They ran through the broken streets of the ruined city. The girl held his hand tightly to keep him close. Every step echoed as they moved past fallen walls and piles of rubble. Dust floated in the air, and a cold wind blew through the empty streets.
He was tired and out of breath. His legs felt weak, but the burning mark on his chest glowed brighter with every heartbeat. It felt strange, like it was alive and trying to warn him.
"Who are they?" he asked, looking nervously behind them.
"They are hunters," the girl said. "They want the power you carry. If they catch you, it will be the end, not only for you but for anyone who helps you."
He swallowed hard, scared. "Why me? Why do I have this mark?"
She looked at him with serious eyes. "Because you are marked by the God beneath the ruin. This mark connects you to a power older than this city. It is dangerous. Many have wanted this power, but few have survived."
He wanted to ask more, but suddenly, a tall figure stepped out from behind a broken wall. It wore dark clothes that moved in the wind, and its red eyes shone in the shadows. It looked cold and dangerous.
"Run!" the girl shouted, pulling him into a narrow alley.
They dodged through the ruins, careful not to trip on broken stones or fallen beams. The hunter's footsteps were close behind.
"We need to find a safe place," he said, trying to stay calm.
"There is an old shelter nearby," she said. "If we reach it, we might be safe."
The shelter was small and hidden under the remains of a fallen building. They slipped inside, and she quickly blocked the entrance with heavy rubble.
"Rest here," she told him. "You need to regain your strength. This is only the beginning."
He sat down, tired at last. The glowing mark still shone softly under his shirt. The girl sat beside him, watching the door.
"Why are you helping me?" he asked quietly.
She gave him a small, sad smile. "Because I believe you can change everything. But first, you must remember who you were. Only then will you understand your place in this world."
He looked down at the glowing mark again. Was it a curse? Or a gift?
Outside the shelter, shadows moved closer. The hunters were waiting.
His destiny was just beginning.