The Gate

Chapter Zero: The Sound of Silence

My silence was interrupted by the crunching of pine about 10 yards away. It was random, intentional. I hadn't heard them approach which means this disturbance was all but a mistake. I keep my eyes closed, will my breath to remain steady. They inch closer. Step by step until pain radiates through my back and out of my chest. I could feel a cold hand wrap around my heart as the face it belonged to appeared next to mine. "Dead." She whispered in a chilling, thirst filled voice. What she thirsted for, I wasn't sure. But she really made me mad. I collected myself and calmly moved my hand to grab her forearm.

"You ruined my peaceful morning." I seethed. I could feel her surprise, and when the realization hit that I wasn't human, the fear was almost palpable. Her hand remained closed around my heart, I could tell she wasn't sure what to do next. Making the choice for her, I tore it from my back and twisted as fast as I could, throwing her to the ground. I struggled to get up, my wound not yet fully healed, and dragged myself to where she laid.

"What are you?" She trembled, trying and obviously failing to keep her voice steady. I knelt down beside her. She was rather pretty. I set my hand on her thigh.

"I'm a Nephlim, you ass." And with that I broke her femur. If we weren't so deep into the forest I would be concerned for any passerby's hearing the animalistic scream she released. She managed to calm herself enough to ask;

"Why not just kill me?" I had considered it, but I figured if I'm going to start my life here I would need a reputation. Something to keep insects like her out of my mornings.

"Because i'd rather send a message." I replied truthfully. "But who knows? Maybe someday I'll get bored, track you down." I gave her a wink, and with that, I was gone.