The_wildside - Profile

The sky was brightening by the minute. Riftan gazed up at it for a while before turning to the city gate, where the knights were waiting for him. He cast one final look at the tent, his face hardening, and set out for battle.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

But was that even possible?

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

The moment the thought crossed his mind, everything became clear. He had to keep her as far from his troubled life as he could.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

Hebaron opened his mouth as if to argue, but he soon nodded. Riftan picked up the sword belt he had discarded earlier and cast a weary glance back at his wife. Though his legs protested, he knew it would be better for her if he were not there.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

It was when he had dragged her into his cursed life. The moment he had held her hand.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

Turning toward the new voice, he saw a young female cleric shrink back. As he gazed at the trembling girl, Riftan felt his senses slowly returning.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

"The bleeding has stopped. Her ladyship is out of the woods now. She will recover."

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

Please do not take her from me.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

And it was he who had dragged her into such a miserable life.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

A pain struck him then. It felt as though he were being branded with a hot iron. Life had always been cruel, never offering anything unless he desperately fought for it. That was his existence.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

"I'm here, Maxi. I'm right here."

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

"Where… is…" she muttered, her voice barely audible, "Rif… tan?"

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

His head snapped up, meeting a pair of unfocused gray eyes. Furiously shaking off the hands that bound him, he stumbled to her side.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

Soon, he found himself lying face down on the floor, panting like a bound beast. The man pinning him roared in his ear, "Get a hold of yourself, damn it! Her ladyship will be fine. Absolutely fine!"

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

Riftan's struggles became more frantic, like an animal caught in a trap. The sound of breaking objects and alarmed shouts filled his muffled ears while strong arms pressed him to the ground.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

Riftan's struggles became more frantic, like an animal caught in a trap. The sound of breaking objects and alarmed shouts filled his muffled ears while strong arms pressed him to the ground.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

It took a moment for him to realize that the heart-wrenching sounds were his own. More people rushed in, trying to pin him down. Riftan thrashed about without knowing why he was struggling. Four pairs of hands, or perhaps more, restrained him like chains.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

Riftan struggled fiercely, fighting against those trying to separate him from her. The cries of a beast echoed in the distance.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

His mind felt blank. He watched her shiver, at a complete loss for what to do. A moment later, he hastily covered her with the blanket again and slid his hand beneath it to feel her cold, damp leg. As the sheet grew wetter, a chill coursed through him as if he were the one losing blood.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim

The bleeding had to be stopped, but how? Lukewarm blood steadily soaked her skirt. It felt like every nerve in his body was ablaze. If they failed to stop it, she was going to die. He was going to lose her.

Under the Oak Tree

Fantasy · Suji Kim