Lightning struck, casting a stark light that illuminated a male face drawn taut with lines of anticipation. The man's features contorted as he licked his mouth, a smile gradually widening his face. "Art thou attempting to default thy contract?"

A breathless individual jolted awake, his eyes dilated. With a racing heart, he scanned the surrounding location, but to no avail, nothing registered within his mind. The same horrifying scenes replayed time and again in his mind. His breath came out in puffs and gasps, his throat tight and constricted. Slowly, he pressed his hand against his chest, desperately attempting to calm his soul. Yet, despite his best efforts, the nightmarish images continued their siege, the resulting terror maddening his mind. Nothing he tried helped ease his hyperventilation; soon, it was all he could do to remain conscious. His ears hummed, and his vision blackened.

CREAK

Suddenly, a bright light cut through, the luminous glow restoring sanity and easing his tortured mind. Gradually, the individual raised his hand to his face, utilizing it as a shield to limit the radiance of the light.

"Caion?"

From within the light, a figure materialized, the glow creating an encircling halo. With his mind disoriented, the individual couldn't recognize or even discern the figure's features amidst the intensity, everything blurring into one vague frame. However, the figure didn't have that problem. Instantly spotting the crouched form of the individual, they hurried over. "Caion, are you ok? Why do you look like that?"

Caion gazed at the individual, eyes squinted. "Hu... huu... huh?"

The figure knelt and gently reached for Caion's face. "Again!" they exclaimed, their concern evident. They moved their hands to either side of Caion's face. "Deep breaths, it's not real. Can you feel my hands?" Caion's eye brightened. Noticing the change, they pressed on. "Focus on that feeling."

The individual allowed a moment's reprieve before stepping back, tapping their leg as they waited. They didn't have to wait long. Abruptly, while still gazing at them, Caion's eyes dilated, and with a pained groan, he grabbed his head. After waiting an instant or two for the dizziness to fade, he looked up. Gradually, a face came into focus, a smiling and cheery-looking face. "Another of those nightmares huh, Caion?" the figure asked.

Caion squinted, "Brie?"

Straightening up, Brie extended her hand. "You seem better now. That's good," she added. Her smile dimmed, "Papa's asking for you."

Grabbing Brie's outstretched arm, Caion pulled himself up, his tug almost leading to her collapse. "Old man Eger?" he scowled, shaking his head to dispel the persistent fog. "What does he want?"

Lightly shaking her head, Brie grabbed his hands, her hazel eyes probing his. "Never mind that. Are you ok?" she inquired, her concern palpable. "Wasn't it last cycle you had the dream? I thought it had finally stopped."

Caion sighed deeply as his hands fell down. "It hasn't, and it never will."

A silence descended. Taking advantage of the quiet the reprieve offered him, Caion let his thoughts wander. He knew—his experiences having taught him—if he closed his eyes, the graphic images of the dream would play behind his lids. For goodness knows how long, the same memories, every single scene, would be reenacted on repeat. He would have no rest. Caion shook his head and began cursing his burdened mind now that his introspection was finished. Glancing over, his eyes landed on Brie's face, noting her absent-mindedness. "How did you know where I was?"

Brie jerked, Caion's words snapping her out of her trance. "What did you say?"

"How did you know where I was?" Caion repeated, his voice tinged with exasperation.

"Oh, that," Brie responded, her voice now focused. "It's no secret that you're always here. Everyone knows this." She shrugged, her small nose wrinkling up as she ran her eyes around the space. "I still don't understand why you like it here; it's cold and smells funny."

Caion looked around. His gaze swept over the stone walls, which housed rock shelves and various tools. Walking to one such shelf, he picked up a sickle, running his fingers over the chipped stone blade as he turned around. "No one comes here, and it's always quiet." He smiled wryly, carefully placing the sickle back down. "Sadly, after the harvest starts, that'll change." He locked eyes with Brie.

Brie's eyes darkened, a shadow clouding her face. "Yes... I know."

"Now let's go see what Old Eger wants," he said, draping his arm around Brie. "I'm sure it's nothing good."

