《Therion: The Cursed Flower》 Prologue Prologue: The Bloom Of Ruin The world was not always like this. Once, there were cities of glass and steel, machines that soared through the sky, and knowledge that shaped the very fabric of life. Humanity stood at its peak, defying nature itself. But like all things that rise too high, they eventually fell. It all began in the year 2025, when a discovery promised to change the world forever. A single flower, glowing with an unnatural blue light, was found in the deep forest. Scientists believed it was the key to curing diseases, a miracle of nature. It did more than that¡ªit healed the sick, granted strength beyond measure, and defied death itself. But perfection is an illusion. The gift of the blue flower came with a cost. Those who relied on its power for too long became something else¡ªtwisted, unrecognizable, hungry. Their bodies would wither and decay, but they would never truly die. The sickness spread like wildfire, consuming cities, tearing nations apart. Humanity, once the rulers of the world, became prey to the nightmarish creatures they called Revenants. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. The golden age ended in blood and fire. Now, 865 years later, the world is unrecognizable, Technology has been forgotten. The remnants of humanity live in four great kingdoms, each struggling to survive against the monsters lurking beyond their walls. The past is all but forgotten, buried beneath ruins and whispers of old legends. But somewhere, hidden deep within the world, the truth still lingers. A flower of death was born from the ashes of man¡¯s greed. But long before that, another flower was already waiting¡ªwatching. A red flower, older than time itself, hidden in the shadows of history. A secret buried beneath the weight of centuries. And one boy, unknowingly carrying the cure within his veins, is about to set the world on fire once more. Chapter 1: Aeron and Rowan Chapter 1 Aeron & Rowan Year 2890. The morning sun shines through the dense canopy of trees, casting golden streaks across the forest floor. Birds chirping, and the crisp scent of damp earth filling the air. A small wooden cabin stood among the towering pines¡ªnot extravagant, but sturdy and warm, built with care. Smoke curled from the chimney. Inside, Aeron sat at the table, stuffing his mouth with bread while Rowan sat across from him, chewing slower, his gaze distant. Their father, Orion, stood by the door, adjusting the straps of his hunting gear. ¡°Alright, boys,¡± Orion said, his voice calm but firm. ¡°Finish up. We¡¯re heading out soon.¡± Aeron swallowed his last bite and grinned. ¡°We¡¯ll catch many fishes today, right, Dad?¡± Rowan, arms crossed, sighed. ¡°Tch. You act like you¡¯re the one catching them.¡± Their mother, Evelyn, walked over, ruffling Aeron¡¯s hair before giving Orion a knowing look. ¡°Just don¡¯t go too far, alright? And keep an eye on them,¡± she warned. Orion chuckled. ¡°We¡¯ll be back before Sunset. Don¡¯t worry.¡± Aeron practically bounced in excitement, while Rowan simply grabbed one of the boar spears. The forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant chirping. Sunlight filtered through the towering trees, casting shifting patterns on the ground as Orion led his sons through the familiar path toward the river. The earthy scent of damp wood and moss filled the air, making Aeron take a deep breath, savoring the cool morning breeze. When they reached the riverbank, the water was crystal clear, reflecting the towering trees above. Small fish darted beneath the surface, their silver bodies glinting in the sunlight. Orion set down his bag and grabbed a long wooden spear, nodding toward his sons. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s see if you two have been paying attention,¡± he said, smirking. ¡°Stay still, aim for the movement, and strike fast.¡± Aeron gripped his own spear, eyes locked on the water. In a flash, he lunged forward, thrusting the tip into the river. A splash erupted, and when he pulled back, a wriggling fish was skewered on the end. ¡°Yes!¡± Aeron grinned, lifting the fish high. Orion chuckled. ¡°Well done, Lad. That was clean.¡± Rowan clenched his jaw, gripping his spear tighter. He stepped forward, mimicking Aeron¡¯s stance, but when he struck, his spear cut through the water¡ªempty. The fish had slipped away. ¡°Tch.