"My dearest Mireya..." His cold hand wraps around her wrist and guides the blade away from her heart.
"...Do you believe your death is something I want?"
***
Aitháli was an empire known for its lush for...
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"Why weren't you there for me?"
His voice was louder than the sound of her stomping footsteps against the muddied dirt path.
Hide... I need to hide.
"I needed you Mireya. I was always there for you."
His voice continued to whimper. It was as though he was right there, speaking into her right ear. Ignoring it was impossible. She had no choice but to listen to him.
Panting and sweating, she ran up the slippery path. Rain fell from the darkened sky, concealing her vision. She continued up the slope and followed the path she discovered many years ago when she first began exploring the forests.
The village should be here. I know I'm close. I need to hide.
The abandoned village in question came into view and she pushed her legs to go faster. It had been a while since she heard the flap of wings behind her, but it wouldn't be long before it found her.
Wind blew and the smaller puddles began to grow with the rain. If it continued, the entire area would be flooded with water in just a few hours.
Mireya ran barefoot through the puddles and to the first building she saw and turned the rusted doorknob. The door refused to open. In a rushed frenzy, she ran towards the next door her eyes landed on and tried once again, but to no avail.
Out in the distance, the flap of large leathery wings was heard over the rain. The sound alone left Mireya's heart beating faster as her face paled.
She ran towards the next door and tripped over her feet. Her hands throbbed as they braced her fall, the gravel and pebbles imbedding themselves into her palms. The rain fell harder, soaking her clothes, which only weighed her down even more.
Struggling to her feet, she wiped her hands on her skirt and stepped towards the next door. Her knees throbbed from the fall, probably from a cut, but she persisted.
One by one, she limped to every door she saw and tried to get them open, yet none would grant her access.
"Open damnit!" She said to the door in front of her, but it remained sealed shut as though it was just a decoration on the wall of the building.
Her voice was drowned out by the rain, but the flap of wings were as loud as ever. They served as her ticking clock. She knew with every flap, she was one step closer to her demise.
She had just about tried every single door when she noticed the faint glow of mushrooms in front of another dilapidated building. As she rushed forward, the white glow dissipated and she was left standing by the building in confusion.
