A grunt came from the darkness nearby. Eren’s heart jumped in his chest as he turned to face the sound, both hands gripping his sword and his face pale. A shadow slowly sat up, looking around and padding the ground as if it was looking for something. His hands grew cold and sweaty as he silently got closer. Slowly, the head started to turn and look Eren’s direction. ” Eren…” Jon’s voice slurred as he used his sword to help him to his feet. Eren silently raised his hand as he neared Jon. It felt almost wrong to break the silence “Something came from behind, didn’t get the chance to see but its seemed as if the whole field sounded of foot step but i didn't see a soul” Eren neared Jon seeing a dark ink reflecting the moons light on his face.

“Are you okay? Looks like you lost a good bit of blood.”

“Feels like a boulder hit my head, but it’s not too bad, I think.” Jon’s hand went to his forehead, feeling a gash as he tenderly prodded at the lump that sat above his brow. A gust of wind blew throughout the field and then quieted back to a complete silence. Leaving behind only the quick scamper of steps rushing towards them. “Eren behind you,” said Jon as he dropped flat on the ground. Eren turned, his blade slashing an arc over Jon as he continued, his spin coming almost a full circle. The moonlight shone cold on the steel of his sword, white then red as it’s the slash connected and cut clean through the small creature that leaped through the air. Another chill racked Eren as he saw what he brought his sword down on. Two thumps sounded as the halves of the body fell to the ground. Jon stared as the top end fell to the ground with a sickening thud.

“Well, I’ll be damned a fucking gnome. gnomes almost never attack people. What is this?” getting up, Jon rolled its face so the empty eyes stared to the ground. “And what in the fuck are they doing here this close to the forest’s edge?” Jon’s brows furrowed as he scratched it his chin and carefully wiped the blood out of his eye.

Looking to the camp destroyed tents drew his attention. all three laid on the ground, the canvas torn. all remnants of the fire gone, and the horses not in sight.

“What the hell.” Eren whispered as he walked through the wreckage. “Scarlet?” the call disappearing into the night. Eren’s ear strained as he listened harder. His steps quickened as he hurried to her tent. “Scarlet?” his voice riddled with worry as he felt an icy hand creep into his chest. The wind softly blew, finally bringing some sound back to the field. Eren rushed through the rest of the camp, His eyes darting back and forth as he scanned the ground looking for anything that could have been Scarlet. “SCARLET!” Eren’s Screamed his voice filling the night.

“Eren, over here!”

Eren nearly tripped as he rushed to get to Jon at the forest’s edge. Jon’s hand lifted as Eren reached his side. A short sword hanging in his grip. “I found it here next to a trail of something getting dragged. I can’t see if there is blood or not, but the ground feels dry.”

“SSCCAARRLLEETT” Eren’s screamed hung in the air filling the night air. His head cocked as he desperately waited to hear her voice calling back.

“Eren. if we haven’t already heard her screaming out, she’s probably out cold or gagged.” Jon looked back at Eren, his brows creased, worry just as evident. “But don’t worry we’ll find her Eren.” Jon walked further into the woods as the moonlights broke through the clouds “and it won’t even be that hard look” Jon pointed to the ground, overturned dirt , broken branches, and pulled weeds marked the path. “These gnomes might have easily hid in the tall grass, but they can’t hide that easily dragging a body behind them.” silently Jon started down the trail, stopping every so often his hands and face near the ground as studied the ground and then quickly moved forward.

Eren followed, walking quietly and praying silently. The surrounding dark seemed to grow thicker and thicker as they pressed on. Eren’s muscled tense as the dark malice started to almost feel tangible. The Encounter with the Wolf came to mind, and with it, guilt.

Why didn’t I just stay at camp? Eren thought, and just as quickly as it appeared, he pushed it back down. “No time to dwell on past mistakes.” Was all he whispered as he followed Jon, the darkness almost as thick as fog.

Jon stopped as he sniffed the air. “smoke” was all he said as he turned to Eren. they kept on slower now. both straining their ears, listening for the crackling of a fire, or the muffled scream. Eren pulled Jon back and pointed towards a soft glow ahead. Jon pulled his bow from his back and knocked an arrow as they pushed forward. The silence filled the air as they were almost at the camp. Only a strange chanting filled the silence. Eren tensed as they came into the clearing as darkness and malice filled his chest. The sight did nothing to help. Candles had been lit, and sigils were carved in the surrounding dirt. Most of the gnomes passed out on the ground and one stood on an outcropping of rock, eyes closed and chanting something Eren couldn’t understand, and there in the center of it all laid Scarlet tied, gagged, and unconscious.

“Well what in the fuck is this?” Jon whispered as he came out of the shadows. Eren heard the twang from Jon’s bowstring as the chanting went silent, replaced by a soft thud as the gnome’s body as the ground. Eren slowly walked into the light and prodded the body of an unconscious gnome; nothing. Eren put his finger to its throat.

“It’s dead.”

