- 5 years ago -
Under the shimmering glow of the full moon, the night came alive with the symphony of nature. Crickets sang their nocturnal melodies while owls added their haunting hoots to the chorus. In the tranquil embrace of their village home, a weary Alice found herself being gently ushered to bed by her father, Merek, the village chief. Despite her heavy eyelids, Alice's face bore a gentle smile, her eyes fluttering with a mix of sleepiness and anticipation. Merek couldn't help but return the smile, his heart swelling with paternal affection as he kissed his daughter's forehead.
"Rest well, my dear, you’ve done a wonderful job assisting your mother… " Merek whispered, a note of expectation coloring his words.
Alice nodded, her gaze lingering on her father with a mixture of trust and curiosity.
"Okay, papa," she murmured, her voice soft and laced with affection.
With a final caress of her hair, Merek rose from the bedside, his departure marked by the soft creak of the door. He left it ajar, allowing a sliver of light from the living room to filter into Alice's room, banishing the darkness that threatened to envelop her. Peering through the crack in the door, Alice glimpsed her surroundings, her curiosity piqued by the events unfolding beyond her room.
Meanwhile, in the adjacent space, Alice's sister Annabelle remained wide awake, her presence a steadfast source of support for their mother, Alina. Gripping their mother's hand tightly, Annabelle offered silent solidarity as Alina weathered the storms of labor. Her features contorted with pain yet imbued with strength, cradled her pregnant belly, her resilience a testament to her unwavering resolve.
In the quiet embrace of the night, the air was filled with an aura of anticipation and love. Alina, her gentle features radiant with the glow of impending motherhood, had already completed her final week of pregnancy, and the arrival of their little one seemed imminent. The news that it would be a baby boy, revealed by the village doctor and nurse through their mystical insights, had brought tears of joy streaming down the cheeks of both parents. With hearts overflowing with love and excitement, the family eagerly awaited the momentous occasion.
As the night deepened and the hours passed by, the doctor and nurse had long departed, leaving Merek and the sisters to wait with bated breath for the arrival of their newest family member. Despite the late hour, Annabelle remained steadfast by her mother's side, her unwavering presence a testament to her devotion and love. Each passing second felt like an eternity, the tension in the air palpable as the anticipation grew.
With a gentle squeeze of her hand, Annabelle felt the weight of the moment pressing down upon her, her tail swaying anxiously as she sought to ease her mother's discomfort. Determined to help in any way she could, Annabelle rose from her seat, her resolve shining bright even in the dim light of the room.
"I'll gather some medicinal herbs from the nearby bushes to ease your pain mother," Annabelle announced softly, her voice filled with determination as she opened the door.
"Be careful and don't stray too far," Merek cautioned, his concern evident in his tone.
Nodding in acknowledgment, Annabelle stepped outside into the cool night air, her determination guiding her steps as she disappeared into the darkness.
Left alone in the quiet room, Merek scooted closer to his wife, enveloping her in a warm embrace. With a tender smile gracing his features, he placed a gentle hand on her swollen belly, feeling the flutter of life within.
"I can't wait to hold you in my arms, my little Author," Merek whispered, his voice filled with boundless love and anticipation.
Alina's smile radiated warmth as she leaned in to kiss Merek's cheek, their tails intertwining in a silent gesture of unity and love. Together, they whispered softly to each other, their words a soothing melody in the stillness of the night. In that moment, surrounded by love and anticipation, the family found solace and joy as they awaited the arrival of their precious Author.
As her eyelids grew heavy and exhaustion settled in, the allure of the cozy, warm bed became irresistible. With a contented smile gracing her lips, Alice surrendered to the comfort, closing her eyes in anticipation of the adventures tomorrow would bring.
Little did she know, as the day drew to a close, that the events of that day would shape the course of her life in ways she could never have imagined.
From amidst the tranquil silence, a deafening roar shattered the peace! The earth itself seemed to tremble beneath the force of the sound, jolting Alice from her slumber. Her heart raced in her chest, pounding like a drumbeat as adrenaline surged through her veins. Panic gripped her as she scrambled out of bed, her eyes wide with fear, scanning the room frantically.
Without hesitation, she dashed to the living room, where her father was already in action, his expression grim as he armed himself with his spear. Alina's urgent cries for Annabelle filled the air, adding to the chaos of the moment.
"Dad, what's happening?" Alice cried out, her voice barely audible over the commotion.
Merek's response was swift and stern, his words cutting through the chaos like a knife.
"Stay inside, no matter what! It's not safe out there!" he shouted, his tone leaving no room for argument as he hurried out the door.
As the commotion outside escalated, Alice's gaze fixated on the ominous orange glow seeping through the window shutters. A knot of dread tightened in her chest, suffocating her with a sense of foreboding. The once serene atmosphere was now thick with tension, sending shivers down her spine.
Everything unfolded in a blur of chaos, leaving Alice bewildered and paralyzed by fear. She struggled to comprehend the unfolding events, her mind racing with unanswered questions. Yet, despite her confusion, an overwhelming sense of unease gripped her, refusing to let go.
