Will fell hard onto the tiled floor, tears streaming down his face.
After several minutes of quiet weeping, he slowly rose to his feet, leaving the Aetherfang on the floor.
Veyrath disappeared as Usual
Will lingered for a moment, staring at the Aetherfang with confusion and disbelief clouding his face. Then, slowly, he turned toward the mirror hanging on the wall.
Will stared at the figure in the mirror, confusion deepening with every passing second. He raised his hand, only to see the reflection mimic the gesture. Reality struck him with a sharp weight, and in a hushed whisper he asked, "How did I turn out tlike this?"
He was bewildered. Once slim and lean, he now looked like someone who had made the gym a daily ritual. As he removed his clothes, the sight stunned him even more, defined abs lined his torso, his shoulders were broader than he remembered, and his hair had grown darker and longer. Is this really me? he wondered.
Will made his way to the shower and washed up. After drying himself, he applied cream to his skin before moving toward the wardrobe. He pulled out a black trouser and a blue shirt, then dressed and made his way to the living room. Passing the couch, he approached the TV stand, turned on the Tv, and returned to the couch, where he collapsed into its cushions.
Will was about to reach for the remote when the voice of the reporter on the Tv caught his attention
[Female News anchor ] Today marks a week since the strange and tragic destruction of our beloved city, an event that claimed countless lives and properties. Houses were reduced to rubble, some collapsing while families were still inside, sealing their fate. To this day, no one seems to know the cause. Even seismologists have confirmed that it was not the result of an earthquake. Many are left to believe that this devastation can only be the wrath of God, or perhaps a sign that the world is nearing its end.
[MaleCo-anchor ] It has been confirmed that the incident claimed the lives of 77 people. mothers, fathers, and children among them. Those who survived are currently receiving treatment in city hospitals, though some remain in critical condition with little chance of survival.
[Female News anchor] those whose houses were destroyed have been relocated to a displacement camp, where their needs are being cared for. Thanks to the efforts of the Mayor, this has been made possible.
[Male Co-Anchor]And that brings us to the end of today's coverage here in New York City. As we've reported, displaced families are now being sheltered at the designated camps, with their needs being provided for. The Hospital Director has also urged residents who were not affected to visit New York City Hospital to help identify loved ones who are receiving treatment. Meanwhile, camp residents are advised to remain in place until further instructions are given by the authorities.
On behalf of all of us here at [NYC NEWS NETWORK], thank you for staying with us during this difficult times. We will continue to bring you the latest updates as the city recovers.
I'm Diana Mitchell, and this has been [NYC NEWS NETWORK]. Good day, New York.
And just immediately the news came to an end the power went out
"One week?!" Will screamed in disbelief, unable to comprehend what the news anchor had just said.
"Impossible... an entire week without food," he muttered. No sooner had the words left his lips his stomach rumbled in protest.
Will hurried to the kitchen, only to find it empty. He wasn't surprised, he hadn't cooked in a long time. For as long as he could remember, he had been surviving on nothing but pizza.
He walked over to the fridge, only to find nothing but frozen pizza inside.
He exhaled deeply, his expression unsurprised, as if he had already expected to find nothing but the usual.
Will took out the pizza, uncertain of what to do with it since there was no electricity to power the microwave. With a frustrated sigh, he turned to the gas cooker instead.
Will didn't bother removing the pizza from its box. Instead, he placed the entire package on the gas cooker, staring at it as he debated whether or not to turn on the flame.
"Arrrrrgh! You're not stupid, Will!" he yelled, his voice laced with frustration and hunger.
Will took the pizza off the gas cooker and set it on top of the cabinet. He grabbed a slice, but the moment it touched his lips, the coldness hit him, and he quickly dropped it.
He stood there, lost in thought for nearly a minute, before suddenly snapping back to reality as if a forgotten memory had resurfaced. Without hesitation, he rushed to his room, grabbed the Aetherfang, and hurried back to the kitchen.
"A hungry man is a foolish man, I suppose," Will muttered as he stretched out the Aetherfang, pointing it at the pizza box. Then, in a low voice, he began to whisper words that sounded like an incantation.
"By the will of hunger and the call of taste, I command this pizza to be warm."
The Aetherfang had no effect on the pizza, no matter how many times Will shouted the incantation. Frustrated, he let out a furious yell, still aiming the weapon at the pizza, and in that instant, it burst into flames.
"Shit… shit… shit!" Will exclaimed as he used the Aetherfang to fling the burning pizza into the sink. He turned on the tap, and the flames were quickly extinguished, but the pizza was already charred beyond anything fit for human consumption.
"Shit! I just wanted something to eat, comon"
Will turned off the running tap and walked out of the kitchen with a heavy, lifeless stride. The thought of going more than a week without food only made his hunger gnaw at him even more.
If anyone could explain how the days had slipped away so quickly, it was Veyrath. With that thought, Will walked to his room and picked up the Aetherfang.