“this one too.” Jon stood up and walked to Eren “I don’t like this. lets get her and get back.” Eren sheathed his sword and pulled out his dagger as he kneeled next to scarlet and lifted her head. The dagger cut through the gag with almost no resistance. Eren grew tense as he could feel the bloodlust in the air around him. looking back at Jon Eren saw him scanning the woods nearly jumping at every shadow that moved. looking back to scarlet Eren jumped back and fell, his heart nearly stopping as she stared. His hand jumped to his sword hilt, and feet fruitlessly trying to gain purchase as he tried to get back up. wordlessly Scarlet stared at Eren as she was laying back on the ground. her eyes unblinking. Jon’s bow already knocked and pointed at scarlet. letting out a breath Jon released the tension in the bow and with a sigh walked briskly towards them.

“damn near scared the piss out of me Eren.” Jon said, letting out a silent, tensioned laugh. “Cut her free and let’s get out of here.” Jon quickly turned again, searching through the shadows of the forest, eyes jumping towards anything that moved. Slowly Eren got to his feet and stared back at Scarlet. her eyes darker and her face expressionless. Eren walked back towards her, his feet the heaviest they felt in his life. Each step made his heart beat harder, and the darkness he felt all around seemed to get thicker the closer he got to her.

Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

“Eren, will you hurry up and untie me.” scarlet asked. her voice was the same it always been. but it felt as if it was heavier somehow. before Eren could think about it he stooped down and cut the ropes holding her. “Thanks, took you long enough.” she stretched and got up. Rubbing her wrists she stood up and looked towards Jon.

“Alright lets get out of here, this place doesn't sit right with me.” Jon said as he led the way back towards the main road. scarlet followed leaving Eren in the rear. “Hey Eren make sure you keep a good eye out, I dont think those gnomes were alone.”

“No shit” was all Eren said as they made their way through the woods. Eren’s eyes darted to and fro as they made their way back. the darkness of the forest seemed deeper to Eren and everything around him felt hostile. every branch that reached down and touched his neck sent shivers down his spine, and every twig that snapped made his heart stop. The unease was almost thick enough to grab. The blue wolf flickered through his thoughts, almost as if a warning he just couldn’t quite grasp.

Something’s Wrong Eren thought as he turned to tell Jon and Scarlet. His breath instantly stuck in his throat as he turned, Scarlet’s dagger catching the moonlight; a glinting a sickening red color as she brought it back down into Jon’s gut. Everything stood still, and the forest held its breath. Frozen, he watched in terror, unable to move as Scarlet pulled her dagger across his gut and letting him go.

What’s happening? This can’t be real, Eren thought, as he watched.

Jon grabbed at the cut, warmth covering his hands and arms. His legs gave out as he cried out in pain. A sickening thud sounded as he hit the ground. His head rocked as his insides came spilling out like a string. Everything went silent as Eren watched Jon slowly clutching at his stomach and convulsing. Still frozen, Eren could just watch, as Jon’s body convulsed, watched as he tried to stand back up and fell, watched as he struggled to turn over. Slowly, Eren looked to Scarlet. A smile covered her face and her eyes, once a dark brown, now shone Dark Red.

Why is she laughing? Was all Eren had time to think as she darted to him, knife ready to stab. Without a thought, Eren quickly grabbed her wrist and knocked the knife away. “WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?” Eren screamed. His hand closing tighter as she tried to pull away. His other fist clenched close, his knuckles shone white in the moonlight.

Nothing. Scarlet just stared back, her lips still smiling. Eren’s free fist flew and connected solidly with the side of her head. “ANSWER ME!” Eren yelled. still nothing. Grabbing her belt now, he shifted his weight and threw her to the ground. Scarlet’s smiled faded to pain as her back hit and the air was forced from her lungs. Eren pulled his dagger from the sheath as he got on top of her, pinning each arm under his leg. Putting his dagger to her throat, he took a breath. “I’m going to ask again, why?” was all Eren could manage to say while his mouth clenched close. Scarlet gasped and took in shallow careful breaths. As the knife pressed harder against her throat, a bead of blood started to well up against the blade of the knife.

“Oh, my sweet Eren—” she weezed. “If only you knew.” she paused again. “If only you could do what was needed.” She laughed only to stop and wince in pain. Then stared right into Eren’s eyes. Before Eren could respond his vision went black the smell of dead bodies took over all his sense.

finally seeing past the darkness strewn bodies were all he could see. His village burning, and his brother lying on the ground strewn in half, his dad stabbed through and his mother thrown to the ground, her neck bending unnaturally. he watched as the beasts from the forest were running through the town devouring all who got in their way. the walls destroyed, and screaming was everywhere. Eren’s blood ran cold, as all he could do was stare. Fear gripped him as tears started to pour, and a sharp pain arched through his chest. His vision was once again consumed by darkness.

the dark forest once again was all around him, The back of his head pressed against the cool forest dirt. Taking in a deep breath as he wobbled as turned and struggled to his knees; feeling the dagger stuck in his shoulder. His elbows almost buckling as he felt his stomach churn and twist, the taste of bile filling his mouth. And with a violent heave, released the contents of his stomach on the forest floor.

“oh my sweet Eren if only you let me kill you.” Scarlet looked down at him as she took a step back and then with a disappointed click of her tongue she turned, leaving only the soft sounds of her steps as she disappeared into the shadows.

