The tense atmosphere in the pack house escalates as silence blankets the room. The person beside me is equally stunned by the sudden turn of events. “Should we make a run for it?” I inquire, but I’m promptly silenced.
“It’s not safe to speak now.” He whispers, cautioning me about the lurking danger. “They’re still out there, hunting for more victims.”
I nod in understanding, realizing the gravity of the situation. Just then, the door crashes to the ground, forcefully kicked open by a formidable presence. My heart races as a demon emerges, its menacing presence sending shivers down my spine. I try to break through the concrete surroundings in a desperate bid for escape, but it proves futile.
My worst fears are realized when the demon seizes the person beside me, its cruel grasp squeezing the life out of him. I watch in horror as he crumples to the ground, a lifeless heap. With a sinking feeling, I realize I’m next in line.
As the walls crumble and chaos ensues, I scramble backward, terror gripping me as the demon closes in. I scream in sheer panic, knowing that any movement could spell my doom. Trapped and defenseless, I brace myself for the inevitable confrontation.
As the demon draws nearer, a battle rages within me. I struggle to stifle my screams, knowing that silence might offer me a slim chance of survival. Yet, an instinctual urge to cry out for help wages war against my rational mind.
I observe the grisly scene unfolding around me, noting the eerie absence of cries from those who have fallen victim before. Perhaps their silence serves as a futile attempt to bargain for mercy or a futile hope for escape.
The demons, now grunting in frustration, seem unsettled by my vocal defiance. With a surge of adrenaline, I push myself to my feet, bracing for the inevitable confrontation. But before I can make another move, darkness envelops me, swallowing my consciousness whole.
| • • • |
As the wolf doctors frantically move about, striving to save my life, my heart pounds with anxiety. Despite their efforts, the traditional wolf remedies fail to have any effect on me. Their concerned expressions reflect their uncertainty, and they suggest calling their master, Alan, for assistance.
I pause, contemplating their proposal before shaking my head adamantly. “I’m not ready to see anyone yet.” I assert firmly, aware of the complications that could arise from unwanted visitors.
However, the doctor persists, informing me that Alan still wishes to see me. Frustration mounts within me as I question the identity of this mysterious Alan. “Who is Alan?” I demand, perplexed by the insistence on his presence.
“He’s our master.” the doctor replies, his tone weighted with concern.
I furrow my brow in confusion. “I don’t know anyone by that name.” I respond curtly, feeling a mix of irritation and apprehension at the thought of meeting a stranger in my vulnerable state.
As the doctor returns with the visitor, I prepare myself for the encounter, still puzzled by the insistence on seeing me. The visitor apologizes for the interruption and stoops down to check on my well-being.
“Are you alright?” He inquires, and I respond with a weary sigh. “Yes, thank you.” I assure him, feeling a sense of relief at his familiar presence.
As I turn to face him, I’m taken aback to see Jason, his eyes brimming with tears as he gently holds my hands.
“Jason?” I say his name aloud, seeking confirmation, and he nods, his grip tightening on my palms as if seeking reassurance.
“Why did you leave the room?” I press him, a mix of concern and frustration creeping into my voice. “I’ve been searching for you. You put yourself in danger.” He explains, his words heavy with emotion.
His revelation sends a chill down my spine as I realize the gravity of the situation. “Fifteen warriors lost their lives trying to save you from the demon.” He continues, his voice trembling with grief.
I’m overcome with guilt and remorse, realizing the consequences of my reckless actions. As Jason’s words sink in, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude mixed with profound regret for the sacrifices made on my behalf.
I shake my head defiantly as Jason acknowledges the consequences of my actions. “They shouldn’t have risked their lives for me. I brought this upon myself.” I insist, refusing to accept absolution for my recklessness.
Jason nods in agreement, understanding my stance. He pulls up a stool and takes a seat, ready to provide an explanation of the events that transpired.
“As I was saying.” He continues, “when we contacted the health center of the pack house after the security unit went to confront the supposedly unconquerable…”
I interject, unable to resist poking fun at his choice of words. “Supposedly unconquerable? Did you manage to conquer any?” I tease, a hint of sarcasm in my tone.
Jason’s patience wears thin as he admonishes me. “Let me finish. Don’t interrupt. Don’t be so curt.” He scolds, his frustration palpable.
I relent, gesturing for him to continue with his explanation. “Go ahead, please.” I concede, eager to hear the full story.
I listen intently as Jason reveals the shocking revelation, his words sinking in with a weight I struggle to comprehend. My initial shock quickly gives way to a numb acceptance, as if I had been expecting this revelation all along.
