“A Demon Hunter like you? How could...,” Ben's words trailed off. He knew how strong Ethan was. He had seen it himself-how this man stood unwavering despite being shotgunned, how he kept moving forward despite being thrown molotovs.But his eyes were now fixed on something different. The blood seeping from Ethan's stomach. Ben's breath caught. Slowly, he raised his gaze, looking directly into Ethan's face. There was something in the man's eyes-something Ben had never seen before. Doubt. “You... who can't be pierced by bullets, who doesn't even falter in fire... could be hurt by that thing?”Ethan was silent. His jaw hardened slightly. He hated this fact, but he knew there was no point in denying it. Slowly, he nodded.Ben swallowed. If Ethan could get hurt, then... what could anyone else do?Ethan took a deep breath. His voice was low, but there was something in it-weight, certainty, and an inviolable truth. “You need to get out.”Ben remained silent. Inside his chest, a battle betwee

Freya brought a glass of Ginger Ale to Ben who had been pacing restlessly by the window. Slowly, she placed the drink on the table before turning to her father. However, Ben remained glued to the windowpane, his eyes full of anxiety as if hoping Ethan would appear at any moment. The wound on his arm was still gaping, but the worry in his chest far outweighed the pain.Freya stepped closer, hesitating for a moment before gently touching Ben's shoulder. “Dad, calm down. Mr. Ethan will help you,” she said, trying to channel a bit of calm through her words.However, Ben just shook his head, his breathing heavy as if he was holding something inside his chest. “You don't know what's in there, Freya,” his voice was lower, almost a murmur. “Those Wendigo's are different than before.”Ben clenched his hands, his jaw hardening as his mind drifted back to what he'd seen in the mine. He looked back at the window, his gaze filled with a fear he couldn't hide. “Lord Ethan is in a life-and-death sta