Eren struggled getting back up. Leaning against a tree and pulling the dagger free from his shoulder. “SCARLET!” the scream escaping weakly at first the taste of bile still coating his mouth “SCARRRLETT!”

Silence followed, then the sobs. Eren gasped for air as he wiped the tears again and again. The dark mist that filled the forest started to life as the moon’s soft glow filled the woods. the Bloodlust filled atmosphere dissipating as the night calm returned. A gentle breeze fluttered the tree tops almost as if cueing the cicadas to start their rhythmic chanting.

Eren stood there frozen. Regret filled every crevice of his body. His shoulders heaved as tears streamed down his face. “Why did. Why did this happen.” now trying to talk through his sobs. “I do- dont understand. more cries broke out as he fell to his knees and grasped his chest. his cries the only thing that broke through the cicadas’ song. He threw down his dagger and the rivers flowed down his cheeks.

A branch snapped nearby. quickly Eren got to his feet “FUCK. Jon you’re still alive?” his voice cracked and desperate, unable to comprehend how Jon was still alive. Eren’s heart raced as he got up running to Jon as he clung to the only thing that could pull him from this nightmare.

“Eren.” Jon’s voice is barely loud enough to be heard over the cicadas. “Ere—” it came weaker this time.

Eren sprung towards Jon’s voice and found him right on his back his arms at his side. Blood covered his chest and arms. Quickly Eren sat down and pulled Jon’s head to his lap. Jon only grunted. blood spurted as it flowed even heavier onto the ground. Eren grabbed at the intestines that laid on the ground, desperately trying to scoop them and put them back into Jon.

“It’s going to be okay, Jon. trust me, you’ll be okay.” Eren rubbed his sleeve across his face, trying to see through the tears. He looked at Jon’s eyes, their light slowly fading. His once red cheeks now looked pale white.

“Eren, it se—” Jon gave a weak cough, “You alw-always did hate goodbyes.” Jon wheezed as a small pained laugh escaped his lips. Reaching up, he grabbed Eren’s hand. “I don’t know” Jon paused as he struggled to breathe, wincing in pain as he took a deeper breath. “don’t know what came over Scar. but they did something to her.” he paused again his eyes shifted from Eren skyward. “Always wanted to know what lied past the places we went Eren” Jon coughed and pausing as the pain racked him. “What this world had to offer, and what its people had to give.” Jon paused again, this time his eyes fell back to Eren. His breathing became raspy and weakly as he reached for his chest pocket. “carry me with you” he gasped

“Always.” Eren grabbed at Jon’s hand, feeling the coin fall from his grip.

Jon’s head fell onto Eren’s lap and was still. Eren bent down, unable to speak. His face buried in Jon’s chest. A scream flew from Eren’s lips as he continued to cry. Loud sobs filled the woods. Eren couldn’t move; refused to move. He felt a hand on his shoulder and still he sat, only moving as his shoulders heaved with each sob. The hand had a warmth to it unlike anything Eren had felt. Weightless, yet having all the weight of dreams and hopes carried in it. And as quickly as he had felt it, it was gone. Sitting up, Eren looked up to the sky. A light flickered and then was gone into the starry night sky. Then, looking down, he opened his hand, seeing Jon’s beloved lucky coin.

“Bye Jon.” Eren sniffled, and more tears flowed. “Bye,” he whispered as he pulled Jon to him and embraced him one last time. The birds chirping finally and soft morning light finally brought him back. Slipping the coin into his pocket, he finally stood up. Looking back towards the road, he saw it was only a little way off. The forest ended and the sea of grass began. As gently as he could, he picked up Jon and carried him the rest of the way to camp, and gently set him down. The rest Eren could hardly remember doing. Pulling the shovel from his bag, digging the hole, finding rocks for a marker, and finally burying him.

As he stared at the grave, he still almost couldn’t believe what happened. “This has to be a dream.” Eren Whispered “This can’t be real.” Eren clenched his fists as he fell to his knees. Light started to flood the field as the grass glowed in the morning light. and sitting next to the grave Eren sat Staring lost in everything that had happened that night. The sound of hoofbeats breaking the silence of the morning.

Tears streamed down his face as he watched three riderless horses returning from where ever they had run to. Winfrey nuzzled Eren’s cheek as he sat motionless. Staring at the sea of grass, the breeze blowing it made it seem like waves were flowing through the top of the grass. And slowly the cicadas’ rhythmic chants ended, and the birds started their songs and took flight searching for their morning meals, but still Eren sat, unwilling to leave.

When Eren finally looked up, the sun was already high in the sky, about to start its westward descent. “Its almost midday. I could be at the village by nightfall.” Eren sighed as he finally got up. His shoulder ached as he felt fresh blood starting to flowing. Feeling his shoulder, he looked back to the grave and let his hand fall back down. “everything hurts,” Eren whispered, feeling hollow and empty. Softly he patted the Winfrey’s head, and bringing it in close, hugged the horse. He waited for tears to come but there were none left. And in silence, he made for home