a gorgeous white by Heather_anare

293: The trap within the darkness

"Achoo!"

Jagra rubbed his nose with his sleeve. He could stand the freezing cold anymore. It was already too dark to see, and the cold was beyond annoying. He couldn't stop shivering. But he thinks it is a good thing. He would be able to stay awake, being bothered by the freeze and the frightening darkness around him. He gripped the hidden dagger strapped to the side of his waist as he walked. The sound of his steps was the only loud thing that entered his ears. Everything else was ominously quiet as though deathly energy has enveloped the dark woods.

"Hey, are you alright?"

Jagra turned to his side, finally realizing that he wasn't walking alone. The silver eyes beauty walked to his side, gripping the hilt of his sword vigilantly. Jagra sniffed and exhaled a shuddering breath. "I'm freezing and worried."

Silver eyes blinked. Moulin helplessly looked at him. "I know. But we have to keep moving. We're separated from the others, but it doesn't mean you are alone. I am here with you."

Jagra sighed and nodded. "Yes, it just annoys me that I'm the only person who's shivering here."

Moulin chuckled and comforted him with a few pats on his back. The young aphrodite then lowered his head, noticing the little beast in his bag, poking out its head and sniffing the air.

'Snow senses something,' Moulin thought as he raised his gaze with narrowed eyes. Jagra was quick to notice Moulin's abrupt caution. He quickly stepped closer to his friend, gripping the knives within his cloak, and surveyed the area carefully.

They only have each other and their senses to rely on in getting through the woods. It was already concerning enough that they had to split when they enter the woods, pitch black, enveloped by darkness. Jagra hoped they wouldn't be facing something massive and terrifying tonight, but he guessed that would never be the case.

Snap!

Moulin abruptly widened his eyes as a whooshing sound rapidly headed towards them. He instantly raised his hand to stop Jagra from moving another step forward. And in the next second, a flash of metal whizzed from the side, shooting right before their eyes. Instead of piercing their necks, it hit the tree when it missed its target with a loud stab.

Jagra jerked back cautiously. His eyes began to sweep around the area. However, he could not see anything.

"Jagra, they're here," Moulin whispered. He took out his sword and raised his gaze. Snow was growling, but he stayed in his master's bag, awaiting Moulin's command.

"What's here?" Jagra said with knees bent, ready to hurl his weapons.

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

The sound of boots heavily landing on the leaf-covered ground noised around the two maeruthans. The sound of heavy footsteps followed.

Moulin guessed three people.

Clink!

Suddenly, a bright light flashed-the tiny flame of a small lighter. It was small but bright enough to reveal the figures. Moulin and Jagra briefly squinted their eyes, allowing their vision to adjust to the exposure of the light.

"Well, what do we have here?" A gruff voice spoke. The man pulled down his hood and tilted his head, revealing his heavily bearded face. He stepped a little too close to Moulin, allowing the youth to smell the putrid breath of the man.

The man raised his brows, "I thought it was one of those darn foreigners, but this is way better!" He grinned, flashing his uneven teeth.

Suddenly, the other two hurriedly when to grab Moulin and Jagra. However, Moulin swiftly raised his sword and swung it before him, making the three back away a few steps. Jagra glared as he revealed his daggers, spinning them in his hands.