A maniacs stupid decision

Adrian stepped out of Elena's apartment building, the memory of their dinner still fresh in his mind. He was filled with a sense of contentment as he made his way down the street, the cool night air brushing against his skin. But his peaceful reverie was shattered by the sound of a scream echoing from inside Elena's apartment.

His heart leapt into his throat as he broke into a run, adrenaline coursing through his veins. He reached the door in record time, his hand already reaching for the handle when he heard the unmistakable sound of a crash from inside.

Without hesitation, Adrian burst through the door, his senses on high alert. The scene that greeted him was one of chaos and danger. Elena lay sprawled on the floor, a maniacal figure standing over her, a knife glinting in his hand.

Adrian's blood ran cold as he took in the sight. He could see the fear in Elena's eyes, but he also saw the determination. She was not going down without a fight.

"Let her go," Adrian growled, his voice low and dangerous.

The man turned to face him, a twisted grin spreading across his face. "Well, well, well. Looks like we have ourselves a hero."

Adrian moved forward cautiously, his mind racing with possibilities. The man was clearly a sorcerer, his eyes glowing with an unnatural light. But Adrian was no stranger to combat, and he knew he had to act fast if he was going to save Elena.

With a swift motion, Adrian lunged forward, aiming a punch at the man's face. But the sorcerer was quick, dodging the blow with ease and retaliating with a vicious kick to Adrian's side.

Pain exploded through Adrian's ribs, but he pushed through it, summoning his darkness to shield himself from further attacks. He could feel the darkness swirling around him, a tangible force that responded to his will.

The sorcerer laughed, a high-pitched sound that sent shivers down Adrian's spine. "Is that the best you've got, Detective?"

Adrian gritted his teeth, his fists clenched at his sides. He knew he couldn't let fear or pain distract him. He had to focus, to channel his anger and frustration into his attacks.

With a roar, Adrian launched himself at the sorcerer, raining blows down upon him with all the strength he could muster. The sorcerer fought back with equal ferocity, his movements wild and unpredictable.

The fight raged on, a blur of punches, kicks, and swirling darkness. Adrian could feel his muscles straining, his breath coming in ragged gasps. But he refused to give up, to let the sorcerer win.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Adrian saw his opening. With a well-placed kick, he knocked the knife from the sorcerer's hand and sent him sprawling to the ground.

Adrian moved quickly, pinning the sorcerer beneath him and delivering a final, decisive blow. The sorcerer slumped to the ground, unconscious and defeated.

Breathing heavily, Adrian rose to his feet, his body aching but his spirit soaring. He had won, he had saved Elena. But as he looked down at the sorcerer's prone form, he noticed something strange.

On the man's chest was a strange sigil, glowing faintly in the dim light of the apartment. Adrian didn't recognize it, but he knew it was important. He made a mental note to investigate further later.

For now, his priority was Elena. He knelt beside her, gently shaking her awake. She blinked groggily, her eyes slowly focusing on his face.

"Adrian?" she murmured, confusion clouding her features.

"It's okay, Elena," Adrian said, his voice soft and reassuring. "You're safe now."

She nodded weakly, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Thank you."

Adrian helped her to her feet, wrapping an arm around her for support. Together, they made their way out of the apartment, the night air cool against their skin.

As they walked, Adrian couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. The sigil on the sorcerer's chest haunted him, a reminder that there was still much they didn't know about the forces they were up against.

But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the present moment and the woman beside him. They had survived another ordeal, and as long as they faced the challenges ahead together, Adrian knew they would come out stronger on the other side.