¡± Rowan gritted his teeth. He tried again. And again. Each time, the fish escaped. Meanwhile, Aeron landed another. Then another. Orion clapped his shoulder, beaming with pride. ¡°You¡¯re a natural, Aeron.¡± Rowan¡¯s hands tightened around the spear. He could feel it again¡ªthat frustration gnawing at his chest. No matter what, Aeron was always the best. Always the one their parents praised. Always the one who shined. ¡°Rowan, focus,¡± Orion said, noticing his son''s clenched fists. ¡°It¡¯s about patience, not strength.¡± Rowan said nothing, lowering his spear into the water. But inside, the envy burned. With their catch secured in a woven sack, Orion slung it over his shoulder, giving Aeron an approving nod. "You did good today,Lads" he said, ruffling his son¡¯s hair. Aeron grinned, wiping fish scales off his hands, while Rowan remained quiet, his gaze fixed on the ground. ¡°You¡¯ll get the hang of it, Rowan.¡± Said Orion with a smile, ruffling his hair. The three of them set off toward a nearby village, their boots crunching against the forest floor. The path was long, winding between thick trees and moss-covered rocks, but Orion led the way with ease. They had done this trip many times before. By the time they reached the village, the sun had shifted lower in the sky, casting warm orange hues over the small wooden houses. The villagers greeted them with familiarity, exchanging nods and smiles as Orion and his sons set up near the marketplace. The smell of freshly baked bread and smoked meat filled the air, mixing with the salty scent of their fresh fish. One by one, they handed over their catch to eager buyers, trading for a few silver coins and some essentials¡ªdried herbs, flour, and a small pouch of salt. Rowan watched as Aeron handled the sales effortlessly, chatting with the villagers, laughing when one of the older women pinched his cheek and called him "a fine young man." He clenched his fists, his chest tightening with frustration. As the last fish was sold, Orion stretched his arms with a satisfied sigh. "That should be enough. We need to head back before nightfall." The journey home was quiet, with only the distant chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves in the wind. The sky dimmed to shades of violet and amber, reminding them that night would soon come. Fortunately, they lived close enough to the kingdom¡¯s borders, where hunters patrolled the roads at night, keeping the Revenants at bay. By the time they reached home, the first stars were beginning to twinkle above. Inside their cabin, the warm glow of the hearth welcomed them. Their mother had already prepared a simple meal, and they sat around the wooden table, eating the remaining fish from their hunt. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. "It was a good catch today," Orion said between bites. "Yeah, Aeron caught most of them," Rowan muttered, stabbing his fork into his food. His mother gave him a glance, sensing the bitterness in his voice. ¡°You¡¯ll get it, Rowan, I know it.¡± Aeron, unaware of his brother¡¯s resentment, simply smiled. "We¡¯ll catch even more next time." Rowan didn¡¯t respond. He only focused on his plate, the flickering candlelight casting shadows over his face. After dinner, the warmth of the cabin settled in, the crackling fire filling the quiet space with a soft, rhythmic sound. Their mother, Evelyn, collected the plates, humming a tune as she wiped the table clean. The scent of smoked fish still lingered in the air. As usual, Orion stood from his seat and stretched, rolling his shoulders. "I¡¯ll be in the lab," he said simply, his tone final, as if it were just another part of his routine. Aeron and Rowan exchanged a quick glance. They both knew what came next. Their father walked toward the farthest room in the cabin, the one door that remained locked at all times. It was nothing special from the outside¡ªjust an old wooden door with a rusted handle¡ªbut to the two boys, it might as well have been a vault hiding the world¡¯s greatest secrets. Rowan crossed his arms, watching as their dad disappeared inside, the door clicking shut. "What do you think he even does in there?" he muttered, keeping his voice low. "Probably making potions," Aeron joked, kicking his feet up on the bench. "Or some kind of invention. Dad is a scientist, after