Into the Home of Demons

prologue

The air was light and breathable, the sunshine warm against his skin as he lay asleep, basking on top of a smoothed-over boulder. It wasn't the most comfortable position, but it was just enough so that he didn't exactly want to move.

Gavin had been having this dream quite a bit recently, lazing about in the sunshine peering over a nearly empty meadow. The only thing that ever accompanied him and his boulder was the lonesome willow tree, blowing softly in a near still breeze. Gavin never really took the time to check out the tree, preferring to lounge about. He'd rather have the uninterrupted rest, after all.

However, tonight's dream felt different. Felt off. No matter how hard he tried to ignore it, Gavin could feel something's gaze boring holes into him, and it made him queasy. With a sigh, he finally broke his previously unbroken rule: don't leave the rock.

His feet hit the ground, and his eyes finally fluttered open as he stood up on tired legs. In front of him, the expanse of green meadow and blue sky seemed to stretch on forever. That wasn't where the stare was coming from. No, it was emanating from the tree behind him. With another weary sigh, Gavin turned, his eyes squinted to see if he could figure out what was scrutinizing his every breath.

A hole bored into the trunk of the tree that was normally empty was now host to a pair of piercing eyes, the yellow sclera nearly engulfing the tiny slivers that made up the pupils. Shivers ran up Gavin's spine, and he took a step back. That wasn't normal at all.

The eyes seemed to get closer until a slender head poked its way out of the trunk hole, showing that the creature's entire body was a solid, inky black just like its pupils. It was almost cat-like in its appearance and its movements, and as it crept closer, Gavin continued to back up. His legs smacked against the boulder, though, and he realized he was stuck. Even if he managed to break out into a run, there was no doubt in his mind that the creature would catch him.

"Shit," he cursed under his breath. Even if it was just a dream, he really didn't feel like dying right now. With a growl, the creature lunged for him, and he tensed up in anticipation of its attack.

But it never came. Instead, a 'thwump' noise followed by a pained yowl pulled Gavin's eyes back open, and he watched as the little shadow creature dissolved around an arrow piercing its side, ultimately dissipating into the air.

"They'll be coming for you, now," a voice he didnt recognize woke him from his stupor, and he whirled around on his toes, eyes blown wide in surprise.

Off to his right stood a lanky figure, someone he had never met before. Their chin-length hair was wavy and grey, and their green eyes seemed to be searching Gavin's form. "Are you all right?"

"...uh, y-yeah," Gavin managed to choke out, and they just smiled softly at him. "Did you..y'know." He mimed shooting an arrow before pointing back at the last spot he had seen that creature, and the stranger's smile just grew.

"Why don't you ask me in person when you wake up?"

-----

Gavin started up out of bed, his forehead and hair soaked with a sheen of sweat. He couldn't remember having a dream that vivid in such a long time. Who was that? And why did they ask him to ask them in person? What?

He glanced over at the clock.

3:30am. Ugh, it was too early to think. So, he managed to get comfortable again before drifting back off into a more pleasant, dreamless sleep.