[https://i.imgur.com/c4LjpCQ.gif]

My breath misted in the frosty morning air, as I clutched my coat tightly, shivering against the biting gusts that whipped the grey fur about. Delicate snowflakes descended gently, blanketing the ground in a pristine layer of white that crunched beneath my boots.

I trudged along the dirt path toward town, my expression undoubtedly sombre. The allure of turning back tugged at me, but I resisted. However, I couldn’t deny that I might yield if Yuridia pursued me. Even though I knew it was unwise, my pace slackened in anticipation of her arrival.

Richard must have informed them I was running an errand in town; otherwise, I was certain my sister and mother would be right on my heels by now. Or perhaps they had accepted Richard’s words earlier.

I drew the fur hood over my head to ward off the chill nipping at my ears, which I knew were flushed crimson without needing to look. Though the temperature was undoubtedly frigid, I couldn’t help but feel a touch overdramatic. Typically, I reserved the fur coat for the harshest winter days, but today it seemed indispensable.

All my senses seemed heightened. Despite the distance, the scent of wood smoke wafting from the fireplaces in town was unusually potent. Buildings ahead stood out with razor-sharp clarity, each detail vividly defined. Even my footsteps resonated heavily with each stride.

This heightened sensitivity was not a reassuring development.

As I strolled past rows of log cabins adorned with wood-shingled roofs, villagers cast surreptitious glances at my heavily bandaged hand. They likely wondered, ‘What has Kade done this time?’. Injuries were not uncommon for me, but they remained ignorant of the fact that I had actually died—potentially twice in a single day.

The village bustled with its usual lively atmosphere: conversations and birdsong filled the air, thin tendrils of grey smoke curled from chimneys, and children revelled in the brisk weather, pelting each other with snow as dogs eagerly joined their frolic.

I knew I would miss my home, even with the monotony of most days.

My previous complaints now seemed inconsequential. In my brief sixteen years, I had never ventured beyond the village’s confines. Thoughts of exploring the world outside had flitted through my mind, but they were mere fleeting fantasies, never fuelled by the energy to become reality.

It seemed the nightstalker had left no victims in its wake, just as Richard had claimed… no one but me.

It must have been someone who spotted the ‘stalker’s approach and sounded their warning horn. That idea was actually my father’s brainchild: to equip everyone with a horn to alert the village of imminent danger. He would have been pleased to know it nearly worked flawlessly, if not for his foolish son, who ended up pursuing a massive purple crystal.

I sighed.

Had Father been here, he might have known how to deal with my predicament. He was well-versed in the ways of these creatures.

He had shared tales of the horrors that once haunted the countryside, when barricading doors at night was a routine practice. Sometimes, the ‘stalkers would batter doors down when starved of sustenance—although they still couldn’t cross the threshold. I wasn’t certain about the validity of this claim, particularly after the nightstalker had fallen through our barn’s roof.

I’d likely discover the truth soon enough.

My father could have effortlessly slain the beast. My survival was merely a stroke of luck. At the very least, Mother and Yuridia were safe, even if my own demise loomed nearby. Father would return from the war and protect them.

I was simply grateful no one had been hurt. A sombre atmosphere already weighed down our village following the resurgence of the war. Though we dwelled on the outskirts of civilisation, far from the tramp of marching armies, the Kingdom of Edrana still extended its recruitment efforts to our peaceful village.

Fortunately, they required only ten villagers to join their ranks. Out of our population of approximately two hundred, around forty were elderly, contributing primarily to childcare. My father and the other volunteers were of middle age, sparing the younger generation from conscription.

And now, I was about to diminish the value of their sacrifice by running off to meet my doom, like a dying hound.

Pitiful.

As I passed the large stone well sheltered by a canopy in the town centre, Nick bounded over, armed with a bow and a quiver slung across his leather-clad chest. He grasped his chin, surveying me from head to toe, silent as he circled.

His appraisal concluded as his dark brown eyes met mine. “Where are you headed, buddy?”