all." Rowan scoffed, resting his chin on his palm. "If it¡¯s just that, why won¡¯t he let us see? Even Mom isn¡¯t allowed inside." Aeron shrugged. "Maybe it¡¯s dangerous." Rowan¡¯s eyes flickered toward the door again. "Or maybe he¡¯s hiding something." That thought hung between them like an unsaid truth, but before either of them could say more, their mother¡¯s voice cut through their thoughts. "Enough of that," Evelyn said firmly, setting down a freshly washed plate. "You know your father doesn¡¯t like it when you ask about that room." "But Mom¡ª" "No buts," she said, giving Rowan and Aeron a warning glance. "That room is his work. Whatever he¡¯s doing, it¡¯s important, and you need to respect that." Rowan let out a frustrated sigh and slumped back in his seat. Aeron, on the other hand, accepted the answer easily. If their father wanted to keep it a secret, there had to be a good reason. Still, that didn¡¯t stop Rowan¡¯s curiosity from burning in the back of his mind. For hours, the only sounds in the house were the occasional crackle of the fire and the faint, muffled noises coming from behind that locked door. Whatever their father was doing in there, he was always there until midnight. And every night, when he finally came out, he looked more tired than the last. A few hours passed, and the warmth of the cabin slowly dimmed as the fire in the hearth burned lower. The night air outside carried a distant howl of wind through the trees, rustling the wooden walls ever so slightly. Aeron and Rowan sat on the floor, playing with their wooden carved toys, sleep tugging at their eyes, but they stayed awake, waiting. Then, the familiar creak of a door echoed through the quiet house. Their father stepped out of his lab, rubbing his temples as if carrying the weight of a long, exhausting day. His usually sharp eyes looked dull with fatigue, and there was a stiffness in his movements as he closed the door behind him. This was their chance. "Father," Aeron started carefully, sitting up straight. "What do you do in there every night?" Orion barely glanced at him as he made his way to the kitchen, pouring himself a cup of water. "Work," he said simply. Rowan frowned. "What kind of work?" Orion took a slow sip before sighing. "Nothing you need to worry about." Rowan, not satisfied with that answer, leaned forward. "But why can¡¯t we even take a look?" he pressed. "Not even Mom is allowed inside." Orion¡¯s grip on the cup tightened slightly. "Because it¡¯s not for you to see," he said, his voice firm but not unkind. Aeron gently grabbed his arm but Rowan pulled it away, Rowan wasn¡¯t letting it go. "But why? We¡¯re your sons! We should know what you¡¯re doing!" Aeron shifted uncomfortably, sensing the tension in their father¡¯s shoulders. But Rowan, driven by his own stubborn curiosity, pushed further. "What¡¯s so important that you have to keep it from us?" Orion¡¯s patience snapped. "Enough!" his voice boomed through the cabin, making both boys flinch. "You will not ask about that room again!" For a moment, there was only silence. The flickering fire cast long shadows on the walls, making the cabin feel colder than before. Rowan¡¯s hands clenched into fists on his lap, his lips pressed into a thin line. Even Aeron, who usually stayed calm, felt his throat tighten. But just as quickly as his anger had flared, their father took a slow breath and ran a hand down his face. He looked at his sons¡ªtwo wide-eyed ten-year-olds who had only asked out of curiosity, not rebellion. Regret flickered across his face. He knelt in front of them, his voice softer now. "Listen," he said, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. "You¡¯re still children. Only ten years old. There¡¯s a lot about this world you don¡¯t understand yet. And some things¡­ you¡¯re not ready to know." Aeron swallowed and nodded slightly, but Rowan¡¯s face was still twisted in frustration. Orion sighed. "One day, you¡¯ll grow up, and you¡¯ll start seeing the world for what it truly is. And when that time comes, I promise you, everything will make sense. But for now¡­" His gaze flickered to the locked door for just a second before he stood up. "Just trust me." Rowan didn¡¯t answer. Orion gave them one last tired look before stepping away. "Go to bed, you both with your mother upstairs" he murmured. Aeron silently got up and