The London forests are lush with greenery in these early days of summer. The nature is reaching its full beauty.

The sounds of 4 mens footsteps can be heard in the distance near the lake.

First Man: 'Is this really the way towards the rumoured safe zone?'

Second Man: 'Well according to our map it should be just a couple miles through that valley down ahead.'

Third Man: 'I really hope it hasn't been deserted yet. My bones are aching for some well deserved rest.'

Fourth Man: 'Maybe they have some good looking women there too! I had enough being single to last me a lifetime.'

Second Man: ‘Tch. That is all you ever think about.’

As the group of 4 were walking through the valley, rustling sounds could be heard fair distance away. A dark outcrop appears hiding behind a large tree with thick roots and moss growing on it. The man or woman is wearing black army boots, combat trousers and a waterproof jacket with a hood. The hood covers the mysterious individuals face so only light blue eyes can be seen glimmering in the dark forest which gives a mysterious yet predatory look.

Second Man: 'Hey, can you hear that? I heard something.'

First Man: 'I heard that too, It sounds like a man whistling! Do you think someone is following us?'

Second Man: 'Idiot, if someone was following us they wouldn't be whistling to attract out attention. Come let’s go and check it out.'

As the men walked towards the sounds of whistling, it got more distinct and clear.

Second Man: 'It's just behind that tree there, be careful boys this might be some sort of trap.'

They urged themselves to walk towards the sound. The 4 men began to cast their eyes anxiously around for the source of whistling.

What they found was, what appeared to be a hooded male figure dressed in black clothing from head to toe. The man had some sort of thin sword attached to his waist. The was also a bow lying close behind the man. What surprised these four men the most is, that there was also a bear lying approximately 3 meters behind which looked to be recently killed judging by blood still trickling from its wounds. The bear had five arrows sticking out from its huge body. Two from the neck and three from the gut.

The boys eyes can be seen shining through the hood which gave off a calm yet terrified feeling.

Seeing this the men had calmed down. They initially thought that whoever killed this massive bear might be a dangerous fellow but seeing the boys eyes they believed him to have gotten extremely lucky killing the bear by himself. A man must have monstrous strength being able to kill the animal with a bow.

The second man was the first to speak up.

'Are you all right young boy? You must be really shocked from the bear attacking you, these forests are full of dangerous animals since the 'thing' happened and you can't always flee from them. What really surprises me is how you managed to bring the bear down single handedly. It's remarkable.

Third Man: Yeah, what happened for you to be here all by yourself?

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

Hearing one of the men asking him a question, he stopped whistling and silently stared at him.

'If you are by yourself, I suggest coming with us. We are going to the safe zone, you must have been going there too right? Having more people would make it safer don't you think.

First Man: Are you sure that is a good idea? We know nothing about him.

'Mark, Look at him, his is scared shitless. How can we leave him here to his own measures. My heart would break, I already lost my son.'

Mark: You are right, my apologies. What do you say kid, want to come with us?

Seeing the man still not replying, the four men got worried.

Second Man: Maybe he hurt his head under the hood?

As he said that, his hand suddenly moved towards his hood. When he pulled it back, the sight slightly surprised him.

What the men saw was a young mans face, In his early 20's having features of a sculpted greek model. His long thick black hair went to his neck and the front shadowed his eyes. His eyes were bright blue and contained a hint of silver shining through. His face was perfectly symmetrical, straight nose, well defined jaw and full lips that would make even the coldest female sweat in the loins.

Fourth Man: 'Wow! Having a face like that would make it much easier in getting myself a suitable wife.'

Third Man: 'Right uh.. Let me help you lad.' As he went to take the kids hand, he felt a warm sensation on his wrist

'What the h-'

Before he could muster another syllable his head was separated from the neck, which caused it to fall to the ground with a dull 'thump'

The three men cried in alarm seeing their friends gruesome and sudden death.

Second Man: 'What in the name of God! Who did this?!'

First Man: 'James! I can not believe this.' Mark says as he vomits on the floor.

Fourth Man: 'This is crazy!'

As they were wondering what the hell happened, the men noticed young mans sword has been drawn and blood slowly trickled from the tip.

Second Man: 'You killed our friend boy?!'

The now 3 men staggered back as this realisation dawned on them.

The boy took the first step slowly and confidently towards the group with a pleasant smile plastered on his face

Fourth Man: 'Look he's smiling. What a demon!'

Mark: 'Stay back you fucking monster!'

As he was turning around to leave, shifting his weight on the left leg, he fell on the floor. Mark gaped in confusion and looked down upon his leg finding it detached from his body.

His scream of terror was cut short by the blade impaling into his right eye.

The last 2 men seeing this began to flee in desperation but not before their heads were severed from their body. The bodies still ran for couple of meters before falling to the ground.

The boy stood there for a moment, looking at the four dead, slightly chuckled and said:

'Name is Lucas. Pleased to meet you.'