Seven Ways To The Abyss

DUEL OF FATE

Sofia often fantasised about a kinder world, one filled with bliss and peace. But, alas, such a world didn’t exist—not for her, at least. The cruelty of life was relentless, and peace was a fleeting dream, something that had ceased to exist long ago. Or maybe it was just her. Perhaps her existence had always been defined by bad luck, a twisted accident of fate.

Luck. It was never on her side. And today was no exception.

Her desperate attempt to flee from Damian had failed. No matter how far she ran, he always seemed to have one more trick up his sleeve. Before her legs could even hit the ground, she saw him—standing right in front of her.

What kind of  insane speed did he have? She thought

As always, he wore that irritating smirk, his curly hair whipping in the wind as he halted her movements with ease. "You're quite rude, Sofia," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. His eyes gleamed with a mix of mischief and madness, sending a chill through her.

He had been itching for a fight, and now that he finally had his chance, she tried to run?

No wonder the clan wants her dead

He should’ve been furious, but instead, he smiled. There was something about her—something that stopped him from just finishing her off. She had potential. Never before had he encountered someone like her. His usual opponents fell with one swift strike. But Sofia... she dodged, she countered. And even though he could tell she was starving, weakened, she fought back. He found it almost... admirable.

So instead of killing her outright, he watched. He followed her, silently waiting for her to feed again. Weeks passed. Two whole weeks without her tasting human flesh. She was growing weaker by the day. He had even *helped* her, luring her to the bridge, ensuring she would find the bodies. No one would have found this place—except him. Damian was exceptional.

Logically, he knew his behaviour was reckless. This was his first task for the clan, and he had the perfect opportunity to carry it out. Yet, here he was, letting his ego drive him. His pride demanded a fight—a *real* fight. His mother, if she were here, would’ve knocked some sense into him. But she wasn’t, and Damian did as he pleased. After all, he was no one’s puppet.

Well, except for his mother. He wouldn’t mind being her puppet.

Sofia was different, though. She was the cursed child, and Damian wanted to see if she lived up to the hype. Could she really be the one to challenge him? Or would she bore him, like all the others who had fallen before him?

"Let the games begin, Sofia," he whispered.

~~~

Perhaps it was dumb luck, but she dodged his attacks five times in a row. Or maybe—just maybe—he had met his match. Adrenaline pumped through his veins like fire. She was fast. Strong. He loved it.

Sofia, who had been conserving her energy since the fight began, finally let loose—or was it Elaina? In moments like these, she couldn’t quite tell. But for the first time in a long while, she found herself consumed by the heat of battle. This was no skirmish; it was a war.

Vines clashed and tangled in the air between them, neither managing to land a decisive blow. Each attack was more lethal than the last. They weren’t fighting on skill anymore—pure luck was their only ally. Sofia’s instincts screamed at her to flee. It was madness to fight him.

But Elaina wouldn’t allow it. Elaina *thrived* in madness.

Damian struck the first blow, and it gave him an  instant edge. Then came the second. Then the third. Each strike tore into Sofia’s body like fire, shattering her insides. If his earlier attacks were deadly, these were on a completely different level.

Before she could regain her footing, another vine came hurtling toward her.

She dodged it—in mid air?

No. It was just luck.

Another vine, slower this time. She dodged again. Then another. And another.

It was a trap.

Damian’s attacks weren’t slowing because he was tired; he was toying with her. Luring her into a false sense of control. By the time she realised it, it was too late.

*Smash.*

Her left rib cage shattered.

Damian’s laughter echoed in her ears. It was the most irritating sound in the world. For a moment, she thought he might show her mercy,  but one look in his eyes brought her back to reality. His vine rose into the air, ready to strike again.

It was coming for her.

Move!

But she couldn’t. Her body had been pushed beyond its limits. She was burned out. Beyond burned out.

She was... dying.

Don't be silly a voice inside her growled.

But Sofia could feel it—her vines recoiling, her blood pooling beneath her, warm and thick.

Warm blood.... that's nice...

What was so terrible about dying? After all, life hadn’t done her much good. Maybe death would be kinder. Her heart was slowing, and for a brief, flickering moment, she almost welcomed the darkness.

In my next life I want to be human, a happy child with a peaceful home, that's all I ask.

But death wasn’t a mercy she was allowed. Damian’s vine, initially aimed at her heart, struck her stomach instead. Pain rippled through her, sharp but not fatal.

Don't you dare take the easy way out

Damian’s eyes flared with fury. He hadn’t stalked her for two weeks just for her to die like this—weak and spineless.

“Bitch.”

Sofia coughed up blood, her chest heaving. Why hadn’t he killed her? Why didn't he end it? She was exhausted. Broken.

But Elaina wasn’t.