"Shadows in the Night"

The figure emerged from the darkness, its presence sending a chill down my spine. Hange's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed intently on the stranger. Without hesitation, he drew his sword, the metal glinting in the fading light of the sun. "Who are you?" Hange demanded, his voice firm and commanding. The sword trembled slightly in his hand, but his arm remained steady, his eyes locked on the figure. The stranger didn't flinch, didn't back down. Instead, it took a step closer, its features still shrouded in shadows. I felt a surge of fear, my heart racing in my chest. Hange's arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me close as he continued to face the stranger. "Don't worry, I've got you," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. His voice was a gentle reassurance, but his eyes remained fixed on the stranger, his sword still at the ready. The stranger finally stopped moving, its presence seeming to fill the air with an unspeakable menace. Hange's grip on my waist tightened, his arm a barrier between me and the unknown danger. "Answer me," Hange repeated, his voice growing more insistent. "Who are you, and what do you want?" The stranger remained silent, its presence seeming to grow more imposing with each passing moment. I felt Hange's muscles tense, his body coiled and ready to spring into action. Suddenly, the stranger raised a hand, and a faint light flickered to life in its palm. The light cast eerie shadows on the ground, making it seem as though the very darkness itself was moving and twisting. Hange's grip on my waist tightened further, his sword still poised, ready to strike. I held my breath, waiting to see what would happen next, as the stranger's eyes locked onto us, and a low, menacing smile spread across its face.