The world stood still around Jade, a frozen moment in time, a delicate stillness that hung in the air like a heavy mist. The soldiers who had come to capture him were now statues, their limbs locked in mid-motion, their expressions frozen in a mixture of confusion and intent. The only movement was the soft breeze, which rippled through the leaves overhead, and Jade's own breath, shallow and hurried.
Rael stood beside him, equally frozen in place. But Jade could feel him, feel the tension in his muscles, the way he instinctively gripped the hilt of his blade even though time itself had stopped.
Jade had done this. He had somehow triggered this power, this ability to pause the flow of time. It was a strange sensation, like holding the world in his hands, knowing that everything was at his mercy. But the weight of that realization made his heart race in a way that wasn't entirely comfortable. He didn't know how to control it yet — didn't know how long it would last or how far he could stretch this power.
But he knew one thing: he couldn't let them take him. Not now. Not after everything.
His thoughts raced as he examined the frozen soldiers. The scarred man who had been the leader was the closest to him. Jade could see the gleam of his blade still raised, his fingers gripping the hilt in readiness. Jade's eyes narrowed. He needed to act fast.
Forcing his body to move through the frozen world, Jade approached the leader. He didn't know exactly how to use his ability, but the more he focused, the clearer his thoughts became. His hands shook slightly as he reached for the man's sword, lifting it with a surprising ease. The weapon was heavy, but it was manageable.
Rael, though frozen, seemed to be watching him with an expression of uncertainty. Jade wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but he could almost feel Rael's disapproval, a silent reprimand for using his power so recklessly.
Jade didn't have time to think about that. Time was limited. He had to make his move before the soldiers started to move again.
With a swift motion, he planted the sword into the dirt beside the man's still body. The action wasn't graceful, but it would keep the soldier's weapon out of reach. He moved on to the next one, repeating the process, his hands trembling as he worked.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Jade finished disarming them all. The soldiers were now harmless, weapons scattered around them like forgotten toys. The air was thick with silence, but it felt heavy, like the world was holding its breath.
He glanced back at Rael, who was still unmoving, his eyes locked on Jade, studying him intently. When Jade met his gaze, Rael gave him a small nod, a silent acknowledgment of what he had just done. It was a small victory, but it was one that Jade needed.
But just as Jade began to release the grip on his power, the world around him flickered. The tension in the air snapped, and everything came rushing back. Time resumed, the sound of the wind in the trees, the rustling of leaves, the distant murmur of the world continuing on.
And then, there was a voice.
"Did you think that would stop us?" The voice was cold, cutting through the air like a blade.
Jade turned quickly, his heart hammering. The scarred soldier, the leader, was already standing, as if nothing had happened. His eyes glowed with a strange, almost supernatural intensity. His hand reached for the sword Jade had left in the dirt, and with a swift motion, he pulled it from the ground.
"You're a fool if you think you can escape us that easily," the soldier said, his voice dripping with venom.
Jade felt his pulse quicken. He had only managed to buy himself a few seconds, but it hadn't been enough. The soldiers were still a threat, and time had already started slipping away from him again.
Rael's voice broke through his thoughts. "We need to leave, Jade. Now."
Jade turned to face him. Rael's expression was calm, but there was an urgency behind his words. It wasn't just the soldiers they were dealing with — it was something more.
The soldiers, now fully rearmed, began to move forward again, surrounding them. But Jade's thoughts were elsewhere. He had to think quickly.
Without warning, Jade felt the familiar hum in his chest again, the energy that had sparked inside him earlier. He reached out, his fingers trembling as he grasped the power once more. This time, however, he wasn't pausing time. Instead, he was calling upon the fire that had once burned so brightly within him, the flames that had been a part of him in his previous life.
The ground beneath his feet cracked as he focused, the heat building up around him. In an instant, a wave of flames shot from his hands, engulfing the soldiers who were closest to him. They were thrown back, their screams cutting through the air as the fire licked at their armor.
Jade wasn't finished. He wasn't sure how long he could maintain this power, but he didn't plan on waiting around to find out. His heart pounded in his chest as he threw his hands forward, the fire erupting in violent bursts, pushing the soldiers back.
Rael moved with purpose, his sword flashing as he took advantage of the chaos, cutting down any soldier who was foolish enough to get too close. Together, they moved like a well-oiled machine, Rael protecting Jade while Jade unleashed his flames to keep the soldiers at bay.
For a moment, Jade felt invincible. The power coursing through him was unlike anything he had ever experienced. But he couldn't let himself get lost in it.
"Go!" Rael shouted, his voice breaking through the haze of battle.
Jade didn't need to be told twice. He turned, sprinting toward the forest. Rael was right behind him, cutting down the last of the soldiers with a quick, decisive slash.
The two of them pushed forward, disappearing into the trees just as more soldiers arrived on the scene. They had made it out, but Jade knew this wasn't over. The prince's men wouldn't stop coming. They would never stop hunting him.
And Jade? He was only just beginning to understand what kind of power he held — and the price it would demand.