"Ok." was the response, Brie's eyes distant, her mind occupied.

Turning, Caion looked out at the warm light brightening the room, the intensity of the glow diminished now that his eyes had adjusted. "No point worrying about that now, it'll be up to fate." He remarked. Smirking, he rubbed Brie's head. "Calm down. Nothing will happen to you, fate isn't that cruel," he finished. He removed his hand and turned around, slowly moving toward the light.

"Yes," Brie replied, her smile returned, "you're right." Following him, she walked toward the light, her troubles eased.

Caion smiled as he stepped through the light. "That's right, trust your big brother."

A wind blew past, the gale carrying the smell of pollen. Caion inhaled deeply, the gentle swaying of the half-purple and yellow crops before him soothing his mind and calming his nerves.

"Are we going back?" Brie called, emerging from the stone shelter and closing the wooden door behind her.

Caion stood facing the field for a moment longer before shifting his eyes to Brie. "We would, but..." he hesitated, scratching the back of his head, "I haven't gotten the firewood yet."

Brie's mouth dropped open, and she stared in disbelief. "Papa told you to get it before he came back," she exclaimed, eyes wide as she intertwined her fingers. "He should be back by now," she continued. "What will you tell him?"

"What will that old man do?" Caion replied, scoffing. "Maybe if I were one or two cycles younger, he would have been able to smack me around." He flexed his biceps, a smirk on his face. "But I would hate to be him if he tries it now."

Brie's brow knotted and she bit her lip. "Please don't fight with him," she pleaded, tearing up. "I don't want anything to happen to either of you."

Caion's eyes softened. "Don't worry," he said, rubbing her head. "Nothing will happen. I was just joking," he reassured, smiling.

"Okay," Brie said, rubbing her eyes. "So, let's go gather the firewood."

"Right," replied Caion, dropping his arm to his side. "Let's go."

Caion and Brie began their journey down a dirt path off the cliff.

"Remember, never run ahead of me," Caion instructed, fixing her with a firm gaze. "Always stay a stone's throw from me."

"I know," retorted Brie, sulking. "I promised I wouldn't."

"Good," Caion said, nodding his head.

Brie sighed, then replied with a nonchalant shrug. "Oh, by the way, while Papa and I were at the fields, a mole rat attacked us."

Caion stopped dead in his tracks and turned his head slowly to look at Brie. "Huh?"

----------------------------------------

"Why do you do this?"

Two figures stood next to a clear stream, the rapids an image of tranquility. The first individual wielded a stick, swinging it up and down with amateurish, unrefined movements. Despite his shaking arms, he continued to cut the air, a determined glint burning within his eye. The second observed him with a disapproving look. "No, I know why you're doing this," he continued, shaking his blonde hair. "What I want to know is to what end?" The disapproving individual suddenly laughed, a humorless sound. "Don't tell me you're aiming to become a Lord?"

Slowly, the sound died down and a disbelieving look appeared on his face, his jaw slightly open. "That is your goal." He rubbed his temples. "Char—"

The stick stopped midair, the person turning to glare at him. "Priont, don't call my name!" he barked, resuming swinging the stick. "I have no need for people lacking faith."

He recoiled as if struck, staring at Char with a hurt look in his eye, his words having cut him deep. He took a deep, calming breath. "That's not like you," he began, "call me Pri like you usually do."

Char remained silent, still swinging the stick while ignoring the sweat dripping from his face onto the ground.

Pri sighed wearily. "We've been here a long time, isn't it time to go?" he scowled, turning around, his eyes following the stream. "I wouldn't want to anger my father."

"Pri..." Char's voice drew on, hesitating.

Pri looked over his shoulder. Char had lowered the stick, observing him with a complicated gaze. "Yes?" Pri replied, his impatience apparent from his narrowed eyes.

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Char's eyes softened, the steel gone. "You used to want more than this, do more with your life."

Pri scoffed; a self-deprecating sound. "That was a long time ago, I was a child. I didn't understand my place in the world, I..." he briefly paused, staring at the rushing stream as he continued in a pained tone. "...didn't get my fate."

