Soren, Beatrice, Runa, and Yuli weren't prepared for what was to come but had their weapons drawn and their eyes fixed on the goon leader and his henchmen.

Breathing heavily, Soren gritted his teeth and tightened his grip on his sword. He knew he was less skilled or as strong as the leader, but he was determined to fight to protect his friends.

Beatrice stood by his side, her sword glinting in the light of the burning buildings. Runa took a defensive stance, her daggers at the ready.

As Soren stood there, surrounded by the goon leader and his henchmen, he could feel their eyes on him. They were mocking him, laughing at him, and it was clear that they didn't think he stood a chance.

The goon's henchmen started closing in, and one began charging at Soren.

"No! That one is mine! I don't care about the rest." The goon leader said. as he started walking toward Soren.

The goon leader and his henchmen charged at them, swords and axes swinging. Soren, Beatrice, Runa, and Yuli met them head-on, their weapons clashing in a shower of sparks. Soren felt his sword shudder in his hands as he blocked a blow from the leader.

He knew he had to be quick and precise, or he'd be overwhelmed by the leader's strength and skill. Meanwhile, Beatrice was locked in a fierce battle with two henchmen, her sword moving with blinding speed as she deflected their attacks and countered them precisely.

Runa was darting in and out of the fray, her daggers flashing as she struck from the staying light on her feet.

Yuli stood back, her spells keeping the goons away. Unfortunately, though she's an experienced mage, she's not an adventurer and does not have the experience or stamina needed for battle.

The battle raged on, and the four friends fought with everything they had. Soren felt his arms growing tired, his breath coming in ragged gasps, but he refused to give up. Then, suddenly, the goon leader broke through their defenses, his sword swinging in a deadly arc. Soren saw the blade coming toward him and tried to block it, but it was too late.

The sword struck him on the shoulder, slicing through his armor and biting deep into his flesh. Soren cried out in pain, but he didn't falter. Instead, he gritted his teeth and swung his sword with all his might, but the leader parried the blow.

The battle was fierce, with swords clashing and sparks flying. Soren fought with all his might but struggled to keep up. The goon leader was too strong, too skilled, and too fast for him to handle alone.

As Soren fought, the goon leader continued to mock him, taunting him with every blow. "Is that all you've got, boy? You're pathetic!"

Soren's frustration grew with each passing moment; he fought a losing battle. But he refused to give up. Instead, he pushed himself harder, using every ounce of strength to fight back against the goon leader.

Meanwhile, Beatrice and Runa held their own, taking down a couple of the goon's men with Yuli's help.

Suddenly one of the goons managed to sneak up behind Yuli and grab her tightly, pulling her away from the fight. She screamed and struggled against his grip, but he was too strong for her to break free.

"Let her go!" Soren shouted.

The goon leader laughed. "Pay attention, kid!" slashing Soren's back. Soren collapsed, writhing from the pain. Beatrice fearing for Soren's life, charged at the goon leader with a frantic flurry of strikes, but all her attacks were blocked and parried.

Soren, on the floor, manages to turn around to see the goon leader giving a sickening smile as he knocks away Beatrice's sword and stabs her in the stomach. "Beatrice!" Soren screamed out in terror, getting Runa's attention. She watches as the goon leader removes his sword from Beatrice's' stomach and backhands her face, knocking her away. Runa goes into a blind rage throwing all of her daggers at the goon leader. A couple hit as the rest miss, bouncing off him or flying by.

Runa is struck with a fist coming from her peripheral and is knocked to the ground, unable to continue fighting. Yuli screamed out to Runa and Beatrice. Yuli struggled some more and managed to grab the goon's bare forearm, and with everything she had, she shocked the goon, killing him. Then, she ran to the trio to try and aid them but was stopped by two goons, punched to the ground, and unable to move.

"Well, well, well. Looks like you're all alone now, kid."

Soren gritted his teeth, "Why are you doing this?"

The goons dragged Runa and Yuli toward the leader and positioned themselves and the girls behind him.

"I thought already said why; I'm here for you." The goon leader sneered.

"Why me!? Why burn the village and kill Beatrice!?" Soren shouted.

The goon leader pulled out the two daggers embedded in his abdomen and threw them to the ground.

The goon leader sneered at Soren, "You really are a fool, aren't you? We've been following you and your little group for quite some time now."

