Under the sullen windy night, in a dreary forest, a rustling sound could be heard from within a shrub. Two crimson beady eyes gleamed within it, surveying the surroundings twice, thrice, until it was sure it was safe. With a giant leap, it shot out of the shrub but just within mere moments of touching the ground, a sharp snap sound came out of its view.
Before it realized what was happening, the furry creature got impaled into the tree, still unaware of what ended its fate, even at its dying moments. Soon enough, two figures appeared out of nowhere from the veil of darkness.
âNice, we got it.â A vermillion haired girl exclaimed as she dusted off the remaining leaves and twigs still sticking in her armor.
âCouldâve gone more smoothly,â replied the archer. Her quartz black hair seemed to meld into the night, as she let go of the arrow she was readying in case she missed. She picked up the carcass of the creature and they began packing their belongings to finally leave this unnerving place.
An awkward silence filled the air on their way back, as they waited for the other to say something
âI still canât believe this is our first quest without those twoâ¦â Riam conveyed to the archer girl.
âLetâs not talk about it,â replied Ciela.
âAre you still angry at them?â asked Riam.
Ciela scowled in response. âOf course I am angry. They suddenly left without a word! Did our party really mean nothing to them? I bet those bitches already formed their own lovey-dovey party with that fucking whore Riela. Why is everyone so fucking selfish?!â
Riam was taken aback by her outburst. âCalm down Ciela, I bet they must have their circumstances to leave so suddenly. You remember how distraught both Feon and Adrian were. I am not sure what happened between them and Riela but I am sure we can at least convince them to come back.â
âWhen did you become so optimistic? Werenât you always so aloof and proud?â
âI am just trying to bring this party togetherâ¦â
âThereâs no party remaining, Riam. Itâs just the two of us. They arenât coming back, I am sure of that. Stop daydreaming and come back to reality.â
Riamâs footsteps came to a halt.
âYouâre right Ciela, letâs break up the party.â
âWait⦠I didnât mean that!â Ciela was already beginning to regret her words.
âNo, youâre right. The party isnât functional how it is. Itâs not the same with Feon and Adrian. This whole party was for Adrian after all. We were just tagging along anyway, like replaceable party members. I donât want to continue adventuring, not after the brush with death Adrian went through. I donât think I can stand losing the ones I am close to.â
âAre you serious? Youâre leaving me too?â Ciela asked grumpily.
âItâs not about you Ciela, donât you think I am mad too? More than that⦠I am just tired; tired of adventuring as a whole. Sorry Ciela, I am leaving the party, and thatâs final. Goodbye.â
Riam began walking away, steadily moving away from the path leading towards the guild. It was now only Ciela left stranded by herself, all alone under the dying moon light. She wanted to stop Riam, to talk some sense to her, but she didnât have the strength to.
Tears began to pour out like a cascade. She felt powerless as the entire world left her behind. She was now the sole remaining member of the once pristine party; the heroâs party.
âRielaâ¦â she whispered.
âRiela, I will take everything away from you, just like you did to me. Itâs all your fault. We wouldâve been fine if you didnât enter our lives.â she swore with a vengeance under her suffocating breath. That night she made a promise to herself, to not stop at any lengths to ruin Rielaâs life.
Steelz
Also, I need the help of the readers who're still here with me. You might have noticed that the novel overall feels a lot more different compared to how it started. The start was more comedic and silly compared to now, where the tonal shift more around the plot and darker themes. I wanted to know which one do you guys prefer. I'll be leaving a poll below for that so please be sure to vote.
Anyway, I am back for now. Glad to have you guys back.