pulled Rowan along, even as his brother still looked like he had more to say. But for tonight, he stayed quiet. The fire crackled one last time before dying down completely. Chapter 2: The Revenants Chapter 2 The Revenants Morning light poured through the cracks in the wooden shutters, painting golden streaks across the cabin floor. The scent of damp earth and pine filled the crisp morning air, mixing with the faint aroma of the previous night¡¯s fire. Birds chirped outside, their melodies blending with the rustling leaves in the gentle breeze. Everything felt normal¡ªjust another peaceful morning in the forest. Aeron stretched as he sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Rowan groaned beside him, pulling the blanket over his head to block out the sunlight. Their father, Orion, was already up and moving around the cabin, preparing for something unusual. His leather boots thudded lightly against the wooden floor as he adjusted the straps of a large traveling bag slung over his back. This wasn¡¯t the usual hunting trip¡ªthere were extra supplies packed, more gear than necessary for just catching fish. Something was different. Evelyn, their mother, stood near the door, her arms crossed as she watched Orion with a worried expression. ¡°You¡¯re sure about this?¡± she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Orion nodded as he tightened the straps on his bag. ¡°I won¡¯t be gone long. Just a day, maybe two.¡± Aeron and Rowan exchanged curious glances before rushing to their father¡¯s side. ¡°Where are you going?¡± Aeron asked, his brows furrowed in concern. ¡°Can we come with you?¡± Rowan added, his voice hopeful. Orion let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. ¡°No, not this time. It¡¯s too far, too dangerous.¡± ¡°But why? What are you looking for?¡± Aeron pressed, glancing at the strange assortment of gear their father was carrying. Orion hesitated for a brief moment before sighing. ¡°It¡¯s nothing you two need to worry about,¡± he said, ruffling Aeron¡¯s hair. ¡°Just take care of your mother while I¡¯m gone.¡± Evelyn stepped forward, placing a hand on his arm. ¡°Please be safe. Get home before sunset,¡± she urged, her voice laced with concern. Orion gave her a reassuring smile before leaning in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. Aeron rolled his eyes, and Rowan made a face of disgust, but Evelyn just shook her head with an amused sigh. Before leaving, Orion knelt down and pulled both of his sons into a warm embrace. ¡°Be good,¡± he murmured. As Aeron hugged him, he noticed something strange¡ªa small red flower keychain dangling from Orion¡¯s belt loop. He hadn¡¯t seen it before. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± he asked, pointing at it. Orion quickly brushed it aside, standing up. ¡°It¡¯s nothing important,¡± he said, adjusting his bag. ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon.¡± With that, he turned and stepped out into the morning light, disappearing into the thick trees beyond the cabin. Aeron and Rowan stood at the doorway, watching their father until he was nothing but a distant figure swallowed by the forest. ¡°Where do you think he¡¯s going?¡± Rowan muttered. ¡°No idea,¡± Aeron replied. ¡°But it has to be something serious.¡± Evelyn let out a small sigh, turning to the boys with a smile. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s have breakfast before you two start pestering me with questions.¡± The hours passed slowly. After finishing their chores, Aeron and Rowan spent the afternoon playing outside, chasing each other around the cabin and wrestling in the grass. The sun slowly crept across the sky, casting long shadows as it dipped lower. The playful laughter of the brothers echoed through the trees, but Evelyn¡¯s mind was elsewhere. She kept glancing toward the forest, her arms folded tightly across her chest. It was getting late¡ªOrion should have been back by now. He had promised to return before sunset. The sky burned with hues of orange and purple as the sun neared the horizon, the first stars beginning to peek out from the darkening sky. Evelyn stood at the doorstep, her fingers anxiously gripping the fabric of her dress. Aeron and Rowan, exhausted from playing, noticed their mother¡¯s tense expression. ¡°Mom?¡± Aeron asked, stepping closer. ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Evelyn forced a smile, but the concern in her eyes betrayed her. ¡°No, sweetie, it¡¯s just¡­It¡¯s getting late, You both get inside and play here instead.¡± She said as they both walked their way inside. ¡°Why is Mom upset?¡± Aeron whispered ¡°Dad¡¯s still not back, stupid.¡± Said Rowan as Aeron frown, following her gaze toward the forest The warm atmosphere of the day faded into an unsettling chill. The sun was setting. Orion was still missing. An hour later, the sky had darkened into deep shades of blue and purple, the last hints of daylight slipping beneath the horizon. Inside the cabin, candlelight flickered, casting warm, dancing shadows across the wooden walls. The air was thick with unease, but Aeron and Rowan remained oblivious, too caught up in their game of sword fighting with wooden sticks. ¡°Take that!¡± Rowan shouted, swinging hard and knocking Aeron backward onto the floor. Aeron grunted as he landed on his back, his stick rolling out of reach. ¡°Hey! No fair!¡± he protested, scrambling up to his feet. Rowan smirked, twirling his stick in his hands. ¡°You¡¯re just mad ¡®cause I¡¯m stronger!¡± Aeron huffed, narrowing his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re cheating! You always push too hard!¡± The two boys glared at each other, their argument growing louder by the second. But before either of them could throw another insult, a sharp voice cut through the air. ¡°Enough!¡± Both Aeron and Rowan flinched as Evelyn¡¯s voice rang through the room. She stood with her arms crossed, her brows furrowed in frustration. ¡°I¡¯ve had enough of your bickering! Sit down and behave yourselves.¡± Silence fell between the brothers. Rowan muttered something under his breath before tossing his wooden stick onto the floor. Aeron sighed, rubbing his arm where he had fallen. As the seconds passed, Aeron couldn¡¯t help but notice how tense his mother looked. She sat at the edge of her chair, fingers tapping anxiously against her leg, her gaze darting toward the window every few moments. Her lips were pressed into a thin line, her usual warmth replaced with a deep, quiet worry. Aeron hesitated before speaking. ¡°Mom?¡± Evelyn blinked, turning to her son. ¡°Can you¡­ sing for us?¡± Aeron asked softly. Rowan glanced at him, surprised by the request, but he said nothing. It had been a long time since their mother last sang to them¡ªback when they were younger, when their biggest worries were scraped knees and getting caught sneaking sweets before dinner. Evelyn let out a slow breath before nodding. ¡°Alright, come here.¡± Aeron and Rowan sat on the couch beside her, leaning into her warmth as she ran a hand through their hair. Then, with a gentle hum, she began to sing: "Close your eyes, my little stars, Dream where skies are never far. Let the rivers hum their tune, And sleep beneath the silver moon." Her voice was soft, soothing, like a lullaby woven from the wind itself. The tension in the air slowly faded, their worries melting away, even if just for a moment. Then¡ª BANG! The front door slammed open so violently that the hinges nearly snapped. The peaceful air shattered in an instant. Aeron and Rowan flinched, their heads snapping toward the entrance as their father, Orion, stumbled inside. He was panting, his chest rising and falling rapidly, his entire body drenched in sweat. His left arm clutched at his side, blood dripping down from a deep gash on his forehead. But it wasn¡¯t just that¡ªthere was something far worse. A bite. A fresh, jagged bite on his arm, oozing crimson. Evelyn shot up from the couch, her face going pale. ¡°Orion?!¡± Aeron and Rowan remained frozen, their minds struggling to process what they were seeing. Orion looked up, his wide, panicked eyes locking onto Evelyn. ¡°They¡¯ve found us,¡± he rasped, his voice strained with exhaustion and fear. ¡°They know where we live and¡ª¡± A high-pitched screech cut through the night, echoing from the distance. Then another. And another. The sound sent shivers down Aeron¡¯s spine. The Revenants. Evelyn¡¯s breath hitched. ¡°No¡­ no, they can¡¯t¡ª¡± ¡°They¡¯re coming,¡± Orion said urgently. ¡°They¡¯re getting closer.¡± There was no time to hesitate. They had planned for this. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Evelyn rushed toward the shelf near the fireplace, grabbing a worn-out map¡ªtheir escape plan. Behind the house, a small window led to the woods, and from there, if they followed the path marked on the map, they could reach the nearest kingdom¡ªEldorin. Orion, breathing heavily, reached into his pocket and pulled out a small glass vial filled with red liquid. He handed it to Evelyn along with an injection. ¡°If any of you get bitten, inject this,¡± he instructed. His voice was steady, but his hands trembled. Evelyn swallowed hard, gripping the vial tightly. ¡°Orion, you¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯m staying.¡± His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. He moved to the closet, pulling out his sword. The blade gleamed under the dim candlelight. ¡°I can still fight. I can still buy you time.¡± Aeron¡¯s eyes widened in horror. ¡°No!¡± He ran to his father, wrapping his arms around his leg. ¡°You can¡¯t stay! You can¡¯t!¡± Evelyn¡¯s hands shook as she grabbed Aeron, trying to pull him away. ¡°Aeron, we have to go¡ª¡± ¡°I won¡¯t leave him!¡± Aeron screamed, his small hands gripping onto Orion¡¯s pants desperately. His heart pounded in his chest. This wasn¡¯t happening. This couldn¡¯t be happening. Orion exhaled shakily before kneeling down, placing a hand on Aeron¡¯s shoulder. His eyes, though filled with pain, were still filled with love. ¡°Listen to me, Aeron.¡± His voice was gentle, but urgent. ¡°You have to go. Protect your mother. Protect Rowan.¡± Aeron¡¯s vision blurred with tears. ¡°But¡ª¡± ¡°I love you, son.¡± Aeron¡¯s grip tightened, but Evelyn was stronger. She yanked him away, pulling both him and Rowan toward the back of the cabin as the Revenants were pounding at the front door. As Aeron was dragged back, his fingers grasped at anything¡ªanything¡ªto hold onto his father. His hand caught onto something small and light. The red flower keychain. He clenched it in his fist. Another deafening screech rang out. The front door rattled violently as the Revenants slammed against it. Orion stood tall, gripping his sword with both hands, ready to fight. Evelyn hoisted Aeron through the window first, then Rowan. Just as she was climbing out, the wooden door burst open behind them, and the last thing Aeron saw before they vanished into the night¡ªwas his father, standing his ground, sword raised, as the monsters rushed in. Then, darkness swallowed them whole. The night air was thick with the scent of damp earth and burning wood as Evelyn gripped Aeron and Rowan¡¯s hands, pulling them through the darkened forest. Her breath came in sharp gasps, her heart pounding like a war drum. The distant echoes of inhuman screeches sent chills up her spine. "Run, boys! Don¡¯t look back!" Evelyn''s voice trembled but remained firm. Rowan obeyed, his small legs pumping furiously against the rough terrain, but Aeron hesitated. Something compelled him to glance over his shoulder, just once. Through the shattered window of their home, Aeron saw his father¡ªstanding motionless in the middle of the cabin. The Revenants swarmed around him, their twisted bodies convulsing unnaturally. Their flesh was peeling, their limbs bent at unnatural angles, their sunken eyes glowing with a soulless hunger. Their jaws snapped open wider than humanly possible, revealing rows of jagged, rotting teeth. Black veins pulsed beneath their gray, decomposing skin. Some had missing lips, exposing their permanent, grotesque grins. But there was someone else. Aeron''s gaze locked onto a figure standing before Orion. Unlike the others, this man was¡­ whole. He wasn¡¯t rotting, nor did he move with mindless hunger. He stood tall, exuding an aura of undeniable power. His pale skin was smooth, almost too perfect, and his crimson eyes gleamed like polished rubies. Long, flowing black hair cascaded down his shoulders, and his sharp features held an eerie, timeless beauty¡ªlike a carved statue given life. He wore a dark, high-collared coat that trailed behind him, the fabric as black as the abyss itself. He smiled, but it wasn¡¯t kind. It was slow, deliberate¡ªlike a predator toying with its prey. Aeron''s breath caught in his throat. A single tear slipped down his cheek as the trees swallowed his view, forcing him to turn back toward the escape. Then, the screeches came closer. The rustling of branches¡ªsomething fast. A dark blur shot out of the shadows. The Revenant slammed into Evelyn with bone-crushing force, sending her crashing onto the forest floor. She barely had time to scream before it pinned her down, snarling like a rabid beast. Its blackened teeth snapped inches from her face, its rotting breath hot against her skin. ¡°No! Mom!