CHAPTER 05 | GRIEF "Anger that comes from sadness is the most ugliest form of rage." ___
JUNG HOSEOK
I continued my journey through the woods, clutching my dagger tightly in my hand. The crunch of my boots against the leaves was the only sound until I heard laughter, unmistakably that of Zivians. I quickly took cover behind a tree and cautiously peered around. There were three of them: two appeared intoxicated, while the third was fast asleep. This was not a favorable situation. If the Zivians were this close to Gwyar, it could mean they were expanding their search. Were they possibly looking for Lycus and Nyx due to the disturbance caused back at Magnus? It was a grim possibility.
I tightened my grip on my dagger, threading my thumb through the hole at the top of the handle. My focus was on the hunter closest to me, the one on the right.
"King Axel really stashed away a prize in the dungeons. Shame I didn't get a turn with her like you did," one of the hunters boasted, glancing at the other. "I bet it was quite the experience. Like taming one of those beasts in these woods."
My anger surged, my blood boiling as they grinned with satisfaction. Their laughter continued. "She was incredible, Arnold. Can't say I was the only one who enjoyed her company, but I'm damn proud to say I was one of them!"
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ZIVIAN ONE
My comrades and I set up camp deep in the woods of Gwyar. King Axel Lazarus had ordered us to capture Nyx and the individual who aided in her escape, with the directive to return with her head. It was unfortunate that she had evaded us with the assistance of those pests, but once we apprehended her, we planned to exact whatever vengeance we desired before returning her to Magnus. After all, we were in the wilderness where nothing could impede us.
While Vincent slept on the ground, Arnold and I drank our beers and exchanged stories of our past adventures. Amidst our conversation, I suddenly heard a spiraling whistle behind us. When I glanced over my shoulder, I witnessed a knife piercing through Arnold's head, causing his blood to splatter across my face before his lifeless body collapsed to the ground.
Another blade whizzed through the air and embedded itself in a nearby tree. Upon inspecting the blade, I realized we were under attack by vampires. "Vampires!" I exclaimed as I leaped to my feet and drew my blade, letting out a battle cry.
Vincent awakened and armed himself as well. We braced ourselves and cautiously circled each other as the sound of footsteps echoed through the night, signaling that we were surrounded. I trembled with fear as Vincent audibly swallowed. Suddenly, another dagger grazed my cheek, drawing blood, before an eerie silence fell upon us.
This was our chance.
"Now, Vincent!" I commanded. Vincent nodded in understanding and seized one of the molotovs, hurling it toward the source of the footsteps. The explosion ignited a massive wall of flames, engulfing the dead leaves and generating thick smoke.
