In the darkest hour of night a young man walked across the lake hidden deep within the forest.
Moonlight illuminated the dark expanse of the night as he stood staring at his own reflection in the water.
From beyond the reflection a young man with raven black hair stared back at him. He wore a black battlerobe tattered and drenched in his own blood.
His dark abyss-like eyes hid a hint of red in them. A quite unique sight or so to say.
He carried an unreadable expression with him.
Suddenly the air grew colder and the mist started pouring in and covered the whole place at an unusual speed.
His reflection on the water surface rippled and changed forms.
Slowly from deep within the lake, a shadow emerged, completely shrouded in mist.
Then the mist swirled around and took the shape of a beautiful woman with pearl white hair, slowly emerging from the depths.
She was a creature of third order of the semi sentient class—a soul creature.
She hovered above the surface of the lake staring at the young man with a peculiar expression.
"You came back August," she said as though watching something very shocking.
In reality she had not expected August to return indeed. However, there was no way she could say that out loud.
She had watched him grow up, she had witnessed almost every important part of his childhood and there was hardly anyone aside from his parents who knew his nature better than her.
He wasn't that powerful, he never was. Then why? Why did every part of her scream to get away from him suddenly?
August stared at her with no emotion in his eyes.
"Is that a question?" He asked. "Do you not feel joy to see me again perhaps?"
"No, it's just unexpected," she said warily. Careful to choose the correct words.
"Oh! What a shame," he said, lowering his gaze with an eerily disappointed expression, "I apologize for not being able to meet your expectations."
He said with a dramatic pause,
"I am sorry that I returned alive."
Hearing that a sudden chill ran through the woman's body. Even if she was a soul creature and more powerful than most of the inhabitants of that forest the boy —standing before her was always different. Always unique.
Suddenly August lunged forward, his weapon taking shape in his hand.
A sword with a matte dark blade appeared in his hand aiming at her neck, threatening to sever her head off.
His reflexes were sharp, his moves fast. The blade of his ominous weapon struck with utmost precision.
The woman would've died on the spot if she happened to be a second late in dissolving her body into formless mist.
In an instant she appeared at another side of the lake.
"What happened, August? talk to me. What is the reason behind your anger?" She asked, acting oblivious.
However, he did not reply and only changed the trajectory of his lethal blade.
The speed in which he covered the distance in between was unbelievable. His blade once again threatened to take her life.
She dodged by an inch once again.
"What are you upset about? Tell me."
He continued the attack, his movements swift.
Then the woman heaved a sigh, waving her hand as the chains made of mist bound August, pinning him to the ground.
"Ah, you mindless human child," her tone which sounded innocent a moment ago changed suddenly, "what do you even know. Throwing a tantrum like a little boy you are. So what I betrayed you, so what your home was destroyed because of me so what ha? What are you gonna do about it? What can you do, honestly?
Nothing. You are nothing. Just like the rest of the humans —pathetic. They all act so high and mighty like they are the gods above us? Just because they are born in a class higher than us doesn't mean it gives them the right to look down on the rest of the living creatures. What about us? We are here too. Just because you are humans you can imprison a creature like me?
So what I have fallen from the ranks I am still a death incarnate. Ever so humble servant of my lord and master."
She glared at August who was struggling to break free from the thick chains of the mist.
"Your father and his friend Aurelion, they dragged me here against my will and told me to do what, to keep guard? Who do you think I am? I will never belittle myself to this extent. Never.
That's why I swore to my lord that will take my revenge. One day I surely will. And will you look at that.."
She pointed to a direction as the mist parted revealing a horrifying sight. At a distance, flames loomed high above a human town. Purple pieces of a translucent dome that covered the town —were falling down as they dissolved into the ethereal sparks of energy.
"...I finally did it, Augustus." She said, revealing a joyful smile, "I took my revenge against your father, against Aurelion. And guess who helped me achieve that?"
Her smile widened looking at pitiful young boy,
"You my dear. I am thankful. You should keep your head high, why do you look so …disappointed?"
Drenched in cold sweat, he lifted his gaze and said, the words barely coming out from his mouth,
"I trusted you. Thought you were my friend."
The woman did not laugh, her white hair fluttered in the gently blowing wind,
"You are a fool. Nothing more than that."
She looked at him for the very last time as the moonlight complimented the brutal sight beautifully,
"You never knew a moment of peace in your whole life. Now at least, die in peace."
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