Derrick walked through the crowded streets, his eyes scanning the faces around him. Fear lingered in the air, and he could sense the whispers following him. People avoided him, crossing the street to evade his path. The hybrid's reputation preceded him, striking fear into the hearts of those who knew what he was capable of.
As he entered the local tavern, the patrons fell silent. Derrick's presence commanded attention, his piercing gaze sweeping across the room. The bartender nervously polished a mug, his eyes darting towards Derrick. "What can I get you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Derrick's deep voice resonated through the room. "Just whiskey." The bartender hastily poured the drink, his hands shaking slightly as he handed it over.
The room remained hushed, conversations paused as people watched him. Derrick sipped his drink, savoring the burn. Being feared wasn't ideal, but it kept people at bay. Little did they know, he was more complex than his reputation suggested.
Derrick's thoughts drifted to his past, to the struggles he had faced as a hybrid. Neither fully accepted by the magical nor non-magical communities, he had learned to rely on his wits and strength to survive. The weight of his mixed heritage bore down on him, making every step a calculated risk.
As he finished his drink, the door swung open, and a group of rough-looking men entered. Their eyes locked onto Derrick, and the air grew thick with tension. The leader, a burly man with a scar above his eyebrow, sneered. "You're still in town, hybrid. Thought you'd have left by now."
Derrick's gaze narrowed, his eyes flashing with a hint of warning. The room held its breath, anticipating the confrontation. But Derrick simply stood, his movements fluid as he tossed a coin on the bar. "Just passing through," he said, his voice low and even.
The men exchanged glances, seemingly uncertain how to react. After a moment, they backed down, retreating to a corner of the tavern. Derrick watched them, his eyes never leaving their table. He knew the game, knew how to play it. But the tension lingered, a reminder that in this world, respect was earned through strength and fear.