Moonlight Castle

Using only hand signals, they silently agreed on a plan.

Kazimir would fire an arrow into the beast’s leg, wounding it and drawing its attention. As it charged toward him, he would lead it straight into an ambush—where the others, hidden behind the trees, would strike with their pitchforks and finish it off. It wasn’t the most foolproof plan, but it was all they had.

Kazimir took his position among the trees, gripping his bow tightly. He steadied his breath, nocked an arrow, and pulled the string taut. A heartbeat later, he released.

The arrow whistled through the air. Before the first could even strike, he had already loosed another. Both found their mark, sinking deep into the creature’s flesh. The beast roared in agony, its many eyes—both on its skull and along its writhing tentacles—locking onto him.

Kazimir didn’t hesitate. He turned and sprinted toward the trees.

But the creature was faster than he had anticipated. With terrifying speed, it lunged, its monstrous jaws clamping down on his right shoulder. A searing pain tore through him as flesh and bone gave way.

Before it could drag him to the ground, the ambush was sprung. The men burst from the shadows, driving their pitchforks deep into the beast’s writhing mass. Again and again, they stabbed, piercing its flesh from every angle. The creature shrieked, convulsing violently as dark blood poured from its wounds.

Within seconds, it was over. The beast gave one final, hollowing cry before collapsing in a lifeless heap.

Kazimir barely registered its death. His world had narrowed to the burning agony in his shoulder—what remained of it. Blood poured freely from the wound, pooling at his feet. He had never bled this much before. He wouldn’t last long.

Judas and the others stood over him, their expressions unreadable. Then, after a moment, Judas turned away. Without a word, he walked off, returning moments later with the wagon.

They loaded the beast’s carcass onto it.

Kazimir waited for them to help him.

They didn’t.

Judas met his gaze for the briefest moment before climbing onto the wagon. The others followed. With a flick of the reins, the horses stirred, pulling the wagon forward. The sound of wheels crunching against the dirt filled the air.

Kazimir was left behind.

He watched in stunned silence as the wagon disappeared into the distance. The sky had begun to darken, and the cold crept in. His body felt weaker by the second.

With no other choice, he dragged himself to a nearby Umbrax tree. The glowing white leaves cast a soft, ethereal light over him. He let out a shuddering breath and leaned back against the rough bark.

There was nothing left to do now.

Kazimir tilted his head up, gazing at the luminous canopy above. It was beautiful.

With a final, weary sigh, he closed his eyes and waited for death.