Solvar stands in the forest outside the town of Moonberry, holding a rifle aimed at a deer. Slowly, he inches closer, but he can't pull the trigger he's far too nervous.
Suddenly, without warning, a gunshot whizzes past him.
Startled, Solvar steps back, trips, and falls to the ground. The deer vanishes into the snow. A man appears, offering his hand.
"You were close to hitting that deer."
Solvar gets up, still breathing heavily.
"If you mean me as the deer, then yes you were very close, Haron."
Haron laughs.
"You're still alive, so don't complain, boy."
He slings the rifle over his shoulder and looks toward the empty forest.
"We lost it for today. Come on, the meat won't cut itself."
They walk through the snow, which reaches their ankles as the sky grows darker. Solvar says nothing not from cold, but from adrenaline still rushing through his chest. Haron finally breaks the silence:
"You're still not ready to hunt alone. You haven't caught a single deer yet."
"I know," Solvar says quietly. "I'm still shaken."
Haron doesn't respond. They continue walking until the butcher's workshop appears a dark wooden building with rusty chains hanging from the ceiling, and the scent of old blood mixed with snow.
Inside, Haron glances around
"You didn't clean properly last night."
"I know. I was late because of Nila."
"She's still having nightmares?" Haron asks, softening his tone.
Solvar inhales deeply.
"Yes. Every day. It's making me lose focus."
Haron sighs and rubs his neck.
"You know what? Take the rest of the day off."
Solvar smiles faintly.
"Thank you, Haron."
He steps back outside. Cold air slaps his face, and snowflakes drift from the gray sky. He tightens his coat and walks toward home.
When he reaches the house, the door is slightly open. He pushes it carefully and enters. The inside is warm strangely warm.
Before he speaks, his sister appears in the doorway wearing one of his coats.
"Nila... you're wearing my coat again? And why is the door open?"
Nila walks closer, points at the door, then to the floor beside it. Luno, the dog, bounds out from behind the table, tail wagging. Solvar kneels and pats the puppy's head.
"He went out alone...didn't he?"
Nila nods quickly, clutching the coat as if to apologize without speaking.
Solvar closes the door firmly.
"You missed me?"
Nila smiles a small innocent smile
He adjusts the coat on her shoulders.
"You should've closed the door. The town isn't exactly safe."
She lowers her gaze, then points to his chest and head, as if saying:
I was thinking of you, not the door.
Solvar hugs her gently.
"I'm here now."
The house is quiet too quiet.
"Father is asleep?" he asks.
She nods.
"Good...so? Shall we make lunch together?"
Nila raises her hand excitedly and rushes into the kitchen. Solvar hangs his coat and follows her. The kitchen is small barely enough for two people.
He suggests bread soup. She agrees.
Solvar cooks a simple recipe. Stove lit, pot boiling, onions, garlic, water, bread, salt.
Twenty minutes later, the soup is ready.
Nila tastes it and freezes, staring at him in disgust.
Solvar laughs.
"Come on, it's not that bad!"
He tastes it too. His eyes water.
"How about we go eat at Bren's instead?"
Nila nods, puts on her scarf. Solvar puts his coat back on. Luno waits by the door, tail wagging. This time, Solvar makes sure the door is shut properly.
They walk like a small family down the narrow snowy street.
Then suddenly Solvar stops.
A sharp pain explodes behind his eye, like it's about to burst. He collapses to his knees. The street is empty.
Nila and Luno rush to him. Solvar claws at his face, heart pounding. His vision trembles shakes fractures.
A man stands in the distance.
Long coat. Mask with hollow eye sockets.
Blood dripping.
Solvar blinks
and the vision evaporates.
The pain fades. The man disappears. His heartbeat slows. He stands shakily. Nila's eyes are full of tears. Solvar places his hand on her head.
"Don't worry. I'm fine... now let's keep going."
She holds his hand tightly.
Before walking, he whispers,
"Don't tell Father. Okay?"
She nods.
Minutes later, they reach Bren's restaurant. It's crowded and noisy. Luno stays by the door while Solvar and Nila sit near the center.
Bren approaches.
"I didn't expect you today."
"You'll get used to it," Solvar says with a small smile.
Bren notices his red eye. Solvar brushes it off.
"It just hurts."
He orders potato soup.
As they eat, the uneasiness returns. The pain is sharper this time. His heart begins racing again.
"Nila I'll be right back."
She nods nervously
Solvar rushes outside. The cold air stings his lungs. His vision shakes again. The same masked man appears. The same empty sockets. The same blood.
Solvar can't move.
His eyes burn.
His heartbeat roars in his ears.
And then just like before the man vanishes.
Solvar collapses to the ground, tears slipping down his face as only one thought echoes in his mind:
What is happening to me?