"So it was you who we saw lurking around the village last night!" Soren angered.

"You guess it. Beck was a good tracker; too bad he's dead now. What a shame." The goon leader said.

Soren was stunned and didn't know what to say.

"I'm surprised you haven't figured it out yet, kid." The goon leader continued, "The boss has a vested interest in you, seeing how you've interfered with his plans a few times now."

"But why? What did I do!?" Soren said.

"Doesn't matter; he just wants us to bring you to him dead or alive." the goon leader retorted.

"Hey, boss, this bitch ain't dead yet," one of the goons said as they rolled Beatrice over, facing Soren and locking eyes with him, "But she will be in a few minutes."

Soren was shocked seeing Beatrice in tears, body cloaked in blood, "Please let me help her! Let me give her a potion!"

"It was her fault. She interfered with our fight!" the goon leader said.

"Please! Do what you want with me but help her!"

"Hey, give her a potion," The goon leader said to one of the two lackeys that stood by his side the entire time, "That way, she can watch this kid die."

The lackey gave Beatrice a low-grade potion, enough to heal the wound but not recover completely.

"Hey, boss," one of the goons said, "Let us kill the kid, you know, to avenge our fallen brothers."

"Yeah, sure, I'm bored of him anyway." the goon leader replied

Though he could not move, he would fight again after Beatrice was given a potion. He pulled out a vile of brew inside his leather vest. The container was cracked, and about half of the liquid leaked out.

"That little bastard!" The goon leader said with a smirk. "Hey," one of the lackeys said to the goon holding Runa, "You go too; we'll handle those two girls," referring to Beatrice and Runa.

"Get off of me," Beatrice yelled.

"Shut up and watch as your friend gets himself killed," the lackey said, restraining her.

Soren struggled to get back on his feet, ready to fight. Instead, the goons surrounded Soren, their laughter ringing in his ears. Four men were circling him like vultures waiting to feast. He tried to dodge their strikes, swinging back at them, but they were too many and too fast. Struck a few times, he stumbled and fell to the ground. The goons enjoyed toying with Soren.

"Soren!" Beatrice screamed.

"Shut the fuck up, you bitch!" The lackey yelled at Beatrice. He punched her in the stomach, and she collapsed. The lackey grabbed her by the hair and held her at bay.

Soren got back on his feet.

As Soren fought the goons, his mind was racing with thoughts. He couldn't understand how they could cause so much death and destruction all for one person. These people aren't human. They're worse than monsters.

Soren knew that he had to keep fighting, to keep pushing forward. He couldn't let himself be overwhelmed by their cruelty. He had to find a way to defeat these goons and end this.

But he couldn't help but feel a sense of despair. Despite these thoughts, Soren refused to give up. He would fight until the bitter end.

Suddenly his sword began to have a faint blue glow to it. The goons hesitated for a moment. He looked at his arms and saw blood running down into his hands.

Beatrice noticed the daggers the goon leader threw from his body right before her. Quickly, she grabbed both blades and threw one at the goon with his back against her. Unfortunately, it bounced off his back, getting his attention.

Seizing the opportunity, Soren lunged at the goon, slashing his neck, nearly cutting off his head.

"You bitch!" the lackey yelled and started kicking and stomping on Beatrice, the other dagger being tossed away, "Try something like that again, and you will die this time!"

Without thinking, another goon charged Soren with a downward slash, but Soren dodged it and stabbed him.

Runa regained consciousness and saw Soren covered in blood and gasps, "Soren!" she called out. She looks around and sees Yuli unconscious and Beatrice on the ground, beaten and bloody, "Oh my god, Beatrice, are you okay!?" Beatrice was unresponsive, writhing on the floor.

Meanwhile, Soren was thinking about what to do, "Theirs two remaining. If I attack one, the other will get me," he looked at their feet, seeing one of the goons swaying back and forth while the other was pacing, "It's risky, but it might work."

He charges the goon swaying back and forth, and the other goes for him. He dodges the other goon and goes again for the goon sitting still. Then, running at full speed, he tackles the standing goon, knocking him to the ground and making him drop his sword. The other goon comes from behind to strike, but Soren moves away, picking up the goon's fallen sword.

"Idiot! How can you let him take your sword!?" The goon said to the fallen goon.