Alina's sudden gasp drew Alice's attention, and she turned to see her mother's tear-filled eyes filled with horror. With trembling hands, Alina closed the shutters, shutting out the haunting glow that cast shadows of fear across the room. The anguish etched on her mother's face mirrored the terror coursing through Alice's veins.
In an instant, Alina seized Alice's hand, her grip firm with urgency as she propelled them towards the safety of the room. Her mother's desperate voice pierced through the chaos, urging them to seek refuge and shelter from the impending danger.
"We must hide, now!" Alina's voice quivered with emotion as she closed the door behind them, her frantic search for a hiding place underscoring the gravity of the situation. Panic clawed at Alice's throat as they sought sanctuary within the confines of their home, their only refuge in a world consumed by turmoil.
Alice's chest heaved with each panicked breath, her heart pounding in sync with the chaotic rhythm of her racing thoughts. The fear gripping her was suffocating, threatening to overwhelm her senses. She couldn't bear the uncertainty of the situation, the dread tightening its grip on her fragile composure.
"Mom, what’s going on?!! I'm so scared!!" Alice's voice cracked with desperation, tears welling up in her eyes as she clung to the last shreds of hope. Her plea echoed through the room, a raw expression of her terror and helplessness. But even amidst her own turmoil, the sight of her mother's pained expression tore at her heartstrings, a silent agony etched upon Alina's face.
With trembling hands, Alina motioned urgently towards the closet, her silent plea a beacon of refuge in the storm of chaos. Alice obeyed without hesitation, seeking solace amidst the darkness of the closet's embrace. But as she huddled amidst the musty scent of clothes, the weight of the situation pressed down upon her, threatening to crush her spirit.
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As Alina closed the closet door, sealing her daughter within their makeshift sanctuary, the muffled sounds of screams from outside pierced through the walls, a haunting reminder of the nightmare unfolding beyond their refuge. Alice's fists pounded against the wooden confines of the closet, a desperate rhythm echoing the anguish of her mother's tears. In that moment of darkness and despair, Alice clung to the fragile hope that this was all just a cruel dream, a nightmare from which she longed to awaken.
"Mom!? What's going on?" Alice's voice trembled with fear as she pounded on the closet doors, her desperate attempts to break free met with the resistance of her mother's firm grip.
Alina's tear-streaked face appeared through the crack, her expression wrought with anguish and despair. "Alice," she choked out, her voice quivering with emotion, "whatever happens, you must stay in there. Promise me."
Tears welled in Alice's eyes, mirroring the pain etched upon her mother's face. With each passing moment, the weight of the situation bore down upon her, a suffocating sense of helplessness enveloping her. "Why, mother? Why?" Her voice cracked with the weight of her emotions as she struggled to comprehend the terror unfolding around them.
As the knocking ceased, a deafening silence descended upon the room, broken only by the ominous clang of metal from beyond the walls. The sound of unfamiliar voices sent shivers down Alice's spine, her heart pounding with the dread of the unknown. She clung to the darkness of the closet, her world reduced to the confines of its suffocating embrace.
"Search the house!" The command echoed through the living room, a chilling decree that sent Alina's heart plummeting with terror. With wide eyes, she tore herself away from Alice, her frantic gaze darting around the room in search of a hiding place. The approaching footsteps quickened her pulse, each beat pounding with the dread of imminent discovery.
Before she could find refuge, a human knight burst into the room, his imposing figure casting a shadow of fear over Alina. With a forceful shove, he sent her crashing to the ground, her cry of pain mingling with the sharp impact of her pregnant belly against the unforgiving floor. Agony lanced through her, radiating from the vulnerable life nestled within her womb, as she clutched her stomach in a desperate attempt to protect her unborn child.
The knight's twisted grin sent shivers down Alina's spine, his words dripping with cruel amusement. As he loomed over her, pinning her to the floor with an iron grip, a wave of despair washed over her, engulfing her in a suffocating sense of hopelessness. With each moment that passed, the weight of his presence pressed down on her, crushing her spirit beneath his ruthless control.
Alice's heart pounded in her chest as she watched the scene unfold before her, a helpless witness to her mother's agony. Her instinct to intervene warred with the knowledge of her mother's warning, leaving her paralyzed with indecision. Tears welled in her eyes, the pain of her powerlessness tearing at her soul, yet she could not tear her gaze away from the brutal scene playing out before her.
The knight's predatory gaze bore down on Alina, his menacing presence overpowering her feeble attempts to resist. Trembling under his scrutiny, she turned her face away, her tears mingling with the stains of her despair. Alice clenched her fists, her jaw set in a determined grimace as she struggled to contain the raging storm of emotions threatening to consume her. In that moment, as despair clouded her vision and dread gripped her heart, she felt utterly powerless, a mere spectator to the merciless cruelty unfolding before her.
His gaze lingered on Alina's face, a lecherous grin spreading across his lips as he appraised her with undisguised lust.