Char reached for him, his voice strangled. "Pri..."

Pri raised his hand, cutting him off. "Don't, just... don't," he emphasized.

Moments passed in that fashion: Pri gazing listlessly at the stream, his green eyes empty. Char felt conflicted, his mind worked at a response, yet the right words to cheer up Pri eluded him.

Pri slowly shook his head, shifting to look at Char. "I've long since come to peace with it." He began walking, calmly observing the rocky hills in the distance, the origin of the stream. He took in a deep breath, inhaling the cool and refreshing air found beside bodies of water. "As long as everyone stays safe," he continued, jaws tightening as his eyes sharpened, "my life has meaning."

Char stared after him, eyes narrowing. "Do you really believe that?"

Pri hesitated a moment, doubt appearing in his eyes. "I do," he replied, forging ahead.

----------------------------------------

Caion and Brie walked down a crumbling dirt path, the landscape around them monotonous with its shades of brown, stone, and dirt. Keeping with the land's barren visuals, the air was dry and carried the faint scent of dust and grime. Caion carried two bundles in his hands, his sandals crunching on the pebbles below, while Brie trailed behind him, her eyes trained on the horizon, observing the towering and craggy mountains with a wondrous expression plastered atop her face.

"So you screamed?" Caion asked, glancing at Brie.

Brie forcefully tore her gaze from their peaks, regretfully turning to Caion. "Yes," she said, nodding. "Then it ran away."

"Huh," Caion said, switching the bundle he carried between hands. "That's interesting. If I'm ever unfortunate enough to meet one, I'll know what to do."

Brie shook her head. "You can't do it. I'm the only one who can," she explained.

"Really? Why's that?" Caion asked.

"I don't know," Brie said. "That's what I was told," she finished.

"Hmmm," he replied absentmindedly. Caion's gaze was trained ahead, eyes constantly flitting around.

Brie noticed this but remained silent.

They neared the settlement while things remained in that state; neither speaking, the silence comforting.

Brie glanced at the bundle Caion carried. "Is it heavy?"

Caion turned to Brie, more relaxed. "No, it's actually pretty light," he replied.

"Oh, then can I carry it?" Brie asked excitedly. She raised her arms. "I think I'm ready to do more of the work."

"Hahaha!!!" Caion laughed, a rumbling sound. "Calm down. It's not heavy for me, but I promise it will be for you," he said.

Brie pouted. "How do you know?" she retorted, her voice edged with irritation. "For all you know, I've been—" Her words trailed off as she noticed a change in Caion’s posture: his back was tense. Although she couldn't see his face, she knew he had noticed something. Her heart rate spiked and muscles tensed as the memories of her encounter with the mole rat resurfaced. Slowly, she extended a shaking hand and tugged at his tunic.

Caion turned a perplexed face toward Brie. “Where's Pri?” he asked, dropping the bundles. “Wasn't he supposed to be on watch today?"

Brie’s eyes shifted to the hillside. She searched briefly before catching sight of a cave hidden in the rocky wall. Caion was right, no one seemed to be guarding the entrance. But...

"Isn't that normal?" Brie replied. "No one really takes that job seriously." She shrugged her shoulders. "What would we be guarding from..." Brie's words trailed off, an image of the mole rat flashing in her mind.

Caion, focused on the entrance, didn’t notice her distressed pause. “Perhaps you’re right, but that doesn’t explain what I’m hearing."

Brie shelved the recurring thought and peered in the settlement's direction, ears straining in concentration. However, an instant later, she sighed, her focus broken, then turned a confused gaze to Caion. "What do you mean?" she whispered. "I can't hear anything." She stepped closer to Caion, positioning herself behind him, eyes intent on the cave. "What is it?"

Caion hesitated, his brow furrowing as his mind worked to identify the perceived sounds. "Shouting," he paused, "people shouting."

Brie's eyes flitted to Caion, her pupils wide. "Really, is that all?" she asked, her tone easing. She breathed a sigh of relief, her shoulders sagging. "Then there's no reason to be worried," she giggled, chest heaving. "It's probably just Warson and Yiwa having another argument." Brie shook her head, a smirk teasing her lips. "Why won't she just give him her approval?"

