue the chaos and protect the innocent souls caught in the midst of the turmoil.
In a bold move to draw attention away from the frightened crowd, Aries positioned herself on a tipped-over market stall, raising her gun and firing a single shot into the air. The deafening sound of the gunshot echoed through the streets, momentarily startling the gang members and diverting their focus towards her. As the chaos began to subside and the civilians found safety, a man audaciously attempted to approach Aries, seemingly undeterred by the recent events. He attempted brushing Aries face. Kalden gaze intensified with anger as he observed the man's brazen actions. Without hesitation, Aries swiftly backhanded the gangster, leaving a red mark on his cheek, and forcefully kicked him away, creating distance between them.
A surge of adrenaline still coursing through her veins, Aries confronted the gang members with fierce determination. Her voice resonated with authority as she demanded their attention. "Look at me!" Her words echoed through the now wrecked streets, strewn with splintered wood and the aftermath of the chaos they had wrought. A few bodies lay as a grim testament to their heartless acts.
The gang, though appearing undeterred, closed in on Aries and Kalden, their intent focused entirely on her. Aries didn't falter; her anger at their wanton destruction was palpable. She gestured to their ill-gotten gains, held tightly in their pockets. "Here you are, pillaging innocent people. For what? Fun? Games?" Her voice dripped with condemnation. "Money?"
A chilling laughter pierced the air, drawing their attention to a woman who emerged from the group of marauders. Her demeanor exuded a brazen, confident air. Clothed fiercely in a worn and fraying leather frock, she sported a corset over a white blouse, complemented by black leggings and boots that bore a striking resemblance to Aries' own attire. A bandolier of bullets adorned her form, and she brandished a shotgun, the safety conspicuously off. Aries narrowed her eyes, wary of this newcomer.
Unfazed by the hostile atmosphere, the woman's voice carried a playful yet insolent tone. "Who is this?" she inquired, her demeanor rife with defiance and arrogance.
Aries maintained her composure, her gaze unwavering as she confronted the woman. "Who. Are. You?" Aries reiterated, her voice firm and commanding. The woman's self-assured demeanor persisted as she offered a flamboyant bow, one hand gesturing theatrically while the other rested on her chest.
"I, am the wonderful person who planned this wonderful robbery," The woman declared, a smug smile playing on her lips. Aries took a step closer, refusing to be impressed by the criminal's theatrics.
"Massacre," Aries corrected, her tone cutting like a blade as she gestured to the lifeless bodies strewn across the streets. "And it isn't wonderful; it's horrible. Just like you. Robbing is one thing, but you leave a trail of destruction in your wake, killing innocent people to easily take their belongings. You even chase after women and children, likely to sell them. You are nothing short of a monstrous criminal."
The woman's laughter echoed through the chaotic scene, her amusement seemingly undeterred by Aries' accusations. "No. I am Madame 'Viper' Darkwood, not a monster, if you please," she replied with a touch of arrogance. "You'll find that I possess both the patience and bite of a viper."
Aries narrowed her eyes, undeterred by the criminal's bravado. "Names and theatrics won't absolve you of the heinous crimes you've committed," she retorted, her voice laced with disdain. "Your clever alias doesn't make you any less responsible for the suffering you've caused."
The air crackled with tension as the two women faced each other, each sizing up the other's resolve. The crowd surrounding them watched in hushed anticipation, the city's fate hanging in the balance. "Well, miss bounty hunter, I would say the same for your alias. The Black Crow, was it? I've heard stories about you..." Viper began, her fingers playing with her gun, her movements edgy and swift. Aries' expression contorted with annoyance. "I thought you asked me who I was," Aries retorted, refusing to be sidetracked.
Viper glanced up, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Hmm? Oh, yes, I did. I didn't know who you were until I studied you a bit more. Your recklessness, bravery, and independence said it all," she remarked, seemingly unimpressed.
Kalden, who had been observing the tense exchange, knew he had said similar things about Aries. Viper continued, "Nonetheless, I do not fear you. The stories I've heard are frightening, yes, but... you don't look terrifying, nor dangerous," Viper grinned madly, and Aries noticed how her eyes showed the madness in them.
Aries narrowed her eyes, her grip on her sword tightening. "I thought you would know that us... women, don't look terrifying until we have blood splattered on our face and hands. That's when you really know that I am willing to do anything for justice," Aries said firmly, her voice unwavering. She noticed Kalden looking at her with a smile, understanding the resolve in her.
Viper let out a laugh and unsheathed her own sword. "And to get what you want," Viper added with a wicked grin. The atmosphere around them grew tense as they prepared to face off, the gangsters forming a makeshift arena to watch the duel. As the battle raged on, Aries felt a strange familiarity with the name Viper Darkwood, a sense of recognition she couldn't quite grasp. But she couldn't afford to be distracted. She had to focus on the fight at hand, using her skills and experience to outmaneuver her opponent.
Without hesitation, they lunged at each other, their swords clashing with force. Aries let out a guttural shout, pouring her energy into every strike. The crowd of gangsters stepped back, creating a space for the fierce confrontation. As the intense battle reached its climax, Aries felt an unexpected surge of power coursing through her veins, invigorating her senses and fueling her fighting prowess. She unleashed a relentless assault, blocking, parrying, and landing a decisive cut on Madame Viper's arm, causing blood to stain the stony ground.
