Capítulo 24: A Demoness
As the sun sank below the horizon, the chill of night enveloped the village. Shadows stretched ominously, merging with the creeping darkness. I moved through the narrow streets, every creak and rustle making me acutely aware of my surroundings. It was then I spotted my raven, its glossy feathers gleaming in the moonlight.
With a flutter of wings, it landed on my shoulder, a scrap of parchment clutched tightly in its claws. The weight of the letter felt familiar, a connection to Sophie. But before I could unfurl the message, I heard Eric's voice calling out to me, urgency threading through his tone.
"Zark!" he shouted, his silhouette emerging from the darkness. I turned on my heel, quickly making my way to him.
When we regrouped, I could see the tension etched across Eric's face, his eyes scanning the area as if expecting trouble to leap from the shadows. "I saw something," he said, his voice low and steady. "A strange shadow. It darted across the village and headed toward the forest."
"Did anyone else see it?" I asked, glancing around to ensure we were alone.
"No," he replied, shaking his head. "But I'm sure of it. It was quick, almost like it knew I was watching. We need to investigate."
I tucked the letter into my tunic, knowing it would have to wait. "Lead the way," I said, falling into step beside him as we moved toward the tree line. The forest loomed ahead, dark and foreboding, a stark contrast to the dimly lit village behind us.
The sounds of the night enveloped us—the rustle of leaves, the distant call of an owl, and the soft crunch of twigs underfoot. Each sound heightened my senses, my instincts on high alert. The air was thick with anticipation, as if the forest itself held its breath, waiting for the confrontation to come.
As we approached the edge of the woods, Eric stopped abruptly, raising a hand to signal me to do the same. We exchanged glances, understanding that whatever we were about to face would not be an ordinary challenge. Shadows flickered between the trees, and the faintest whisper of movement caught my attention.
"Stay close," Eric warned, his voice barely above a whisper.
We ventured deeper into the forest, every step bringing us closer to the unknown. The moonlight filtered through the branches, casting an eerie glow that danced across the ground. I tightened my grip on my sword, feeling the weight of its familiarity in my hand.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the darkness, freezing us in our tracks. My heart raced as I strained to listen, trying to discern where the sound was coming from. Eric's eyes narrowed, and he signaled for us to move quietly, creeping forward in a stealthy formation.
Then, without warning, a shadow leapt from the underbrush, a dark form moving with unnerving speed. I barely had time to react as it barreled past us, heading further into the depths of the forest.
"What was that?" I hissed, adrenaline surging through my veins.
"I don't know," Eric replied, urgency creeping back into his voice. "But we can't let it get away."
We sprinted after the shadow, weaving through the trees, my breath coming in quick bursts. The underbrush tangled at our feet, but we pressed on, driven by the need to uncover the truth.
As we pushed deeper into the forest, the sounds of the village faded away, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the crunch of twigs underfoot. The shadow ahead of us flickered in and out of sight, a wraith-like presence that seemed to taunt us with its speed.
"We're gaining on it!" Eric shouted, determination fueling his words.
I nodded, my focus narrowing to the figure darting ahead. The night was heavy with tension, and I could feel the anticipation crackling in the air. Whatever awaited us in the depths of the forest was ready to make its move, and we would be ready to meet it head-on.
As we pushed deeper into the heart of the forest, the air shifted, becoming charged with an unnatural energy that sent a shiver down my spine. The shadows seemed to dance around us, closing in with every step we took. Then, without warning, she emerged from the gloom, as if conjured by the very darkness that enveloped us.
A woman stood before us, her presence both alluring and terrifying. Her skin was like ash, pale and smooth, a stark contrast to the black raven-like wings that unfurled behind her, casting an ominous shadow on the forest floor. Her cold blue eyes locked onto ours, glinting with a hunger that sent an icy dread coursing through my veins.
"Irina," Eric whispered, recognition dawning in his voice. "The demon who haunts this village."
"Quite observant, aren't you?" she replied, her voice silky and seductive, yet laced with malice. "But you should have turned back when you had the chance."
In that instant, the tension snapped, and I drew my sword, its blade gleaming ominously in the dim light. "We won't let you take any more lives," I declared, stepping forward, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders.
Irina's laughter echoed through the trees, a haunting melody that sent a chill through me. "Such bravery, but foolishness often leads to one's demise," she taunted, her wings flaring as she prepared to attack.
Before I could react, she lunged at us with astonishing speed, her wings propelling her through the air like a predatory bird. Eric moved instinctively, drawing his blade as he charged at her. The clash of steel rang out in the silence of the forest as their weapons collided, sparks flying from the impact.
"Zark, flank her!" Eric shouted, his focus trained on Irina. I nodded and circled to the right, searching for an opening as the two engaged in a deadly dance of sword strikes.