The goon leader chuckled, intrigued by how the fight was turning out.

Yuli slowly regained consciousness. She recalled what had transpired and kept quiet, trying not to move as not to bring attention to herself. Fortunately, the goon holding her had let his guard down as he was too distracted by fondling Yuli and didn't notice she woke up.

The fallen goon got back to his feet and pulled out a dagger. Soren was groggy and sluggish from blood loss, and his movements slowed. The goon with the sword noticed this and started taunting Soren. Noticing what the goon was doing, Soren turned around to see the dagger-wielding goon charging at him and fending him off, only to be slashed from behind.

Soren yelled out in pain, and the goon in front charged in again, stabbing Soren in his side, causing him to fall to his knees, unable to continue. Runa called out to Soren, urging him to get up while Yuli feigned unconsciousness.

The goon restraining Yuli did not realize she had been running her hands across the sides of his body when others weren't looking, searching for a weapon she could pinch off him, and found an unsecured dagger on his hip.

The goon leader begins to slowly clap, "Bravo. You lasted longer than I expected."

"But boss, we lost almost all of our men." A lackey said.

"Shut the fuck up! I don't care about them! We can get more men!" the goon leader said, "Now bring him over here."

The two goons pick Soren up and drag him to their leader, "Tell ya what, since you lasted so long, I'll let you watch as my boys have their way with your friends, haha."

Soren gasped in horror.

"You mean it, boss?" One of the goons said excitedly.

"Sure, why not. We don't need those girls anyway." the goon leader said.

The goons started cheering and praising their boos for being so generous.

"No! You can't do that!" Soren said.

The goons started laughing while pulling out daggers.

"No! Please! Don't do this!" Soren pleaded.

The girls tried to fight back, screaming in horror. Beatrice was too weak to fend off the goon on top of her and was subdued by being choked with one hand. Runa was clawing at the goon over her, "Get the fuck off me!" She said, screeching at the goon.

"Shut the fuck up, stupid bitch!" The goon on Runa said, repeatedly punching her until she was too weak to resist.

The two goons cut open Beatrice and Runa's shirts and mesh underlining, exposing them. Laughing maniacally the whole time.

The other goon did the same to Yuli, as she still feigned unconsciousness waiting for the right moment to try and flee. Soren couldn't believe what was happening. He was about to witness his friends being violated, "No," his mind was racing, thinking about everything he's been through with them, "No!" thinking about his experiences with the girls, "NO!" enjoying every peaceful moment with them, "I SAID NO!"

The two goons holding Soren were startled as the other goons looked at him. He slams his foot down one of the goons causing him to let go in pain and punch the other with his free hand, breaking loose from them. He ran to his sword, picked it up, and turned to the goons. Turning back, he bared an intense look of anger and hatred. At that moment, he wasn't a man trying to protect; instead, he wanted to kill, and his sword began glowing again.

The light from the flames burning the village cascaded off Soren's face, and the goons were terrified. Finally, the goon leader smiled, "Now the right fight begins."

Soren charged, screaming like a banshee, and the light-footed goon reciprocated. The good swung at Soren with a downward arc, but Soren dodged it, spinning around the goon, and with a giant two-handed swing, he split the goon in two.

The other goon freaked out, not knowing what to do, and gets cut down. Soren charges at the goon leader, who gestures for the others to stay back.

The goon leader and Soren's swords clash, "Now that's what I've been wanting!" the leader said, pushing Soren back.

The goon leader lunged forward with a vicious swipe of his sword, but Soren parried the blow with practiced ease. The sound of clanging metal filled the air as they exchanged blows, neither gaining an advantage. The goon leader laughed maniacally, his eyes filled with a sick pleasure as he saw the desperation in Soren's eyes.

"You're nothing but a pathetic little worm," the goon leader sneered. "I've killed men much stronger than you before."

Soren gritted his teeth, refusing to let the taunts get to him. He knew he had to keep focused or end up like the other villagers. So with a swift motion, Soren swung his sword, aiming for the goon leader's midsection. But the leader was quick, and he dodged the attack with ease.

The goon leader responded with a flurry of blows, raining down on Soren like a torrential downpour. Soren was on the defensive, desperately trying to evade the strikes as they came at him from all angles. But the goon leader was too strong, and each blow landed with a sickening thud.