As Jason’s frustration mounts, he demands a response from me, his voice rising in agitation. But I remain calm, refusing to be provoked by his accusatory tone.
“What can I say?” I reply evenly, meeting his gaze with a steady stare. “You’ve come here to accuse me without concrete evidence. Sometimes it’s better to remain silent than to engage in baseless accusations.”
As he begins to speak again, I seize the opportunity to turn the tables, bombarding him with a barrage of questions. His anger flares, but I maintain my composure, clasping my hands together as if in prayer, silently pleading for him to provide answers.
“How many warriors lost their lives in total? How many demons did you face? What devastation did they bring to the pack house? And how did you react when you first learned of their invasion?” I fire off each question in rapid succession, determined to uncover the truth behind the chaos that has befallen us.
As Jason recounts the devastating toll the demon invasion has taken on our pack house, my heart sinks at the staggering loss of life. Six hundred warriors, a significant portion of our pack’s strength, sacrificed in the face of insurmountable odds. The destruction wrought upon our home weighs heavily on my conscience, but I remain resolute in my belief that preserving life is paramount.
His account of the futile attempt to confront the demons only reinforces the severity of the situation. Despite his efforts to defend the pack house, Jason was ultimately forced to flee, leaving behind a scene of devastation and despair.
I pause to consider his words, contemplating the magnitude of the tragedy that has befallen us. “Can we return now that the threat has passed?” I inquire, hoping for some semblance of normalcy to return to our shattered home.
But Jason’s response is tinged with bitterness as he laments the echoing emptiness that now pervades the pack house. His frustration is palpable as he acknowledges the futility of seeking answers from the moon goddess.
“Did you at least question the moon goddess about this?” I press, sensing his reluctance to delve into the matter further.
His response is sharp, his glare piercing as he confirms that he did indeed seek guidance from the moon goddess, only to be met with silence. My mind races as I try to recall his earlier statements, realizing the depth of his frustration and disillusionment with the divine entity we once revered.
As Jason’s accusation pierces the air, my heart lurches in my chest, a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. The wolf doctor intervenes, cautioning him to temper his outburst, but the tension in the room remains palpable.
“How am I the cause?!” I demand, my voice rising in frustration and disbelief.
Jason’s response is sharp, his words cutting through the air like a knife. “Now you’re talking! You acted too dumb the other time.” He retorts, his tone laden with accusation.
His words sting, and I feel a surge of anger rising within me. “Speak up! Don’t leave me in the dark.” I demand, unable to contain my irritation.
With a heavy sigh, Jason reveals the moon goddess’s cryptic message, her warning of impending disaster and the ultimatum she has given me to rectify the mistake. My mind reels at the gravity of her words, the weight of responsibility pressing down upon me.
“Wow. So I’m a jinx.” I mutter bitterly, my tone laced with resignation.
Jason’s silence speaks volumes, confirming my worst fears. But despite the overwhelming sense of despair that threatens to consume me, I resolve to seek clarity from the moon goddess herself.
“I’ll confirm with the moon goddess.” I declare, determination flashing in my eyes as Jason nods in agreement. With a heavy heart, I steel myself for the daunting task ahead, knowing that the fate of our pack house hangs in the balance.
As Jason poses the question about where to go next, I feel a sense of uncertainty clouding my thoughts. “It depends on your decision regarding the… situation.” I reply, hesitating to use the term “Jynx” again, hoping he’ll offer some reassurance or guidance. But he remains silent, leaving me to wrestle with my own doubts.
I inquire about my ability to stand and whether we should inform the wolf healer, but Jason’s impatience is palpable as he urges me to follow him without delay. With a resigned sigh, I comply, jumping onto his back as we swiftly depart, leaving the wolf doctor’s protests behind us.
In a matter of minutes, we arrive at Jason’s pack house, a journey that would have taken humans much longer. As we enter, I take in the sights and scents of the familiar surroundings, feeling a mix of nostalgia and apprehension.
Noticing the neat buildings and landmarks that trigger memories, I can’t help but reflect on the transient nature of life. “Nothing lasts forever.” I murmur, a bittersweet realization dawning on me. Jason, understanding the weight of my words, nods in silent agreement, acknowledging the impermanence of our existence in this ever-changing world.
“You must be stupid for saying that.” He remarks.
“If you heard, I’m sorry.” I tender my apology. As we reach the middle of the pack house, I see blood flowing like a river, gushing out of warriors’ sides and linking up. I shake my head and shed tears. There’s definitely something beyond this that requires blood.