Some time ago, in the depths of the village.
Some distance away from the clearing that the Dire Sovereign used to rest in was its den—a cavern sculpted by violence.
Bones—human and beast alike—were piled like offerings around the entrance, half-buried in dried mud and ancient blood, as this was the place where it feasted upon humans.
A rancid, sulfurous breath drifted out with every exhale of the monster within.
Then, the Food Bringer stepped forward, guiding the trembling women forward one by one.
The first woman didn't even scream when the jaws closed around her torso. Only her legs twitched for a moment before falling limp.
The second tried to pray—her words were cut in half along with her body.
The third crawled backward, sobbing, but the Dire Sovereign extended one massive claw and hooked her like meat on a skewer before popping her into his mouth.
Crunch.
Snap.
Gulp.
The sounds echoed across the cave walls like slow, deliberate executions.
