Chapter 20: Snake in the Shadows

Elias’s stance shifted, his body coiled and ready to move. He was fast, strong, and perceptive, but he wasn’t invincible. A bullet, a knife, a well-placed blow – these could all harm him. He had to be strategic, to use his abilities wisely.

“You want to play rough?” Elias said, his voice a low growl that vibrated in the clearing. “Let’s play.”

He moved first, a black and white blur aimed at the two thugs. He wasn’t trying to incapacitate them; he was trying to distract them, to keep them off balance. He used his speed to weave around them, delivering quick jabs and kicks, pushing them away from Sarah.

One thug, burly and aggressive, swung a wild punch. Elias dodged easily, his enhanced reflexes allowing him to anticipate the movement. He countered with a sharp kick to the man’s ribs, sending him stumbling back.

The other thug tried to flank him, but Elias was already moving, a fluid change of direction that left the man disoriented. He grabbed the thug’s wrist, twisting it sharply, forcing him to drop a small, metallic object – a set of brass knuckles, Elias realized.

The leader, the one with the snake ring, watched the exchange with cold, calculating eyes. He didn’t intervene, but his gaze followed Elias’s every move as if assessing his capabilities.

Elias kept the two thugs occupied, his movements a whirlwind of controlled chaos. He was careful not to inflict serious harm; his goal was to subdue them, not to cripple them. He used his speed to wear them down, and his agility to avoid their clumsy attacks.

Meanwhile, he subtly directed Sarah towards the edge of the clearing, away from the fight. “Run,” he hissed to her, his voice low and urgent. “Get out of here. Go to the diner. Tell Martha to call Sheriff Brody.”

Sarah, still shaken but regaining her composure, nodded and fled into the trees, her footsteps muffled by the soft earth. Elias breathed a silent sigh of relief. She was safe, for now.

With Sarah out of danger, Elias could focus his attention on the three figures. The two thugs were winded and bruised, but they were still on their feet. The leader, however, remained calm, his eyes fixed on Elias.

“Impressive,” the leader said, his voice a low drawl. “You’re fast. But speed isn’t everything.”

He stepped forward, his movements slow and deliberate. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a knife, its blade gleaming in the moonlight. It wasn’t a large knife, but it was sharp, and it was clear that he knew how to use it.

The fight was about to escalate.