Soren felt his strength waning, knowing he had to act fast to survive.

Yuli slightly opened her eyes to see the goon setting net to her, and the two lackeys were engrossed in the fight. This was her moment. She grabbed the unsecured dagger and lunged into the pervert goons' throat, getting the attention of the two lackeys.

She got up, and the two lackeys ran at her, swords drawn.

Just before they could reach her, she hit them with a powerful lightning spell, killing them both. The goon leader turned around enraged, ready to attack Yuli, "Grrrr! I'm going to kill you, fucking bitch!"

With a sudden burst of energy, Soren charged forward, "Oh shit!" the goon leader exclaimed, realizing he was suddenly in a bad situation. The goon leader turned back to Soren and blocked his attack. Unable to cast another spell Yuli, with the dagger still in hand, charged at the goon leader, stabbing him in the back.

The goon leader began screaming out in pain as Yuli twisted while pushing in the dagger. He tried to grab Yuli, and Soren took advantage and started slashing the goon leader's chest. Writhing in pain, the goon leader fell to his knees. Soren then lunged his sword into the leader's chest, pushing him onto his back and dropping his sword.

Soren then continuously ran his sword through the leader's chest. The goon leader knew he wouldn't make it, "If I go, you're coming with me." He grabs Soren's neck, choking him. The goon leader tried his hardest to break Soren's neck but was too weak. Soren, nearly passing out, runs his sword through the goon leader's throat. Finally, ending the nightmare.

After catching his breath and mental clarity returned, Soren checked on the girls. Yuli was terrified and shaking, but otherwise, okay. Beatrice and Runa, on the other hand, were in bad shape. Both girls were bloody and bruised. Neither would respond, "Soren, this was a traumatic experience for them; give them time," Yuli said.

"It was traumatic for me too," Soren thought, but he kept that to himself, "Please stay with them. I'll look for the horse and wagon." He said. The sun began to rise. The raging village fire was now smoldering embers.

Soren went to where the horse and wagon were, only to find the wagon and supplies destroyed. So Soren went looking for the horse and found it on the outskirts of the village. He led the horse back to the group but saw the two men trying to get their sick friend to Fulda along the way. They were both dead. He walked up to the small wagon where the ill friend was, only to find him with a sword sticking in his chest.

Soren couldn't keep his composure anymore and started crying. Eventually, he collected himself and went looking for a usable wagon, finally finding one and returning to the group.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"Where is my wagon?" Yuli asked.

"It and our supplies were destroyed. I found this one." Soren replied.

Yuli strapped the horse to the wagon. Soren went to each girl, picked them up, and carried them to the wagon, letting them know they are heading home. Soren didn't bother to collect their spoils of victory or look for a potion shop, as this village didn't have one. Also, Soren did not want to mention the dead adventurers. He didn't want to add to everyone's grief.

This was going to be a long, painful ride home. Soren took the reigns and began the trek home. Once they left the village, Beatrice and Runa couple keep themselves from crying while Yuli was in tears. The girls eventually stopped crying but remained silent. Not a word was spoken the entire trip home.

"We made it home," Soren said, but no response. They reach the Guild. Soren helps the girls out of the wagon and onto an outside bench. Yuli tells Soren she will stay with the girls. Soren nods and goes inside.

As Soren stepped into the Guild, he could feel the stares of the other adventurers on him. He tried to ignore them, focusing on collecting both rewards for the mission he had just completed with his friends.

As he approached the receptionist, he could see the relief in her eyes that they had made it back safely, "A-Are you okay, Soren?", Alulia asked.

Soren told them what happened during the quest. The extremely rare virus afflicting Vale and the village they stopped in on the return trip.

"The village we spent the night in on the way back at set on fire and attacked by raiders in the middle of the night," Soren said

"Oh no! Is everyone okay?", Alulia asked.

Soren continued, "The village was burned to the ground, and the villagers were all killed." people in the Guild started commenting to each other about what they were hearing, "We were almost killed too. The raiders targeted us. There were about 12 in total. However, we were able to fight them off, and thanks to Yuli, we could kill the leader."

" Why did they target you?" Alulia said, concerned.

"The raiders were the three goons that were harassing Juna a while back and his men," Soren said.

Alulia's face turned to dread.

