Chương 3: First Kill

The forest seemed alive in a way that felt unnervingly watchful. Every step I took pressed into the damp undergrowth, the soft crunch of leaves and twigs echoing faintly in the otherwise still air. The trees stretched impossibly high above me, their gnarled branches forming a canopy so thick that only fragmented beams of sunlight managed to pierce through. The scattered light painted the ground in uneven patterns of green and gold.

The air smelled rich—of wet soil, moss, and something faintly sweet. A gentle breeze whispered through the leaves, making them rustle softly, as though the forest were murmuring secrets just beyond my understanding. Despite the apparent tranquility, my nerves were taut. Every distant chirp, every rustle of the bushes felt like a warning.

I wasn't alone.

As I moved deeper into the forest, my thoughts strayed. Images of Elara flickered in my mind—her smile, her voice, the warmth of her embrace. The memory felt out of place here, in this vast, alien world. But it was better than thinking about the reality of my situation: I was defenseless in an unknown wilderness.

Then I heard it.

Snap.

The sound was faint but unmistakable. My body froze, my senses sharpening instantly. My hand shot out to grab a fallen branch, its rough bark digging into my palm as I held it like a lifeline. The silence around me deepened, broken only by the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. I scanned the shadows, my grip tightening on the makeshift weapon. My breath was shallow, heart pounding against my ribs.

Minutes passed. Nothing moved. The tension in my chest eased slightly, and I began to wonder if my mind had played a trick on me. But just as I turned to leave, the underbrush to my left exploded in motion.

A shadow burst forward—a massive, hulking beast with dark fur and glowing eyes that locked onto me with primal hunger. Its form was low and sleek, its movements disturbingly fluid as it closed the distance between us with terrifying speed. Adrenaline surged, and I barely managed to throw myself sideways, the beast's massive frame brushing past me like a living freight train.

Its growl was guttural, vibrating through the air as it turned to face me again. Sharp, jagged teeth gleamed in the fragmented sunlight, and the sheer size of it left me momentarily paralyzed. I had no idea what it was, but everything about it screamed predator.

Run.

The thought hit me like a command, and I obeyed without hesitation. I turned and sprinted, my feet pounding against the uneven forest floor. Branches clawed at my arms and legs as I pushed through the dense foliage, my lungs burning with each frantic breath. Behind me, the beast crashed through the undergrowth, its heavy footsteps like a drumbeat of inevitability.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

I dared a glance over my shoulder. Its glowing eyes pierced the shadows, fixed on me with an unwavering focus. My foot caught on a root, and I stumbled, crashing to the ground. Pain flared in my knees and palms, but I scrambled back to my feet, the sound of the beast's growls urging me forward.

The forest felt endless, a maze of twisting paths and towering trees. I veered left, hoping to throw it off, but its growl grew louder. It was right behind me. My legs burned, my chest heaved, but I couldn't stop.

A powerful force slammed into my back, sending me sprawling to the ground. The impact drove the air from my lungs, and I rolled instinctively to the side as the beast's snapping jaws came down inches from my face. Its hot breath hit me like a wave, carrying the stench of raw meat and damp earth.

I grabbed a rock—a jagged piece of earth about the size of my fist—and hurled it at the creature. It struck its eye with a dull crack, and the beast let out a roar that sent chills through my body. It reared back, pawing at its face, giving me precious seconds to recover.

Scrambling to my feet, I gripped another rock tightly. My arms trembled, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. The beast lowered itself, snarling, its injured eye leaking blood but its hunger undiminished. It lunged again, jaws wide, but this time I was ready. I ducked low, its claws grazing my shoulder as I spun to the side.

I swung the rock in a wide arc, the impact connecting with the side of its head. The beast staggered, a pained snarl escaping its throat. I pressed the advantage, swinging again and again, each strike driven by sheer desperation. But it wasn't enough.

The beast roared, its claws swiping toward me. I dodged, narrowly avoiding the deadly blow, and my eyes caught sight of a thick, jagged branch on the ground nearby. Without thinking, I dove for it, rolling to my feet with the makeshift spear clutched in both hands.

The beast lunged, and I stepped to the side, plunging the branch into its flank with all the strength I could muster. It howled, the sound raw and furious, as blood spilled onto the forest floor. The branch was wedged deep, but the beast wasn't finished. It twisted, snapping its jaws, its claws raking the air inches from my chest.

I pulled the branch free and struck again, aiming for its throat this time. The beast thrashed violently, its movements erratic as it tried to dislodge me. Fear and adrenaline blurred into a single, driving force as I pressed forward, stabbing relentlessly.

Finally, the beast staggered, its legs trembling beneath it. Its growls weakened, turning into low, guttural whimpers. I didn't stop. With a final, desperate thrust, I drove the branch deep into its chest, piercing what I could only hope was its heart.

The beast let out one last roar, a sound that shook the forest around us, then collapsed. Its body hit the ground with a heavy thud, and the silence that followed was deafening.

I stood there, gasping for breath, my hands stained with blood and dirt. My arms felt like lead, every muscle in my body screaming for rest. The beast's lifeless form lay before me, its once-glowing eyes now dull.

The forest was still again, the air heavy with the scent of blood. I dropped the branch, my fingers numb, and sank to my knees. The weight of what I'd just done began to settle in.

This was survival. Brutal, messy, and unforgiving.