𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 - 𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘱𝘯

𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘟𝘟𝘐

𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍 𝐀𝐑𝐂

𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐍𝐄
___________

Your sight slowly clears from a foggy blur, with each moment bringing a surge of discomfort and confusion as you gradually come to. Your body feels like it's pinned down, and the room swirls around you, making you feel dizzy.

The scent of damp earth and the chilliness of the air is the first thing you notice. There's a dull ache at the back of your head, and you groan softly, bringing a hand up to touch the tender spot.

Blinking seems to take all your effort, and your muscles throb with pain, making you wince.

Recollections of your fall start to gradually come back, fueling your unease. The sharp jagged rocks, the terrifying drop, and the last thing you remember was the wind rushing past your ears as you fell. You feel queasy, and the thought of moving even slightly is daunting, as your body feels like a ton of bricks.

'What's going on... where am I?' Fear and confusion engulf you as you try to piece together what's going on right now.

"Ah, you're finally awake." a man's deep voice echoes in the quiet room. It's a voice you've never heard before. As your eyes flutter open, a shadowy figure towers over you, a man's shape. But as your sight sharpens - this isn't a man, it's a demon.

"I was starting to think you'd never wake up." he remarks, kneeling down next to you. Half of his upper face is covered with a mask, and his hair is as black as the night sky. His skin is a pale grey, and his large physique underneath pure black clothing.

There's a calmness about him that is both unnerving and comforting at the same time.

Summoning the strength to speak, you manage to whisper, "You... who are you?" Your eyes dart around your surroundings. The room is dimly lit, with only a single camp fire flickering in the corner. "Where am I?"

The demon gives a small smile, "I'm Salvus." He then pours tea from a kettle into a cup. "I stumbled upon you nearly lifeless at the bottom of the cliff."

Trying to sit up, pain shoots through your body. "You're a demon." you murmur. "Are you a Heathen?"

His gaze, a deep abyss of curiosity and caution, turns towards you. "How do you know?" His voice filled with curiosity.

With a strong effort, you manage to sit up, your breath coming in ragged gasps. "I don't." you reply, your voice barely a whisper, your eyes scanning the surroundings.

You're in a tunnel, similar to the ones Sonju created. A sense of familiarity in an otherwise unfamiliar setting. "What's going on?" you question softly, your voice barely echoing off the tunnel walls as you turn to face him. "Where Emma and Ray... and that man?"

"Well, I found you alone." he sighs, a sound filled with a mixture of relief and concern. He extends his hand, offering you a cup of tea. You take it, cradling it in your hands, the warmth seeping into your skin, but you refrain from drinking. "You've been unconscious for a week and a half."

Your eyes widen in disbelief, your heart pounding against your ribcage. "A week and a half?"

"That's right," he nods, his movements slow and deliberate. "I assume you rolled off the cliff and hit your head on one of the rocks. You're lucky I was the one who found you."

"I have to go." you say, your voice filled with urgency. You place your cup down as you try to stand up. But Salvus is quicker. He grasps your shoulders, gently sitting you back down.