Darkness had settled over the ancient forest surrounding Padas City like a heavy cloak, the silver moonlight filtering through the leaves to cast shifting shadows on the ground. The air smelled of damp soil and pine, and the cries of unseen creatures echoed in the stillness.
Three swordsmen walked their patrol, steps quiet but steady. Their right hands rested on their sword hilts, left hands swinging at their sides. They were the city's first shield against demons lurking in the night.
Rol, the youngest, tugged at his collar. Sweat rolled down his neck despite the cool breeze. His stomach gave a loud growl that broke the silence.
"Ugh, I should've eaten before this," Rol muttered, rubbing his belly. "Now I'll be starving the whole shift. Anyone got food?"
Mando, the biggest of the three, let out a chuckle. His broad shoulders carried the ease of a veteran who had done this many times before. "Preparation, boy. You never learn." But his eyes softened, and he reached into his pack. "Luckily, my wife cooked puto for me."
He unwrapped a small cloth, revealing white rice cakes glowing faintly in the moonlight. The sweet smell made Rol's eyes widen.
"Brother Mando, you're a savior!" Rol exclaimed, reaching eagerly.
Ram, lean and sharp-eyed, smirked. "Every night shift, same thing. Rol forgets to eat, and Mando plays papa bear."
"Hey, don't complain," Rol said with his mouth already full. "This is divine. Almost worth patrolling in the dark."
Ram's stomach suddenly growled, loud enough to make all three glance at him. His ears turned red. "Betrayed by my own body," he grumbled.
Rol grinned, crumbs on his lips. "Ha! Even your stomach admits you're jealous."
Ram sniffed, pretending not to care. "I'm still full. Totally fine." He patted his empty stomach, trying to look serious.
Mando shook his head with mock pity. "You're hopeless. Too proud to take food, even when you're starving."
"Exactly," Ram shot back. "Pride keeps me strong."
Rol snorted. "Pride won't keep you alive if you faint on patrol."
Even Mando laughed at that, his deep voice carrying through the trees. For a moment, the forest felt lighter.
But then—
The sharp cry of an infant cut through the night. High, desperate, and impossibly out of place.
All three froze. Instinct took over. Their swords slid free in unison, moonlight flashing on cold steel.
"Did you hear that?" Rol whispered, fear flooding him, hunger forgotten.
"Yes. From the right." Ram drew his dagger as well, his eyes narrowing. This feels wrong. No child belongs out here.
He caught sudden movement at Rol's feet—something pale and slithering.
"Why are you staring at me like that?!" Rol panicked, eyes darting. "Don't tell me something's there!"
"Easy. Don't shout," Mando ordered, blade raised.
But before calm could return, a tentacle shot from the undergrowth and wrapped Rol's ankle.
His scream died in his throat as he was yanked down, sword flying from his grip. Mando lunged, Ram dove, but the creature's speed was monstrous. Rol vanished into the dark, dragged screaming into silence.
"ROL!" Mando's roar shook the clearing, but only silence answered.
They crashed through the forest in pursuit. Branches snapped, leaves flew, until they burst into a clearing—only to stop cold.
Rol's body lay twisted, pale, lifeless. His eyes stared blankly upward, emptied of all light.
Mando dropped to his knees, closing the boy's eyes with trembling fingers. Tears rolled down his face. "May the gods guide you home, brother."
Ram stood rigid, sword tight in his grip. His jaw clenched. I'll avenge you, Rol.
Then came laughter. High, childish, but laced with malice. The sound sent ice through their veins.
Mando rose slowly, tears giving way to fury. "Ram," he said, voice steady. "Go. Report this to the city."
"What? No! I won't lose you too!" Ram's mask cracked, worry in his eyes.
Mando gripped his shoulder. "Tell my family I love them."
"Mando—"
"Move!" Mando barked, drawing the massive sword from his back. He smiled faintly, standing tall in the moonlight. "He's almost here."
With one last clasp of arms, Ram turned and ran, heart heavy, eyes stinging. Behind him, the clash of steel and the growl of something inhuman echoed through the trees.
Ram clenched his sword tighter, whispering, "May the gods give you strength, brother."