“Where are you going?” I echoed, ensuring my annoyance was palpable in my tone.

At just fourteen, Nick was already sent on hunting expeditions. He wasn’t a terrible person, but his favoured treatment irked me. Admittedly, this was my issue, yet it didn’t prevent me from directing my bitterness toward him. His smug expression, regardless of his demeanour, only made it easier.

I harboured too much envy toward others—a loathsome trait I couldn’t seem to shake. This was likely the reason people avoided me. And who could blame them? I was a self-absorbed fool with abysmal social skills.

Nick stood with hands on hips, grinning. “I’m off to hunt some deer seeking shelter in the caves. This unanticipated snowfall has probably driven them there. You should join. I’ll even let you claim credit for the kill.”

People genuinely pitied me, didn’t they? This thought boiled inside of me, but I maintained my deadpan expression.

“I’ll have to pass on that.”

Nick’s frown caused a few blonde strands to tumble over his face. “I’m trying to help you join the hunts, but if you don’t—”

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

His fixation on my sister fuelled his actions. The boy was infatuated with her. While everyone lauded him, Yuridia found him insufferable—a sentiment I was all too eager to share when she disparaged him.

I raised my palm to interrupt his gesticulation. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m a bit preoccupied,” I said, sidestepping him.

Nick seized my arm, thwarting my escape. “Tell me what I can do, so you’ll sing my praises to your sister.”

Predictable.

I rolled my eyes. “She views you as a child because that’s what you are. Your aspirations are unrealistic; you’re aiming too high. Focus your attention on Helen instead. She’s fond of you and only two years older.”

“Helen’s interested in you.”

My eyes blinked slowly, scepticism etched on my face. “Even if that’s true, I don’t care. She’s all yours.” I patted his shoulder before continuing on my way.

Nick remained silent as I made my way through the town without further hindrance.

If Helen was attracted to me, it was likely because I paid her no attention. She was the sort who expected everyone to adore her without reason. None of this mattered. I was either destined to die or become a monster if I entertained thoughts of ending my life for too long.

As I delved deeper into the forest, the sound of the ocean colliding with the cliffs grew faintly discernible. Squirrels leaping between branches above me dislodged snow and dried leaves, which cascaded downward. I glared at them as though their actions were intentional.

Everything seemed to irritate me.

What was my plan, anyway? Would I aimlessly wander the forest until I perished? Richard hinted at the possibility that I might not transform into a nightstalker, but I clung to no such hope. It was better to come to terms with my impending doom. Still, worrying about it was hard to avoid. At sixteen, few people my age had pondered their mortality as I did now.

After an hour of meandering through the snow-laden forest, I reached the shrine at the cliff’s edge. A towering statue of a woman clad in slender armour and wings, wielding a sword and shield, exuded determination. Bright green moss adorned the now snow-dusted stone. The chipped ends of her wings revealed the statue’s age.

Allegedly, this depicted a Valkyrie—the divine protectors of Heaven and our guardians. For all their might, the Valkyries had allowed many atrocities to persist. They had not earned my reverence, particularly in light of recent events.

Fury simmered as I locked eyes with the statue. My anger needed an outlet, and these celestial beings deserved my resentment.

“Why didn’t you save me? Why did you let that monster stroll into our village?” I yelled at the statue. “If you’re all-powerful, why do you allow war and sickness to claim lives? If it’s retribution, why do innocent people suffer your wrath?” My questions, predictably, went unanswered. “Silent, like your very existence.”

Tsking, I approached the cliff’s edge and lifted my hand, sensing the frosty breeze slipping through my fingers. With each gust, the scent of salt accompanied it. Though this wouldn’t be my last brush with the wind, it wouldn’t feel the same. Nothing would. Everything I had ever known was here, and even under different circumstances, I’d hesitate to leave.

My indecisiveness frustrated me. One moment I lamented having nothing to do, and the next, I mourned my impending departure.

Self-loathing crept in.