“No,” he shook his head, “that’s not…” Caoin’s voice trailed off, his eyebrows scrunching up. “It’s stopped.”

“It’s quiet now,” he said, pausing. “Almost unnaturally so.” Moments passed with Caoin’s gaze fixed intently on the opening before he eventually took a tentative step forward. “Stay behind me,” he commanded, his tone authoritative.

Brie nodded sharply; he didn’t need to tell her, she would have done so anyway.

They resumed their trek toward the cave, each pebble crushed underfoot echoing loudly in their ears. Brie slowed her pace with each step, increasing the distance between herself and Caion. She stood what she considered a safe distance, then, with bated breath, she watched as he paused a stone’s throw from the cave.

After standing for what felt like an eternity to the watching Brie, Caion suddenly spoke. “I know this voice,” he said, his tone easing. Before Brie could ask any questions, he strode toward the opening.

Bire blinked in shock as he vanished into the dark cave. “Wait!” she called, finding her voice. “I thought it wasn’t safe?” She hesitated a moment, then with a weighty huff, she followed after him.

Brie walked into the gaping entrance of the cave with measured steps, feeling more nervous than she had when facing the mole rat. The air felt heavier and thicker than normal, and although she knew this impression was probably in her mind, she couldn’t shake the feeling of profound wrongness consuming her. Contributing to this perception was the oddity of the absence of people, resulting in Brie’s current taut emotional state.

She stood there for an instant, her eyes wandering warily between shadowed corners as they adjusted to the dimmed lighting. Once her vision cleared, she directed her attention down a sloping tunnel. It wasn’t a long path, barely a few steps needed before reaching the bottom. However, there was a brief period between the end and the entrance when all light disappeared—a section of absolute darkness, as the entrance was too far for incoming light, and the end wasn’t near enough for the torch flames to illuminate.

Brie took a deep breath and stepped forward, her heart pounding as she entered the dark tunnel. A shiver raced down her spine, and her breath caught in her throat. The darkness felt more oppressive than ever before, intensifying her fear.

Brie took a deep, shaky breath before stepping hesitantly into the dark tunnel. Instantly, a shiver raced down her back. The feeling of wrongness increased exponentially, and her breath caught in her throat. That area had always frightened her, but never to this extent. Her mind screamed danger, warning her that the consequences of staying even a moment longer would be disastrous. Brie’s breath quickened and her heart pounded painfully. It felt as if a dark claw was reaching out to her from within the darkness, an instant away from prying into her mind and penetrating her thoughts. Nevertheless, just as quickly as the sense of catastrophe appeared, it vanished. Gradually, the sensation of disaster eased. She breathed out deeply as she raised a hand to her chest, feeling her restless heart relaxing. Brie looked back up the passage and shivered. She did not want to wait for the feeling to come back. With a hurried step, she rushed down the remainder of the tunnel and burst out into a brightly lit cavern.

Instantly, Brie found herself facing a scattering of silent individuals. Despite her age, she could immediately feel the weighted atmosphere encircling the space. Brie swallowed heavily as several sharp gazes shifted to her, their faces screaming their displeasure. However, they only gave her a few seconds of observation, after which they turned away. Brie released a withheld breath, repeatedly blinking as her eyes adjusted to the change in lighting.

“We will just have to start the harvest earlier than planned,” called out a soft, weak voice.

Brie’s pupils dilated upon hearing the voice. With a sharp jerk, her head shot up and she stared forward in surprise.

At the far end of the cave stood a weathered, white stone ledge. Countless strange symbols and markings were carved atop its surface, giving it a mystical appearance. An aged man stood upon the ledge, gripping a gnarled stick. He was attired in a rough, brown hide and had a full head of cascading white hair. The man gazed down from the heights, and despite his disheveled appearance, his words conveyed experience and wisdom.