Meanwhile, outside, "B-Beatrice?" a voice called out. It was Elwin, "Oh my god, are you okay?" he said.

Beatrice didn't respond, so Elwin lifted her face to see an empty stare. Noticing a leather vest, he assumed they were exposed. Elwin started getting angry, "What happened?" Beatrice did not respond, "Did Soren do this to you?" She slowly looked up at Elwin, focusing her eyes, and tried to tell him it wasn't Soren, but she couldn't speak. "This is why I wanted you in our group," Elwin said with his hands on her face, "Both of you," he looked to Runa, putting his left hand on her cheek.

When Elwin put his hands on Beatrice's face, Suvi started getting angry and jealous, looking at the floor and clenching her fists.

"Beatrice, I want you to promise me you'll think about it again. About joining our group. I don't want you to go through something like this ever again." Elwin said, and Beatrice nodded.

Soren came out of the Guild to see Elwin and his group, "Fuck," he thought to himself.

Elwin: "YOU! How could you let this happen!? Or did you do that to them!?"

Soren: "We were on a mission to" *POW*

Elwin punched Soren as hard as he could, knocking Soren over and spilling the reward. Elwin climbed on him and continued punching repeatedly. Soren wasn't fighting back. Instead, he was lying there and taking it. Yuli was too afraid to intervene.

Elwin attacking Soren made Suvi even angrier. Fynn and Jack are urging Elwin to stop and try to pull him off of Soren, but he breaks free and kicks Soren as hard as he can repeatedly, "This happened because you're fucking weak!" still kicking Soren, "If she were with me, she wouldn't have to worry, now go die in a ditch; you piece of shit!"

Elwin eventually stopped the assault and was breathing heavily. Soren was in tears, with a bloody nose, struggling to breathe. As Elwin collected himself, he turned to Suvi and asked her to heal Beatrice. Not realizing the powder keg that was about to explode.

Suvi: "Beatrice... Beatrice. Beatrice! BEATRICE! Why. Why! Why is it always her and never me!? You always dote on her every chance you get, but I dote on you constantly, and I can't take it anymore!"

Elwin: "Suvi..."

Suvi: "No! I don't want to hear 'I value you' or 'I do care about you.' No, you don't!"

Fynn and Jack look at each other. They knew this was going to happen eventually.

Elwin: "Look at her; she's badly injured."

Suvi starts bawling, "So? (sniff) You've been injured like that plenty of times, and who's the one that took care of you? Me! (sniff) It was always me! I always ensured you had warm meals, treated you when you were sick, kept you warm in the cold, and healed your injuries. I could have just had you use potions, antidotes, rations, and warmer clothing, but no, I did that for you. I've been through the worst with you. I did it because I fucking love you!"

Elwin: "I don't know what to say."

Suvi: "I want you to say that you love me like the way you love her!"

Elwin: "I didn't know you felt that way about me."

Suvi: "Why else did you think I did all that for you?"

Elwin: "That's what comrades do for each other."

"Oh shit," Jack said while Fynn covered his face with his hand.

Suvi: "That's all I am to you, a tool. That's all I'll ever be. I'm a fool to think there would be anything more between us."

Elwin slowly walks toward Suvi, "Hey-"

Suvi: "Shut up! Just stay away from me!", Suvi turned and ran away.

Elwin followed after her trying to console her. Jack and Fynn follow behind.

Yuli stood up and gathered the trios spilled reward putting it back in the bag. She helped Soren back to his feet and asked what they wanted to do, saying she would stay with them until they could get settled and recover. Soren asked to be taken to Hilda's tavern.

As the group arrived at Hilda's tavern, Hilda saw Soren getting off the wagon. She went outside to greet them, but her heart sank as soon as she saw them. She quickly rushed to them, asking if everyone was okay and what happened.

Soren helped the girl off the wagon. Hilda saw that the girls were exposed and grabbed one to cover while Soren covered the other. They sat at a table near a wall, and before They started talking about what happened, Hilda asked one of the waitresses to purchase a few potions and another waitress to get a couple of shirts from the back and some wash rags with a bucket of water. At the same time, she prepared some food and drinks for them. For the time being, everyone sat in silence.

