Jaden's sharp gaze bore into Mia as she stood frozen in place, her big eyes filled with a mix of fear and curiosity. He had seen many things in his life—demons, ruthless slayers, and betrayal—but this girl's boldness was something unusual. Who was she? And why was she so interested in DC and its demon slayers?
"You didn't answer me," Jaden said, his voice cold and distant. "Why are you spying on DC?"
Mia hesitated, rubbing her wrist where Jaden's grip had left a faint red mark. "I…I wasn't spying. I was just—"
"Just what?" Jaden cut her off, his tone sharp. He wasn't in the mood for games. His time was valuable, and he had an assignment to complete. The demon terrorizing the city needed to be dealt with, not some girl lurking around places she didn't belong.
Mia swallowed hard. She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "I admire demon slayers. I wanted to see them up close. That's all."
Jaden narrowed his eyes. Admire? That was new. Most people either feared demon slayers or despised them. Only a few saw them as heroes.
"Then you're a fool," he said bluntly. "You shouldn't be here. This isn't a place for people like you."
Mia frowned, her fear slowly being replaced by frustration. "People like me?" she echoed, crossing her arms. "And what does that mean?"
Jaden sighed. He didn't have time for this. "Go home. And don't come back." His voice carried a finality that left no room for argument.
But Mia wasn't done. "Wait!" she called out as Jaden turned to leave. "I've heard stories about you."
Jaden stopped but didn't turn around. "I don't care."
"You're the son of Lord Zu, aren't you?"
Silence.
A slow, burning rage built up inside Jaden. That name. That cursed name. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palm. Slowly, he turned back to face her. His eyes were colder than ever, his scar a reminder of the past she had just brought up.
"Leave. Now." His voice was dangerously low.
Mia's confidence wavered, but she stood her ground. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. I just… I think you're incredible. What you've been through, what you've become—it's inspiring."
Jaden scoffed. "Inspiring?" He shook his head. "You don't know anything about me."
Mia took a small step forward. "Then let me."
Jaden's patience was wearing thin. He had been through too much to let a stranger dig into his past. He took a step closer, towering over her. "Listen carefully," he said, his voice low and firm. "I'm not a hero. I'm not someone to admire. I am a weapon. And weapons don't make friends."
Mia stared at him, her eyes searching his face as if trying to find a crack in the armor he had built around himself. "Maybe not," she said softly. "But even weapons need someone to wield them."
Jaden exhaled sharply, frustrated by this girl's persistence. Without another word, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the shadows of the city.
Mia watched him go, her heart pounding. She had come to DC out of curiosity, but now, she was truly intrigued. The son of Lord Zu wasn't just a warrior—he was a man carrying the weight of a painful past. And something told her that their paths would cross again.
As Jaden walked through the dimly lit streets, his mind was troubled. He had a mission to complete, but Mia's words lingered in his mind. "Even weapons need someone to wield them."
He shook his head. He didn't need anyone. He had survived this long alone, and he would continue to do so. No matter what.