"I know you all have your worries and fears," continued the man calmly, his tone serene, "but there's no need to panic." His eyes swept the cavern, easing the tension of all he laid eyes on. "As long as we complete the harvest before the mole rats fully arrive, everything will be all right." He gazed around once more. "I'll consult with the ancestors for further guidance," he added.

The man turned and began walking away, his body disappearing behind the ledge. "Keep going as you have," he said, voice fading. "We will begin the harvest at the most opportune moment."

A buzz broke out an instant later, the people conversing in groups with one another. However, Brie remained still, her eyes and thoughts focused on the ledge.

"Hey!"

Brie turned to the left and saw Caion walking toward her.

"Everything was fine," Caion said, smiling sheepishly. "I guess I was too nervous."

"What happened?" Brie asked.

Caion turned, his eyes observing the scattering of individuals. "I guess they were in a panic about the mole rat," he answered, shrugging. "Though I don't understand why when it was only one."

"Where there is one, more will follow."

Brie and Caion turned as one, instantly recognizing the voice. Caion stilled and grew rigid. "Old Eger."

Eger's gaze focused on Brie, ignoring Caion. "You won't know this as you're too young," he began, "but many cycles ago, long before you were born, the same thing happened. The ancestors didn't think much of it when the first mole rat appeared. After killing it, they continued with business as usual. They didn't realize their mistake in not harvesting early until it was too late." He shook his head. "The latter half of the cycle was very hard, and many died."

Brie paled. "I didn't know."

"I don't expect you to, it was so long ago," he finished. He then turned to Caion, his veins bulging. "Where were you?" he demanded, voice rising. "Didn't I not tell you to gather the wood before I got back?"

Caion's face remained unchanged. "No, you're right," he replied, tone level.

Eger's hands balled into fists, and his jaw clenched. "Then why are you only getting back now?"

Caion smirked lightly, shrugging. "No reason. I just didn't feel like doing it then."

Eger's face grew bright red, and he raised his fists. "You bastard!"

Brie moved in between them and raised her hands. "Please, don't fight!" she pleaded, tearing up as her eyes connected with her father's. "Please, don't."

Eger's gaze moved from Caion to Brie and back again. Noticing the sharp stares from those still around, he grudgingly lowered his hand. Eger grunted and began walking away. "Brie, go meet your brother. He heard about what happened and was working himself into a great rage when I last saw him."

Brie's eyes widened. "Pri, angry?"

Eger nodded. "Never seen him like that." He sighed. "Anyway, go assure him that you're okay. And as for you," Eger's gaze shifted to Caion. "I'm just going to assume that you've gotten the firewood and dropped it somewhere. After you take it to the cave, come meet me." He began walking toward the tunnel. "I'll be waiting at the storehouse."

Brie watched until he disappeared into the tunnel before turning to face Caion. "Aren't you going?"

Caion shrugged. "No, I'm going to let him get far enough that he won't be close by when I get the wood." He sighed, then faced Brie fully. "Anyway, what happened?"

Brie tilted her head to the side. "What do you mean?"

Caion put his hand on Brie's shoulder and stared into her eyes, searching. "I saw when you ran in here," he said, voice low. "You looked scared. Did something happen?"

Immediately, the memory of her earlier terror returned to Brie. She cast a nervous glance at the tunnel’s entrance, slowly intertwining her fingers. Was it possible that was all in her mind? Brie found that possibility hard to swallow. If not, and something was actually wrong, who should she tell? Brie loosened her intertwined fingers. Papa? A terrible idea; he would probably threaten to beat her if she told him. She could always try to convince her brother that something wasn't right, but she didn't want to disturb and worry him. No, she would keep quiet about it. Maybe after a while, she would feel better.

"What do you mean? Of course not," she replied, smiling widely.

"Are you sure?" Caion asked, hesitant. "It seemed to me that you looked strange—"

"I guess you were wrong," Brie replied, cutting in. She swiveled on her heels and began skipping toward a row of narrow passages at the far side of the cavern. "I'm going now, bye."

Caion's gaze tracked her until she disappeared into a passage. A few moments later, he turned and walked toward the tunnel, eyes thoughtful.