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Coil

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The clunking of wheels against dirt fills the silence the four of us are sitting in. I take the opportunity to get a better look at the man. He’s fatter than average, his sausage-like fingers are adorned with rings, and his clothes are colorful and seem well-made. Realizing we may have been helped by someone important, I decide to kiss ass.

I grin at the portly man and lay on a silky voice. “Thank you so much, sir, we were in a dire situation there!” Clasping my hands in front of me, I bow my head slightly.

He responds with a curt grunt, before giving us a good once-over. “Where the hell you kids from? You don’t look like you’re from around here." The man gestures to our pale complexions. Compared to his chestnut-toned skin, we look like living snow.

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Gears spinning in my head, I try to come up with a believable explanation. Before I can say anything, Zenith interrupts me. “We aren’t from here. We were captured weeks ago by a bandit gang. We escaped in these woods when they started fighting with each other over something. We don’t have any idea where we are." She gives the man a pathetic look, eyes tearing up.

Goddamn, she’s a good actress. The man’s harsh gaze slowly melts, revealing one of empathy. “Well, I’m glad I found you before something that lives here does.This forest is called the deathglades around here. No one comes anywhere near here without some kind of travelbeast to protect them." He looks out the small carriage window. “There are some nasty beasties in these woods." Shifting his gaze back to us, he reassures us. “I’ll make sure you’re alright once we get into town. I very well can’t just chuck you folks onto the street after going through such an ordeal!" A warm smile stretches his mustache. “The name’s Cleave Holdings, what’re your names, kids?”

Disarmed by his unexpectedly kind attitude, I answer without thinking. “I’m Coil, sir."

“My name’s Zenith," the two next to me say in unison. Before I can try to cover for them, my vision fades to black.