Given my situation, I’d be fortunate to survive a week. Regrettably, there was no silver lining. I tried not to succumb to despair, but any attempt to rationalise my misery fell flat and left me feeling even more adrift.

The sun had ascended high above the ocean, and I seated myself at the statue’s base, leaning against its stone leg. I endeavoured to relish every moment of the churning sea as if it were my last. With much effort, I tried to cast my worries aside, concentrating solely on the waves crashing below, but my thoughts kept straying. There had to be a remedy. Something or someone could lift this curse. But could I discover it in time before I lost my sanity?

I needed to cling to hope, or jumping off this ledge into the waves below would become the next logical step.

Something approached me, and my head slowly turned to face a black wolf. Their bright red eyes locked onto mine as their massive head tilted, sniffing inquisitively. Glancing down at my arm and then back up, I froze, uncertain of what to do as they drew closer. Their warm breath grazed my skin as they sniffed mere inches from my bandages and face.

“Last time I saw you, I died. Is that going to happen again?”

The wolf stared at me, and surprisingly, I felt no fear—unlike our first encounter.

What could the beast do? Kill me? I was already en route to that fate. At this point, they might be doing me a favour.

The animal’s glossy black fur appeared irresistibly soft. Overwhelmed by the urge to touch it, I reached out, but the wolf retreated, maintaining their gaze. We stood still, observing one another before they huffed and ambled away along the cliff’s edge. Their bushy tail swayed as they strolled into the distance, and I watched until they disappeared over the horizon.

“Kade,” Richard called, and I glanced back.

I slowly rose and approached the front of the statue. My face undoubtedly betrayed my despondency at today’s events, prompting Richard to frown. Sadly, nothing could change it. Fortune had forsaken me, and I refused to feign contentment.

Richard tossed a bag before me, keeping his distance. “Make sure you get far away from the village soon, okay?”

I sighed. “I’m not heading back to the house if that’s what you’re worried about,” I replied, grabbing the backpack and slipping my arms through the leather straps—this belonged to my father. “But I will be back. Tell them I’ll see them again, and this is just us being cautious.”

Richard cocked his head. “Are you sure that’s wise?”

I nodded. “I don’t think this nightstalker thing will be the end of me. At least, that’s my hope. Maybe a cure exists, or something. I have to try.”

Giving up would be typical of me. However, this was my first step towards self-improvement, away from the pathetic Kade everyone knew.

“Do nothing prematurely. Be certain before you return.”

“I promise I’ll stay away until I’m sure—Which way is the nearest town?”

Richard hesitated, and I understood why. He didn’t want me to harm anyone in the neighbouring town. To discover a solution to my predicament, I’d need to travel. If the situation took a turn for the worse, I’d ensure I was far from people.

“Lockward is”—he reluctantly pointed towards the ocean coast—”about a hundred miles in that direction. It will probably take you five or six days. Just follow the coast.”

I faced the direction he indicated. “Thanks. Look after my mother and sister.”

“Good luck, Kade, and don’t worry about the girls. I’ll take care of them,” Richard said, and I glanced back as we locked eyes for a moment. “Your father would be proud that you saved your sister and mother.”

“The nightstalker would never have found them in the cellar. I saved no one, not even myself.”

Richard’s lips tightened. “Where were you? Your sister came back saying you ran off into the woods.”

“Being a child and chasing adventures.”

There was nothing to disclose. He had already mentioned not seeing the crystal, so explaining it would make me appear delusional. That would have been my assumption, but now, with all the bizarre events unfolding before me, the crystal no longer seemed absurd.

“Regardless of how you feel, I promise you, Bjorn would be proud of you.”

I nodded at Richard before embarking along the meandering coast, tracing the wolf’s route.

Though I didn’t know what awaited me, I needed to keep moving forward. This step marked a new beginning, both thrilling and daunting, since death lurked as a possibility.

However, I refused to surrender and let fate dictate my life. Instead, I'd seize control of my destiny, even if only for a short while.