Irina was quick and agile, her movements fluid as she evaded Eric's strikes, countering with deadly swipes of her own. She was strong, each blow echoing with a force that sent vibrations through my bones. I watched, waiting for the right moment, as I closed the distance, my own blade ready.
"Did you know?" she said, her voice dripping with disdain as she fought. "This village, I was once one of them, a mother with a child of my own. I ate my child, he was delicious. But they drowned me in that well, fearing what I had become. Now, I feast on the flesh of those they hold dear."
"Enough!" Eric yelled, his frustration boiling over. He lunged again, and I seized the opportunity, charging at her from the side.
But she anticipated my move, her eyes narrowing as she twisted in the air, avoiding my strike. I barely managed to stop myself from overextending, my momentum carrying me past her. Irina retaliated, sweeping low with her wing, and I barely dodged as it cut through the air like a blade, feeling the rush of wind as it missed me by inches.
"Is that all you have?" she taunted, her voice mocking as she danced out of reach, her wings giving her an aerial advantage.
"Stay focused!" Eric warned, but the intensity of the fight was clouding my judgment. I needed to find a way to ground her, to take away her advantage.
"Enough of this!" I shouted, forcing myself to think. "If she was once a part of this village, perhaps it's time to use that against her."
Eric's eyes met mine, and I could see he was formulating a plan. "We need to drive her back toward the well!" he yelled, voice filled with urgency.
We moved in sync, forcing Irina to retreat deeper into the woods, pushing her toward the direction of the well, where she had once met her fate. With every strike, every feint, we pressed her backward, but she fought like a cornered animal, desperation fueling her attacks.
As we closed in, I could see the fear in her eyes. She lashed out with her wings, striking me hard across the chest and sending me sprawling back into a tree. I felt the impact jolt through my body, pain blooming in my ribs.
"Zark!" Eric shouted, but I fought through the pain, scrambling to my feet as Irina turned her attention fully to him. She was furious now, the madness of her past fueling her rage.
"Foolish boy!" she hissed, her voice a mix of venom and sorrow. "You will pay for reminding me of what I lost!"
With that, she surged forward, her wings slicing through the air as she charged at Eric. I lunged again, aiming for her wing, hoping to clip it and bring her down to the ground. My blade struck, but she twisted out of reach, her body evading my attack with an almost ethereal grace.
Eric, on the other hand, managed to land a glancing blow against her shoulder, but it only seemed to enrage her further. Irina retaliated, her claws raking across his chest, drawing blood. He stumbled back, panting heavily.
"Don't let her get to you!" I shouted, trying to rally him as I moved back into position.
"She's stronger than we thought!" Eric grunted, struggling to regain his footing as he wiped blood from his mouth. "We need to end this now!"
Summoning every ounce of strength I had left, I charged forward again, using the momentum of my body to strike. I felt the rush of adrenaline as I swung my blade with determination, aiming for her wings. If I could ground her, we might have a chance.
As my sword connected with the feathers of her wing, she shrieked in pain, a haunting cry that echoed through the trees. For a moment, it seemed as though we might succeed in overcoming her. But Irina's rage intensified, and she lashed out wildly, her claws finding purchase against my arm, tearing through flesh as I screamed in pain.
"Zark!" Eric yelled, his voice filled with urgency, but I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to push through the pain.
"Focus, Eric!" I shouted, desperation creeping into my tone. "We can't let her escape!"
In that moment, Irina recoiled, flapping her wings violently to gain distance. Her eyes burned with rage and despair. "You think you can defeat me? I was wronged, and I will have my revenge!"
Before we could react, she twisted in the air and dove towards us, her wings slicing through the night air like blades. I barely managed to duck, feeling the wind rush past me as she soared overhead, but Eric wasn't so fortunate. She struck him with a devastating blow, sending him crashing to the ground, his head slamming against the hard forest floor with a sickening thud.
"Eric!" I shouted, panic surging through me as I rushed to his side. He lay motionless, blood pooling around his head.
Irina took advantage of my distraction, launching herself into the air, ready to escape. "You'll pay for this, boys!" she screeched, her voice a mix of rage and triumph.
"No!" I roared, my heart racing as I turned to face her, determination surging within me. With a desperate leap, I swung my sword, but it was too late. Irina soared high above, her wings carrying her away from us, vanishing into the dark sky.
I dropped to my knees beside Eric, panic gripping me as I checked for his pulse. He was alive, but unconscious, his breaths shallow. "Eric!" I shouted, shaking him gently, but he didn't respond.
The fight was over, but the battle within me was just beginning. I had to get us back to the village, to warn them about the demon that had once been one of them.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead. Irina may have escaped, but I would find her again. The villagers deserved justice, and I would not rest until it was served.
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