The forest was eerily silent. The air still carried the stench of burnt flesh where the Watcher had fallen. Arden, no, the demon wearing Arden's flesh stood tall, chest rising and falling with predatory calm. His crimson eyes glowed like embers, veins crawling violently across his skin as if his body itself was breaking under the power. "Pathetic creatures", the demon sneered within Arden's mouth. "Not even a worthy meal".Arden, trapped within his own mind, clawed desperately against the darkness that bound him. He screamed, but only the demon's laughter echoed out of his lips. A twig snapped.The crimson gaze whipped around instantly. Two figures emerged cautiously from the treeline, lantern light barely cutting through the fog. Maya and Cyril."Arden!" Maya's voice cracked with worry as she rushed forward, but Cyril grabbed her arm to hold her back. His eyes widened in horror. For what stood before them wasn't their friend. "Stay away," Cyril warned sharply, his tone more fear

The screams of the villagers pierced the air as the monstrous creature tore through the gate and lurched into the heart of the settlement. Its massive form moved with shocking speed, shadows and flesh twisting together like a living nightmare.One swing of its claw sent a group of men crashing into the dirt, broken and lifeless. Another maw opened within its body, snapping shut on a fleeing woman. Her cry was cut short, swallowed whole by the beast. Blood sprayed across the ground as the creature roared in triumph.Houses crumbled beneath its weight. The firelight of torches danced on its grotesque skin, revealing faces that seemed to shift in and out of its form, screaming silently as if trapped within. Children cried out for their parents, and the pounding of feet filled every street as villagers fled into the night.From inside the small room, Arden pulled furiously at the chains that bound him, every muscle straining until his wrists bled. His mother clutched him, her face pale

The screams of Maya pierced Arden's ears, sharper than any roar of the monster. The creature lifted her high, its massive jaws opening, and Arden's heart felt as though it might stop. Every muscle in his body ached, every step toward it a battle against exhaustion.He staggered, his spear trembling in his hands. His chest burned, his vision blurred, and the demon's whispers slithered through his mind, smoother and darker than ever. "Give in. Call me, and together we will crush it. She will not die if you let me out"Arden shook his head violently, trying to resist. "No… I cannot…" he whispered, but the screams of his childhood friend rang louder than any voice in his mind.The creature laughed, tossing Maya aside for a heartbeat before she caught herself and screamed again. Arden felt his will falter. Every instinct screamed at him to save her. Every ounce of reason told him that without help, she would die.His hands shook as he dropped to his knees. "I… I do not want to," he admit

The firelight flickered across the ruins of the village, casting long shadows that danced like restless spirits. Arden remained on his knees, his body aching and his mind torn between silence and rage. Garrick's words still rang in the air, poisoning the hearts of the people.Then a voice rose above the whispers. It was his mother. She stepped forward, her face streaked with tears but her voice steady. "He is my son. You cannot call him a monster when he fought with everything to protect us. Look around you. Many more would have died tonight if not for him"For a moment the villagers faltered, torn between fear and the truth in her words.Maya pushed through the crowd and stood beside Arden. Her frame trembled, but her eyes held fierce determination. "I grew up with him. He has always fought to protect those he cares about. If you call him a monster, then you are blind to what is right in front of you"The crowd shifted again. Some murmurs grew softer, doubt creeping in against Gar

The first light of dawn painted the village in pale gold, smoke from the previous night still curling into the sky. Arden stood outside his small home, his bag slung over his shoulder, packed with the few belongings he could carry. The air was cool, heavy with the quiet of a village still reeling from the chaos.His mother stood before him, her hands trembling as she reached for his face. Tears streaked down her cheeks, but her eyes were filled with fierce love. "My son, my boy… You do not have to do this"Arden swallowed hard, his throat tight. Tears welled in his own eyes as he pressed a hand to her cheek. "I have to, mother. For your safety, for my sisters, for everyone here. They fear me, and if I stay, I will only bring more danger"His younger sisters clung to her skirts, their small faces pale and wide-eyed. Arden knelt down, gathering them into a gentle embrace. "I will come back," he whispered, voice breaking. "I promise I will find a way to protect you all, no matter wher