They attacked once again, the ring of metal on metal echoing through the streets. However, their momentum backfired, and both combatants found themselves disarmed and on the ground. Aries had sustained a deep cut on her leg, and the sword wound, still relatively new,  began to throb with pain. Despite the injuries, Aries pushed herself to continue the fight, her determination unwavering.
Grasping each other's hands, they wrestled fiercely, exchanging brutal blows. Aries relied on her brass knuckles to deliver powerful punches, while Viper fought back with equal ferocity. Bloodied and battered, they fought tooth and nail, each refusing to yield.
They crashed to the floor, and Aries crawled to Viper. With her grip around Viper's neck, Aries applied pressure, attempting to gain an advantage. However, Viper retaliated by delivering a powerful punch to Aries' ribs, causing excruciating pain, and Aries realized Viper also had brass knuckles of her own. Gasping for breath, Aries rolled away, her rib cage throbbing with agony.
Both warriors were badly injured and exhausted, their bodies worn down from the prolonged battle. The gangsters, who had been watching in awe, remained silent, unsure of how the two fighters were still standing. Kalden stood nearby, his face etched with worry, ahand on his gun if necessary.
As the battle-worn combatants lay on the cobblestone, nursing their wounds, Aries felt a tear escape her eye. Viper, too, seemed to be affected by the physical and emotional toll of the fight.
"I underestimated you," Viper admitted, her voice strained.
Aries swallowed, her throat parched and in need of water. "You too," she replied, her voice hoarse and weary.
In a surprising turn of events, Viper proposed a truce, seeking an end to the fierce confrontation. "Truce, truce," she said, conceding defeat. "I will leave."
Both Aries and Viper stood, exhausted and battered, and with a nod of mutual understanding, they parted ways, each nursing their wounds and carrying the memory of the intense battle they had just fought.
The gangsters, witnessing the extraordinary display of strength and skill, remained in stunned silence, unable to comprehend the true extent of the encounter they had just witnessed. As Aries collapsed to the ground, exhaustion washed over her like a tidal wave. Her body ached, her muscles trembling from the intensity of the battle. Kalden hurried to her side, concern etched on his face, and placed an awkward hand on her back for support.
Coughing and desperate for water, Aries felt drained of all the extra energy that had surged through her during the fight. Her body had given everything it had, and now she was paying the price. Sore, bloodied, and with a cracked rib cage, she struggled to catch her breath.
Her hands and nose were bloodied, and her entire body was drenched in sweat. Shivering from the exertion, she reached for the canteen of water that Kalden offered her. Quietly, she regarded him with gratitude in her eyes.
With trembling hands, she unscrewed the lid and drank deeply from the canteen, the cool water soothing her parched throat. The liquid trickled down her throat, providing much-needed relief.
After quenching her thirst, Aries leaned back, leaning against a nearby wall for support. She took a few deep breaths, attempting to steady her trembling body. Kalden remained by her side, his presence a reassuring comfort.
"You were amazing back there," Kalden said, his voice filled with admiration. "I've never seen anyone fight like you." Aries managed a faint smile, though the pain still etched lines on her face.
Kalden gently helped Aries back into their room at the inn, making sure she was comfortable in bed before sitting nearby, keeping a watchful eye on her. As they waited for the arrival of a medical professional to tend to her injuries, Aries found her thoughts consumed by the mysteries that seemed to follow her relentlessly.
The name Darkwood continued to haunt her, the feeling of familiarity nagging at her mind. She couldn't shake the sense that it held a significant connection to her past, yet the pieces remained elusive, refusing to fit together.
The dream and the drawing she had shared with Kalden only added to the complexity of her thoughts. There was something meaningful about it, a message or a sign she couldn't decipher yet. But in the midst of all the uncertainty, one thing became clear to her: she wanted to trust Kalden wholeheartedly.
Despite her reservations about opening up to others, Aries felt a deep connection with Kalden, a bond that went beyond mere friendship. His unwavering support and understanding had proven invaluable, especially during times of danger and adversity.
In that moment, lying in bed and nursing her wounds, she realized that she was grateful for his presence in her life. She decided to fully trust him, confiding in him about her fears, her doubts, and her past. She knew that having someone to share her burdens with could lighten the weight on her shoulders.
With a sigh, Aries made a conscious choice to set aside her worries for the time being and allow herself to rest. The events of the day had taken a toll on her body and mind, and she knew that she needed to recover fully. Closing her eyes, she pushed away the nagging thoughts and embraced the comfort of the present moment.
As she drifted off to sleep, she felt a sense of peace wash over her, knowing that she didn't have to face the challenges alone. With Kalden by her side, she had a trusted companion to support her on her journey, and that thought brought her a measure of solace in the midst of uncertainty.

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Author note: so. What do yall think abt Viper?
Will you see her again?
Is she the enemy?
Is she important?

You wait and fond out.

But first, tell me ur thoughts on her in the comments 👇💅