Hakate waited to see the look of shock on Caleb's face, but to his surprise, there was none.
Caleb's eyes bore deeply into Hakate's, his gaze unwavering.
"You aren't taking anyone else from me," he said firmly.
With a swift motion, he activated his Shadow Link transport.
Hakate watched, wide-eyed, as Naya and Alice disintegrated into particles, reappearing safely away from the silver spike.
"Don't... do..." Hakate gasped for air as Caleb's hands tightened around his throat. The icy grip spread like a plague, crawling up his neck and enveloping his entire head.
With a final, shattering sound, it fractured like fragile glass.
Caleb observed the shattered particles tumble to the ground. He looked around, drawing a deep sigh of relief upon seeing Alice and Naya safe and sound.
'I knew he would do something reckless; thankfully, I managed to use the Shadow Link,' Caleb thought, feeling somewhat relieved.
