Chapter 22: Unforeseen Confrontation

The day had taken a serendipitous turn as I found myself once again in the presence of Alexander. Just as I was about to greet him, the atmosphere shifted. A commotion erupted nearby, drawing our attention like a magnet.

Amidst the chaotic scene, a man emerged, a maelstrom of fireballs swirling around him. His presence was inexplicably foreboding, and an eerie sense of malice hung in the air. The crowd gasped, and I could feel an incongruity emanating from the man, as if he did not belong in our world.

Without warning, the fireballs surrounding him spiraled outward, flying in all directions, one of which hurtled menacingly toward us. My instinct kicked in, and I prepared to employ my telepathy to shield us from the impending danger. However, before I could act, a strong arm encircled my waist, yanking me away from the fiery projectile.

The gun case I had been clutching slipped from my grasp, tumbling to the ground. I found myself sprawled on top of Alexander, a jumble of surprise and relief coursing through me. Before we could exchange a word, our gaze was drawn back to the man, who now charged toward us, his coat ablaze with flames.

With an urgency that left no room for hesitation, I helped Alexander to his feet and guided him away from the approaching threat. It was becoming evident that this rampaging figure was targeting us for reasons unknown.

In a desperate bid for self-preservation, I telepathically unlocked my gun case, a method of firearm retrieval I had not practiced until now. The lock yielded to my mental force, and I summoned one of the pistols toward me, catching it expertly.

My hands were steady as I fired shots at the encroaching menace. The recoil jolted the weapon upward with each discharge, but I utilized my telepathic control to maintain a firm grip and direct my aim with precision. Bullets struck the man's chest, tearing through the fiery shroud that surrounded him. Despite the unnatural flames that clung to his body, he was made of flesh, vulnerable to the projectiles. Agony contorted his face as he crumpled to the ground.

Before I could decide on my next course of action, the wailing sirens of approaching police cars pierced the chaos. The man was soon doused with a jet of water, extinguishing the flames that had enveloped him, and he was promptly handcuffed.

However, my involvement in the unfolding events did not go unnoticed. Police officers descended upon the scene, and I found myself detained alongside Alexander. He tried to reason with the authorities, insisting that we were victims in this unexpected ordeal. Despite his efforts, I was led away to the police station for questioning.

Silence shrouded me during the journey, a determination to protect the secret of my telepathic abilities firmly rooted in my mind. The events of the day had taken a startling turn, and as I entered the precinct, a sense of unease settled over me—an uncertainty that loomed like an unspoken question.