☆Chapter 6☆

As the dust settled around the well, Maya stretched her arms

over her head, loosening her muscles after the short but amusing skirmish. The

two mercenaries remained crumpled on the ground, groaning in pain, but Maya

paid them little attention. Her focus was now on Xavier's retreating form. The

vampire had been arrogant, but he wasn't foolish. He knew when to retreat, but

his vow to return made her pulse quicken with anticipation.

The thrill of a proper challenge.

Maya turned her attention back to the town, the first rays

of dawn casting a golden hue over the landscape. A few of the townsfolk had

begun to gather at the edge of the road, cautiously approaching after hearing

the commotion. Whispers floated through the air as they exchanged fearful

glances, no doubt wondering if the infamous Crimson Twilight gang had descended

on them once more.

Maya smirked, dusting off her hands as she made her way back

toward the growing crowd. The air was tense, the fear palpable in their eyes,

but as they caught sight of her, something changed. The fear gave way to awe,

then cautious relief. A woman who had single-handedly taken down two of the

gang's strongest enforcers, and lived to tell the tale, was no ordinary

traveler.

As she stepped closer, a brave-looking young man with dark,

tousled hair stepped forward from the crowd, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"You... you fought them?"

Maya stopped, raising an eyebrow at him. "Fought and won,"

she said with a shrug, her voice nonchalant. "Though, to be fair, they weren't

exactly worth my time."

The townspeople exchanged astonished glances, the murmurs

growing louder. "She took down the Crimson Twilight men," someone whispered.

"And Xavier fled!"

Maya laughed softly, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Well, if that's what you're all worried about, consider it handled. Xavier

won't be causing any trouble here for a while."

Another voice, this one belonging to an older woman with

graying hair, called out from the crowd. "Are you sure he won't return? That

man's dangerous! He's not the kind to forget a slight!"

Maya grinned, her molten blue eyes glowing faintly. "Oh, I'm

counting on it. Let him come back. I'm not afraid of a vampire, or his little

gang of thugs."

The young man who had first spoken stepped forward again,

his expression shifting from fear to gratitude. "You saved us. The Crimson

Twilight's been terrorizing this town for months, stealing what little we have

and threatening anyone who dares stand up to them. You might have just changed

everything for us."

Maya tilted her head, amused by his earnestness. "It was

nothing. Honestly, I was just bored."

Despite her nonchalance, the gratitude from the crowd was

undeniable. The tension in the air had shifted completely, the once-fearful

townsfolk now looking at her with admiration and hope. She had done more than

defeat a few thugs, she had given them a glimpse of what it was like to stand

up to their oppressors.

The young man's eyes lit up with an idea, and he quickly

stepped forward, his voice rising so the whole town could hear. "For her

bravery and heroism in standing up to the Crimson Twilight, I say we offer her

a reward!" A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd, and the young man

beamed. "Free lodging, food, and drink at the tavern for as long as she stays

in town!"

The crowd cheered, their relief evident now that the

immediate threat had passed. Maya smiled, pleased by the reaction, though in

truth, it wasn't the free lodging or meals that excited her. The fight had

stirred something inside her, an old hunger, a yearning for more. Xavier had

been a diversion, but now that she knew the world had more dangers lurking in

its shadows, she wanted something bigger. Something more challenging.

A larger stage.

She chuckled to herself as the crowd continued to cheer,

basking in the temporary glory of her deeds. It was all just part of the game

for her, a way to pass the time until the next thrill presented itself. But

perhaps there was something more to this world than petty gangsters and minor

squabbles. Perhaps somewhere out there, someone or something could provide her

with the excitement she craved.

The town's gratitude was nice, of course, but her gaze was

already on the horizon, thinking of what lay beyond this little village. The

capital city. The king.

"Thank you, thank you," she said, waving a hand in mock

humility as the crowd continued to cheer her on. "But really, it's all in a

day's work."

The young man grinned at her, clearly starstruck. "Please,

come with us back to the tavern! We'll prepare a feast in your honor."

Maya nodded, though her mind was already miles ahead. The

vampire leader's retreat had sparked her curiosity, and she couldn't help but

wonder how deep this gang's influence went. If there were bigger players in the

capital, if there were threats beyond what she'd just faced, it would be worth

a visit.

The excitement that thrummed in her veins only grew

stronger. Maybe the capital held the challenges she was looking for.

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