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Chapter 64: The Hunter’s Smile

Chapter 64: The Hunter’s Smile

Adam moved quietly through the mall, his sharp senses focused on the directions Sona had given him.

His steps were deliberate, measured, and unassuming, blending seamlessly into the crowd around him.

The second floor of the mall was bustling with activity—families meandering between stores, couples window-shopping, and groups of teenagers laughing and chatting.

Adam’s calm demeanor belied the tension simmering within him as he approached the designated spot.

A Jewelry Shop, Crowded and Bright

Adam’s eyes landed on a bustling jewelry store ahead.

Its polished glass displays sparkled under the bright lights, attracting a steady stream of customers.

Couples admired necklaces and rings with gleaming eyes, while young women debated between styles, their voices rising in excited chatter.

The air smelled faintly of metal polish and perfume. Adam slowed his pace, pretending to browse, his sharp eyes scanning the scene.

Perched on his shoulder, Sona, the tiny golden psychic spirit with a sharp mind and an even sharper tongue, fluffed her skin and observed the store intently.

Her small size allowed her to remain inconspicuous amidst the crowd.

"Go inside," Adam whispered to her under his breath, his voice calm but commanding. "Tell me if you sense anything unusual."

Sona tilted her head, her blue eyes gleaming with intelligence.

With a quick flutter of her wings, she took off, weaving skillfully through the shop’s entrance.

Adam followed her progress, maintaining his façade by studying a display of intricate earrings near the entrance.

Inside, the shop was a hive of activity. Customers discussed designs with sales assistants, and the gentle hum of conversation filled the air.

Sona’s small frame glided effortlessly above their heads, unnoticed.

Suddenly, her senses prickled. Among the pleasant atmosphere, she detected something sinister—a faint trace of murderous intent.

Her gaze locked onto a middle-aged shopkeeper behind the main counter.

He wore a polite smile as he attended to a customer, his movements professional and precise.

But Sona saw deeper. A subtle, red aura radiated faintly from him—a chilling signal of danger.

She hovered, her feathers trembling slightly as she focused. It’s him, she confirmed telepathically to Adam.

Adam’s gaze shifted discreetly toward the man.

From a distance, the shopkeeper appeared entirely normal, engaging his customer with a calm, professional demeanor.

But Adam trusted Sona’s judgment.

"Keep an eye on him," Adam instructed her. "I’ll wait outside."

Without drawing attention to himself, Adam exited the shop and blended back into the crowd.

---

The second floor of the mall was alive with activity.

Parents wrangled excited children, teenagers flocked to the arcade, and groups strolled between shops. Adam leaned against a railing, his mind racing.

If this man is as dangerous as Sona suggests, I can’t act recklessly, he thought.

One wrong move could endanger everyone here. His eyes scanned the bustling scene, searching for a vantage point. Across the floor, a cozy coffee shop caught his attention.

"Sona," he spoke telepathically. "I’m heading to the coffee shop opposite your position. Keep watching him, and alert me if anything changes."

"Understood, my Lord," Sona replied, her voice tinged with amusement. "I’ll let you know if he so much as breathes funny."

Adam smirked faintly at her sharp wit, then made his way to the coffee shop.

Finding a table with a clear view of the jewelry store, he settled in and ordered a coffee.

The warm aroma filled his senses, grounding him as he began his long vigil.

---

Hours passed. The mall’s energy ebbed and flowed, and the sky outside the glass roof shifted from bright blue to the soft hues of evening.

Adam remained at his table, a small collection of empty plates and cups accumulating before him.

He glanced at his watch. It was nearly 7:00 PM. His body ached from sitting so long, but he remained alert.

"Sona," he called out telepathically. "Any updates?"

From her perch inside the shop, Sona sighed audibly.

She sat atop a display rack, her sharp eyes fixed on the shopkeeper. "He hasn’t moved all day," she replied, her tone weary. "But I’ve noticed something odd—his smile never fades. It’s like he’s wearing a mask. Fake, unsettling."

Adam frowned, intrigued. "We’ll confront him once he’s alone. Keep me posted."

Moments later, the shopkeeper glanced at his watch and began packing up for the day. Sona immediately alerted Adam.

"He’s getting ready to leave!" she chirped urgently. "You’d better move, or we’ll lose him."

Adam stood abruptly, tossing a few bills onto the table before heading out.

Adam watched from a distance as the shopkeeper descended to the ground floor via a lift.

Sona hovered above him, her tiny form blending into the dim lighting of the parking lot.

"Hold him if he tries to escape," Adam instructed.

"Don’t worry," she replied confidently. "He’s not going anywhere."

Adam took the stairs, descending quickly to keep up with the lift. His breaths came faster as he pushed his body to maintain the pace.

By the time he reached the ground floor, the shopkeeper had moved toward the parking lot.

Careful to stay unnoticed, Adam followed, keeping his distance and ducking behind pillars when necessary.

The parking lot was dimly lit, the air heavy with the faint smell of gasoline.

"Any signs of other people?" Adam asked Sona.

"None," she replied. "It’s just us and him."

Adam nodded, a plan forming in his mind.

---

The shopkeeper suddenly stopped, sensing Adam’s presence. He turned, his eyes narrowing as they fell on the young man approaching him.

"Can I help you with something?" the shopkeeper asked, his polite tone laced with suspicion.

Adam smirked. "Actually, yes. I think you might have something I need."

The shopkeeper’s demeanor shifted instantly. His polite smile vanished, replaced by a menacing glare. "You shouldn’t be here, boy," he growled, his voice low and threatening. "If I lose control, not even I know what will happen to you."

Adam raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Lose control, huh? Sounds interesting. Why don’t you show me what happens when you do?"

The man exhaled sharply, his body tensing as his face contorted with a manic grin. His eyes glinted with hunger, and a thin line of saliva dripped from the corner of his mouth.

"You have no idea how much I’ve been holding back," he snarled, running a hand along his throat. "I need blood. Your blood!"

Adam’s heart pounded as he took in the shopkeeper’s transformation. The unsettling display only confirmed his suspicions—this man wasn’t ordinary.

As the tension crackled between them, Adam clenched his fists, ready for whatever came next.

The Chapter ends here.

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