Diomede walked, each step heavier than the last, weighed down by the impossible burden of leaving the only home he had known. Anger simmered beneath his calm exterior—a bitter resentment toward himself for allowing even the smallest flicker of happiness to take root in his heart. The wind swept along the road, carrying with it a familiar presence.
A figure descended behind Diomede, his red trench coat trimmed in gold swirling like the conductor of a dark orchestra. Obsidian shoulder bracers caught the fading light as he landed silently.
"So, more innocents have died because of your curse," the man said with unsettling cheer. "Or so you think, young Diomede."
Diomede's hands clenched the heavy fur cloak tighter as he spun to face him, desperate to grab hold. But the man floated just beyond reach, drifting like a shadow over his head.
"What do you want from me now?" Diomede growled, rage creeping into his voice.
The man stopped his gestures and turned fully. "What I want is nothing you can offer, nor anything you could ever give me."
Diomede's eyes narrowed. "Then why do I see you now, for the first time in twelve years, Diego?"
A mischievous smile spread across Diego's face. He shaped a square with his fingers and peered through it like a frame. "The box I gave you… came back to me. Naturally, I was curious."
Diomede exhaled in bitter resignation. "Sigh. Of course it did."
Diego clasped his hands behind his back, beaming, then nodded toward the road behind Diomede. Before Diomede could react, a crushing blow struck his right side. Bones cracked sharply as his arm shattered, and he was slammed into a nearby tree.
The massive tree groaned and toppled, crashing down atop him. The sickening snap of ribs breaking under weight echoed in the quiet forest.
Diego appeared at the fallen trunk's edge, brushing aside branches to reveal Diomede's bloodied face. Crimson dripped from his mouth and nose.
"You do remember how to stand up, don't you?" Diego teased with a playful pout, releasing a branch that swung back and caught Diomede hard across the face.
Diomede struggled, pushing the tree's weight with his left hand, but his broken right arm was pinned beneath him, healing wrong already.
Suddenly, the earth trembled beneath their feet.
A colossal shadow loomed—a Gultonk, a monstrous brute towering over ten feet tall. Its jaws bristled with jagged black and brown teeth, reeking of decay and rot. Crude animal pelts hung from its shoulders, fastened with skulls, and it gripped a twisted lamp post like a weapon.
The Gultonk swung its makeshift club at Diego, who nimbly leapt over the strike, landing behind the beast.
"Oh, now why did you go and do that?" Diego chided, pouting again.
Straining beneath the tree, Diomede raised his left hand and unleashed a blast of force into the creature's skull. The Gultonk roared, spinning around to rip the tree off Diomede.
Diomede rolled left, springing to his feet despite the burning pain in his mangled arm. He dashed away, limping but determined.
Diego laughed and called after him, "Why run? It's only a Gultonk from the southern hills!"
Diomede didn't reply. He pushed forward until a small stream glimmered before him in the moonlight. Kneeling, he drank sparingly, then rose to test his arm.
Raising it was agony—he could barely lift it past his waist. He wedged his arm between two sturdy branches and slowly forced it back into place. Every joint screamed with needle-sharp pain, but he grit his teeth and persisted.
Once aligned, the searing fire dulled, and feeling returned. Exhausted, Diomede sat beneath the tree, closing his eyes in relief.
Hours slipped by in stillness.
When he opened his eyes, a young doe stood before him, delicate and watchful. It moved cautiously through the tall grass, never breaking eye contact. Each time it paused, Diomede mirrored its stillness.
Dawn's pale light crept through the leaves, and Diomede rose carefully, towering over the creature.
"I mean no harm," he said softly.
The doe approached, sniffing his outstretched hand—then bit down sharply.
The bite grew harder, but Diomede didn't pull away or utter a sound. Minutes passed before he finally spoke, "How long will you keep this up, Dafeena?"
Her eyes widened, glowing softly pink. With a sudden flash of radiant light, the doe transformed—into a tall, ethereal Galilain woman. Long white hair spilled to the ground; her light blue robes shimmered, adorned with silver armbands, necklaces, and a delicate crown.
She giggled, pointing at Diomede. "It's been a long time, Diomede. What brings a cursed one like you to one of my forests?"
Diomede's brow furrowed. "One of your forests? I'm nowhere near the western woods."
Dafeena stifled a laugh. "Territories have changed over the last four years. This little patch is a recent gift—from the now-dead fairy knight."
Diomede's tone deepened, serious and cautious. "The village ten miles back—is that part of your lands?"
Her laughter vanished. Her expression turned hard and unreadable. "Yes. And I'm fully aware of what's happened there."
A heavy silence hung between them, so thick even the crickets paused their songs.
Dafeena stepped closer, placing gentle hands on his face. Her voice softened to a tender whisper.
"I'm sorry for your losses, Diomede. But we lower gods are forbidden to interfere with the will of those above."
Before she could finish, Diomede's hands shot up, grasping her throat in a sudden, furious grip.
"You knew they were coming and said nothing!" he hissed, rage crackling in his eyes as they flared bright orange. "After all I sacrificed for you… for your gods!"
Dafeena struggled, but Diomede's grip tightened.
Suddenly, a shadowy hand reached out from the darkness, shoving Diomede away—sending him sprawling ten yards back.
Dafeena collapsed, but before hitting the earth, Diego caught her gently.
She rubbed her bruised throat as the discoloration faded.
"Are you alright, little Galilain goddess?" Diego asked, a teasing smile on his lips.
"I forgot how strong he was," she said breathlessly.
Diego grinned. "Foolish to get that close to scary monsters like him. Even gods can learn lessons these days."
He set her down gently in her original spot.
Sniffing the air, Dafeena's gaze locked on Diego.
"What's that smell?" she asked.
Diego bowed theatrically. "Apologies, my dear. That would be the scent of a grown Gultonk's insides."
Dafeena pinched her nose and flicked her fingers, sending a gust of wind that quickly swept the odor away.
Diego sniffed the air, puzzled. "Strawberries?"
Dafeena said nothing.
From the forest shadows, Diomede stepped forward.
"I apologize for losing my temper," he said quietly, kneeling before her. "I should not have laid my hands on you. I will accept any punishment you deem fit."
Dafeena regarded him coolly. "No punishment could be harsher than the one you bear."
Her voice softened. "I am not angry with you, Diomede. I mourn the innocents lost. But there is more at play here than you know."
He stood and followed her as she disappeared back into the forest's depths.
Turning briefly, she said, "You were right to head toward Umar, but your journey won't lead you to its capital. Instead, it will take you to lands you vowed never to return to."
Diomede sighed, defeated.
In moments Dafeena vanished leaving the pair to the dark of the woods. Diomede started back toward the road, his steps heavy but determined. Diego smiled faintly, then rose silently into the cool morning air. No words passed between them — only the gentle chorus of crickets resumed their song, weaving through the soft rustle of leaves and the crisp dawn breeze.