After everyone was healed, cleaned up, and fed, Soren began to explain everything that happened in detail, from their journey to Vale and the illness afflicting the people, the trade tax hike to deliver herbs to Vale, their encounter with the raiders in the middle of the night on the return trip, who their leader was and running into Elwin. They talked about everything in great detail.

As Hilda listened attentively, her face grew increasingly concerned as Soren recounted the events, and Hilda sighed heavily, sitting down at the table with them.

Beatrice, Runa, and Yuli remained silent, their faces solemn as they listened to Soren's recount of what transpired.

Yuli thanked the trio again for the escort, expressing that should they need anything, she'll do what she can, then thanked Hilda for the free meal and went on her way.

Hilda watched as Soren, Beatrice, and Runa sat curled up at the table, their faces still pale and shaken from the traumatic events they had just experienced. She knew that the trio had just returned from a dangerous adventure that had left them traumatized, and she nodded, feeling a deep sense of compassion and concern for them.

"Listen," Hilda said, her voice soft and reassuring. "I know that what you went through was hard. It's never easy to face danger and violence, especially when it happens in such a brutal way. But I want you to know that you're not alone in this. Every adventurer goes through a dark side, and it's not something that you should blame yourselves for."

Beatrice looked up at Hilda, her eyes filled with tears. She finally broke her silence, "But it was so horrible, Hilda," she said, trembling. "The raiders, the burning village... I... I almost died. I don't know if I can ever forget it."

Hilda reached out and placed her hands on Beatrice's shoulders. "I know, my dear," she said. "It's not something that you can just forget. But remember, you're not alone. You have each other, and you have me. So we'll get through this together."

Beatrice and Runa nodded in agreement, their eyes still haunted by the memories of the raiders and the burning village. "But what can we do?" Runa asked. "How can we ever feel safe again?"

Hilda leaned forward, her expression serious. "There are things you can do to stay safe, my dears," she said. "You can practice your fighting skills, ensure you have the right equipment and supplies, and be aware of potential dangers. But more than that, you must care for yourselves and each other. Remember that you're a team and can rely on each other for support and strength."

The trio looked at each other, then back at Hilda. "Thank you, Hilda," Soren said, his voice hoarse. "We'll try to do better, to be better."

Hilda smiled at them, her heart full of love and compassion. "I know you will, my dears," she said. "And remember, no matter what happens, I'll always be here for you."

After conversing with Hilda, Soren walked Beatrice and Runa to their room at the inn, where the girls stayed for the rest of the day. They didn't speak much on the way up, each lost in their thoughts and memories.

Once they reached their room, they sat on the bed and stared at the floor momentarily, unsure what to say. After silence, Soren said he would walk around and asked if they wanted him to get anything for them. The girls declined, and Soren left the room. The girls remained silent for a while. Finally, Runa spoke up. "I don't think I can sleep tonight," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Not after everything we went through."

Beatrice nodded in agreement. "Me neither," she said. "But we should at least try. We need to rest if we're going to keep going."

Runa sighed, lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling. "I just keep thinking about that village," she said. "The fire, the raiders... It was like something out of a nightmare."

Beatrice sat down next to her and put a hand on her arm. "I know," she said softly. "But we're safe now."

Meanwhile, Soren sat alone at a bench, lost in thought. He couldn't shake the images of the burning village from his mind or the sounds of the villager's screams as they were slaughtered. He had been through tough battles before, but this one had been different, more brutal and violent than anything he had experienced.

After some time passed, the sun was setting. He got up and went to his room, hoping that Beatrice and Runa were there and could talk things out together.

After realizing that Beatrice and Runa were fast asleep, Soren decided to take a bath to try and clear his head. The hot water helped soothe his muscles and relax his mind, and he closed his eyes and leaned back, enjoying the warmth.

However, his peace was short-lived. After some time had passed, he heard the door to his private bath creak open and the sound of footsteps approaching. He opened his eyes to see Beatrice and Runa standing at the entrance, both looking at him with a mischievous glint.

"Soren, we thought we might join you," said Beatrice, a playful smile on her lips.

Soren felt his cheeks grow warm as his heart begins to race. "Um, I don't think that's a good idea," he stammered, trying to keep his composure.

But the two girls seemed determined to have their way, and before Soren knew it, they both removed their towels and slid into the hot water next to him. They giggled and splashed each other, their bodies pressed close to his, and Soren couldn't help but feel a rush of desire course through him.

