The first light of dawn crept over the rolling hills, bathing the countryside in a golden glow. A small stone cottage sat at the village's edge, its chimney releasing a thin curl of smoke into the crisp morning air. Inside, the warmth of the hearth flickered against the walls, accompanied by the soft hum of a woman's voice.
Kitana stood at the wooden countertop, slicing freshly baked bread with practiced precision. The aroma of eggs, cheese, and herbal tea filled the modest kitchen. She glanced toward the staircase, a small smile playing at her lips.
Still sleeping, huh?
A faint rustling of blankets echoed from upstairs. Her smile widened.
"Arlo! If you don't get down here soon, I'm going to eat everything myself!" she called, her voice teasing.
A muffled voice groaned from above. "You wouldn't dare!"
Kitana smirked. "Try me!"
Moments later, hurried footsteps pounded down the stairs. Arlo appeared, his brown hair tousled from sleep, still pulling on his tunic as he leaped onto the floorboards with exaggerated enthusiasm.
"I'm fast as lightning!" he declared, striking a dramatic pose.
Kitana raised an amused eyebrow. "Fast as lightning, huh? You're still putting your shirt on."
Laughing, Arlo strode across the room and wrapped his arms around her from behind, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Good morning."
She leaned into him briefly before nudging him toward the table. "Eat before it gets cold."
The two sat together, sharing their simple meal. The mismatched plates and worn utensils gave their home a rustic charm, a quiet simplicity that neither of them had ever longed to change.
Arlo stretched after finishing his last bite. "I should head out soon. The villagers are worried about wolves near the livestock pens."
Kitana frowned. "Be careful. There've been strange sightings in the woods lately."
He chuckled, grabbing his sword by the door. "You worry too much. Wolves are nothing I can't handle."
She crossed her arms, following him to the door. "One day, you're going to underestimate something, and then what will I do?"
His expression softened as he looked at her. "Kitana, nothing will ever take me from you. I promise."
She opened her mouth to argue, but he had already stepped outside, bathed in the golden morning light. He turned back, flashing a grin as he waved.
"You'd better come back," she called after him.
"I will."
Night fell, and with it, a heavy silence. Kitana stood by the window, anxiety coiling tight in her chest. The village was too quiet. The usual sounds of laughter and distant chatter were missing, replaced by an eerie stillness.
Then, a scream pierced the night.
Her breath caught. Another scream. And another. The sounds of chaos erupted outside.
Kitana bolted from the cottage, only to freeze at the sight before her. The village burned. Flames licked at rooftops, casting an orange glow against the dark sky. Monstrous beasts roamed the streets, their claws slashing through fleeing villagers.
Her heart pounded. No… this can't be real.
Then, through the smoke and terror, Arlo appeared, blood streaking his face, his eyes wild. He grabbed her arm.
"Kitana! We're under attack. We need to run!"
She stared at him, shaking. "A-Arlo? What's happening?"
His grip tightened on her shoulders. "Stay calm. Do you understand?"
She barely managed a nod as he hurriedly helped her into her coat and shoes. He threw open the door—
And stopped.
A tall figure stood in the doorway, wreathed in shadows, eyes glowing like embers. A demon. He smiled, a slow, wicked curve of his lips.
Arlo instinctively moved in front of Kitana, shielding her with his body. He took a careful step back. "Please… we'll leave. We won't tell anyone we saw you."
The demon stepped closer. His smile widened.
Arlo's fingers tightened around his sword. He turned his head slightly, whispering, "I'm sorry."
Then, with a cry, he lunged.
The demon moved faster.
A sickening slash filled the air. Blood splattered across the wooden floor.
Kitana stood frozen as Arlo crumpled before her, his body convulsing before stilling in a growing pool of crimson. Her breath hitched. She dropped to her knees, hands trembling as she reached for him.
"Arlo?" Her voice barely broke the silence. "Arlo, get up."
Nothing.
Tears blurred her vision. The warmth of his body was already fading beneath her hands.
"No… NO!" Her scream tore through the night.
The demon stepped closer but paused, tilting his head as if considering something. Then, crouching, he reached out with a clawed hand and tilted her chin up.
Kitana trembled. Her lips barely moved, but she kept repeating the same words over and over.
"I will kill you."
The demon grinned. "Oh, yes, you will, sweetheart."
Then, with a mocking gentleness, he leaned in and placed a cold kiss against her cheek.
And then he was gone.
Kitana remained on the floor, staring at her bloodied hands. Her mind refused to grasp what had just happened, refused to accept it.
Another scream built in her throat, raw, anguished, endless.
And as it echoed through the night, something inside her shattered.