Will of Wood [1]- Bellamy Blake

fearsome ✔️

       I trotted silently through the dense forest. My muscles tense and alert, as I glided through the thick greenery. I've done this plenty of times, i've walked among these trees since I was a child practicing; hunting. However that doesn't mean I liked it. All I needed was a good kill, then my clan would be proud. The word kill rested heavy on my heart, making my focus waver slightly. Blood, lifeless eyes. Each life I took, the heavier my heart seemed to become. Pushing the intense emotion away. The familiar weight of my bow rested in my hands, an arrow lined ready to strike. I promised Anya, Dina gon heda. Food for commander. I never let my sister down. I can't let her down. Not again.

As I galloped through the woods I let my mind wonder to dangerous places. Wondering if there was anything beyond this cruel lifestyle. Hunt, kill, war, repeat. A never ending vicious cycle leading to thousands of innocent lives lost. I was probably the most heart felt in our large tribe. Of course this was a weakness. However over the years I had grown more accustomed to our cruel ways. I have become better at hiding my feelings. My innocent facade however still shines through. My tribe still looks at me like I am a child, but they rely on me for my hunting skills. I am a perfect shot in my village. Anya had me trained amoung warriors, but never let me go to battle. I was a better scout, huntress. I hesitated too much when it came to murder.

Shaking my head at my thoughts I let my face confront in concentration, listening to the forest. Forcing all thoughts away from distracting me I relaxed. Taking a deep breathe of the crisp autumn air, I smiled lightly.

Suddenly a small snap of a twig made my ears perk up like a hound. A small smile grew on my face as I watched a large doe prance threw the long grass. Such grace and beauty left me frozen. My gaze locked as I watched it's long legs slide through the brush with ease. It's calm stance didn't waver, making my smile grow.

Rhea. You know what you have to do. my subconscious hushed.

Slowly I came out from behind the tree, lining my arrow with the doe I focused. Millions of throughs flew through my mind. I didn't want to kill this beautiful creature, but I couldn't let down my people. Or my sister. Gritting my teeth, I pulled my arrow back and closed an eye for accuracy. A soft whoosh echoed in the air as I watched my arrow soar; lodging itself within the deer's stomach. The sick sound on flesh ripping echoed into my ears as I watched my kill fall to the ground. My heart winced as I saw the doe's movements subside; from bleeding out and severe pain.

I have only heightened the fight in my heart but I have to kill. I knew we must eat so the deer must sacrifice, but I hated death. It was such a nasty word. Especially when I was the cause of it. Shaking my head I moved forward.

I approached my kill quickly, wanting to get home before other animals also smell my victory. Resting my gritty combat boot on the doe, I pulled my makeshift arrow free. My stomach getting queasy at the sight. Quickly i looked away with a pale face. Then I put my bloodied arrow back into the holder; strapped to my back.