But even as he was enjoying the sensation, a voice in his mind kept nagging at him. This wasn't like Beatrice and Runa. They had never shown any interest in him in that way before.

"Is everything okay?" Soren asked.

"Everything is fine now," Beatrice said as she laid her head on Soren's shoulder, rubbing his chest.

Runa turned to Soren, "You like us, don't you, Soren?"

Soren was confused. He couldn't understand why they were acting this way, and suddenly Beatrice ran her hand down Soren's body. Soren gasped as Beatrice began to grope him. Then, Runa turned Soren's face toward her as she tried to kiss him. Soren's face lit up as he finally understood what was happening and pushed the girls away.

"Ah." Both girls said as they were pushed away. "What are you doing? Why did you push us away? You like us, don't you!" Beatrice shouted.

"You're both acting weird!" Soren replied.

"I thought that was a man's fantasy! You have two young women ready and willing to give their bodies to you, and you push us away!? Do you not want to be with us!?" Beatrice, getting angry.

"Not when you both aren't in the right state of mind. We've been through a traumatic experience today, and this is the last thing we should be doing right now!" Soren shouted.

Beatrice became frustrated. She was unable to control the roller-coaster of emotions she was feeling. She started tearing up and sniffling, and simultaneously, Runa broke down. Beatrice started bawling, "We're scared, alright! We could've been killed at any moment, and I didn't know what to do."

"You could have died too!" Runa also started bawling.

"I know," Soren said, not knowing what else to say.

The girls were finally letting out their fear and frustration. Soren moved to them and hugged them both. They put their arms around his and continued crying. He held them as they let it all out.

Once the girls stopped crying, he asked if they were okay. They nodded, saying they were.

"What was that? Why did you come on so strong?" He inquired.

"Beatrice and I were talking after you left the room. We decided that if we're going to die at some point, we wanted to experience as much as we could before that happened." Runa said.

"We started talking about you and a previous conversation Runa and I had and decided to experience what it is like to be with a man." Beatrice continued, "I'm sorry, Soren, for putting you in that situation."

"I'm sorry too," Runa said

"Thank you for not going through with it, but it's time I should be honest with you," Beatrice hesitated, looking at Runa, with Runa nodding. Then, finally, Beatrice stood up and looked at Soren intently, "I like you, and I want to know how you feel! I don't want what happened between Elwin and Suvi to happen to us!"

Soren's face lit up at Beatrice's bold declaration and her naked body on full display. His face turned red, "I-I," he composed himself and returned the bold gesture, standing up with intent, "Since you were honest, I'll be honest too! I like you! Both of you!"

Both girls' faces turned red, not expecting Soren to stand up, "Then you better get strong!" Beatrice continued, "I want to witness you at your best!" Beatrice turned and walkout out of the bath to leave, grabbing her towel. Runa stood up, looking at Soren, "That was bold of you to say you like us both," She said with a grin, still red. She moved closer to Soren and kissed him on the cheek, "By the way, I like you too," She grabbed her towel and left the bath.

Soren, embarrassed, dropped back into the bath, "I can't believe I just said that I liked both of them." He was caught up in the moment and wondered if it was a mistake to say that, hoping things won't get awkward between them, but it was too late now.

As Soren sat in the bath, his mind was racing with thoughts and emotions. He couldn't believe that he had just confessed to Beatrice and Runa that he liked them and was surprised they both felt that way about him. It was a whirlwind of a moment, and he was still trying to process it all.

He couldn't help but wonder what this would mean for their relationship going forward. Can they explore this newfound connection without things becoming complicated or messy? Could they indeed be happy and fulfilled with each other?

As he contemplated these questions, Soren felt a sense of both excitement and trepidation. He had always valued stability and routine, though venturing into uncharted waters was both exhilarating and frightening.

But at the same time, he knew that he couldn't deny his feelings for Beatrice and Runa any longer. In the end, Soren knew that he would have to take things one step at a time. He couldn't rush into anything without considering the potential consequences, but at the same time, he couldn't ignore the strong pull he felt toward both Beatrice and Runa.

As he finished his bath and dressed, Soren knew that the next few days and weeks would be filled with uncertainty and challenge, but he was determined to face them head-on. He had two incredible women by his side and was ready for whatever came next.