"Quite the catch, aren't you?" he remarked, his voice dripping with perverse satisfaction.
As his eyes roamed down her trembling form, a twisted hunger gleamed in their depths. His gaze lingered on her curves, his breath quickening with the thrill of anticipation. His fingers twitched with the urge to possess, to dominate.
With a low, guttural chuckle, he leaned in closer, his hot breath ghosting over Alina's neck in a sickening parody of desire. His touch was rough and possessive as he grasped her, his intentions clear as he reached for his dagger with greedy anticipation, began tearing her clothes apart…
But then, his eyes fell upon her swollen stomach, and his perverse desires faltered for a moment, replaced by a flicker of uncertainty.
His body froze for a fleeting moment, but then a twisted snarl contorted his features, the dagger in his hand trembling with malice.
"Damn it," he spat, his voice dripping with disdain as his brows furrowed in frustration.
With a callous disregard for her humanity, he covered Alina's mouth with one hand, silencing her screams, while the other hand aimed the dagger towards her chest.
"Sorry, sweetheart," he sneered, his voice devoid of any remorse. "We have no use for pregnant women."
The blade pierced her flesh, a sickening sound accompanying the gruesome act as blood began to spill, staining the floor crimson. Alina's agonized screams filled the room, muffled by the knight's hand as she fought desperately against him, her body convulsing with pain and terror.
Tears streamed down Alice's face, her heart breaking with each agonized cry echoing through the room. She could only watch in horror as her mother's life was mercilessly snuffed out before her eyes, the brutality of the scene etching itself into her memory with cruel clarity.
Alina's screams faded into muted gurgles, drowned out by the rush of blood and the sound of flesh tearing. A pool of crimson spread beneath her, her life slipping away with each passing moment.
With a final gasp, Alina's body went still, her lifeless eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. The knight released his grip on the dagger, his gaze cold and indifferent as he surveyed the carnage he had wrought.
As the knight's ears caught the sound of approaching footsteps, he turned, expecting to see his comrades. But what he found sent a shock of terror through his veins.
"The coast is clea—" he began, but his words died in his throat as he beheld the enraged figure of Alice, her eyes blazing with fury as she lunged for his sword before he could react.
"Wait!" he cried out in a futile attempt to stop her, but it was too late. With a swift motion, Alice unsheathed his sword and swung it with deadly precision, severing the knight's head from his body in one clean stroke.
A geyser of blood erupted from the decapitated corpse, painting the scene in gruesome hues as Alice recoiled in horror, her scream tearing through the air like a banshee's wail. She stumbled backwards, her sword slipping from her grasp as the weight of what she had done crashed down upon her.
Her hands trembled uncontrollably as she stared at them, now stained with the blood of another human being. The reality of her actions threatened to overwhelm her as she fought to steady her breathing, her chest heaving with each ragged breath.
But amidst the chaos and horror, her gaze was drawn inexorably to her mother, lying lifeless on the ground. Tears welled up in Alice's eyes as she crawled to her mother's side, her heart breaking into a million pieces at the sight of her beloved parent.
She clung to her mother's lifeless form, her body racked with sobs as the full weight of her loss crashed down upon her. In that moment of unimaginable grief, all Alice could do was hold onto her mother and weep, her cries echoing through the darkness as she mourned the loss of the woman who had meant everything to her.
Tears streamed down Alice's face, each droplet a testament to the ocean of grief that threatened to consume her. But no amount of tears could bring her mother back. The warmth of her embrace, the sound of her laughter—those were now nothing but memories, forever out of reach. Alice had lost her mother, a pillar of strength and love, at such a tender age, and the weight of that loss pressed down upon her like a leaden weight.
Outside, the world seemed to echo her sorrow, as explosions rocked the very foundations of their home. With each blast, cracks spiderwebbed across the walls, and debris rained down from the ceiling, threatening to bury them both. Though she desperately wanted to hold onto her mother, to keep her close and never let go, Alice knew that they were running out of time. Their home was on the verge of collapse, and if she didn't leave now, they would both be buried alive.
With a heavy heart, Alice hugged her mother tighter than ever, imprinting the feel of her presence into her memory. She pressed one last kiss to her mother's cheek, tears mingling with the fabric of her clothes as she whispered her final farewells.
Summoning every ounce of strength she possessed, Alice forced herself to stand, her back turned to her mother for the first time in her life. Each step she took felt like a betrayal, as if she were leaving a piece of her soul behind with her mother. But with each explosion, each tremor of the earth, the urgency of their situation grew clearer. She couldn't afford to dwell in her grief, not when her mother had sacrificed so much to keep her safe.
As another explosion rent the air, closer and more deafening than before, Alice took her first tentative step forward. It felt like walking on shards of glass, each movement tearing at the fragile remnants of her heart. But she couldn't turn back. To do so would be to nullify her mother's sacrifice, to render her final act in vain. So, with tears blurring her vision and sorrow weighing down her every step, Alice forged ahead into the unknown, carrying her mother's love with her as a beacon of light in the darkness.