¡± Rowan¡¯s voice cracked with terror. Aeron scrambled to his feet, his hands grasping desperately for anything¡ªa weapon, a rock, anything. His fingers wrapped around a thick, broken branch. With all his strength, he let out a desperate cry and drove the sharp end straight into the Revenant¡¯s skull. The creature let out a shriek of agony, its glowing eyes rolling back, but it didn¡¯t die. Instead, it twisted unnaturally, its attention now fixated on Aeron. Before he could react, it lunged. Pain. Aeron¡¯s scream pierced through the night as searing agony exploded in his arm. The Revenant¡¯s teeth sank deep into his flesh. A sickening crunch followed. His vision blurred. His body convulsed. The infection was spreading. Evelyn, her hands shaking, grabbed the largest stone she could find and smashed it against the Revenant¡¯s skull. A sickening crack echoed through the trees as the monster slumped to the ground, twitching, stunned but not dead. Wasting no time, she yanked Aeron and Rowan to their feet and bolted into the darkness. Aeron¡¯s legs felt weak. His breath came in ragged, shuddering gasps. The pain in his arm burned like fire, spreading like venom through his veins. His head pounded. The world spun. His knees buckled, and he collapsed against a tree. His limbs refused to move. His ears rang with an unbearable, high-pitched noise. Evelyn dropped to her knees beside him, fumbling with trembling hands as she pulled out the small vial¡ªthe one Orion had given her. ¡°Aeron¡ªhold on! Just hold on!¡± With a quick motion, she plunged the needle into his arm. Aeron''s body convulsed violently. His veins burned, his muscles tensed to the point of snapping. His mind shattered, slipping into darkness. And in that darkness¡­ He saw him. The man from the cabin. Standing amidst a field of crimson flowers. The red flower. It was calling to him. Then¡ªnothing. Darkness swallowed him whole. Aeron lay there, his body trembling violently, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His eyes rolled back, his pupils dilated as his mind was trapped in a cycle of torment. The vision replayed over and over¡ªthe man, the red flower, again and again, like an endless nightmare. His limbs twitched as if unseen hands were holding him down. ¡°Aeron! Aeron, please!¡± Evelyn¡¯s voice cracked as she held her son close, her own body shaking with fear. She didn¡¯t know what to do. She had no cure for this, no way to stop the infection that was tearing through him. Tears welled in her eyes as she gripped him tighter. Rowan sat close, his small hands clutching the dirt beneath him. His wide, terrified eyes darted between his mother and brother, unsure of what was happening. ¡°Mom¡­ is he¡ª?¡± ¡°Hush, baby,¡± Evelyn whispered, her voice quivering. And then, with a trembling breath, she sang. "Close your eyes, my little stars, Dream where skies are never far. Let the rivers hum their tune, And sleep beneath the silver moon." Her voice was broken, unsteady¡ªeach note laced with raw desperation and fear. The melody wavered, her sobs interrupting the words, but she kept singing. The lullaby that once soothed her boys to sleep now became a desperate plea, a fragile tether pulling Aeron back from the abyss. Aeron¡¯s body twitched violently¡­ then, slowly, the shaking began to subside. The burning pain in his veins dulled. His breathing steadied. The nightmarish visions started to blur, fading into the darkness of his subconscious. His mind was no longer drowning. He could hear her. His mother¡¯s voice, soft but afraid, wrapping around him like a fragile embrace. His eyelids fluttered open. The world came into focus¡ªno longer a chaotic blur, but clear. His mother¡¯s face hovered over him, her expression filled with both terror and hope. Rowan was by her side, his small frame curled up in fear. ¡°M¡­Mom¡­¡± Aeron¡¯s voice was weak, barely above a whisper. Evelyn let out a sharp, gasping sob. Relief flooded through her, her heart swelling with overwhelming gratitude. She clutched him tightly, burying her face into his hair. ¡°Oh, my baby, you¡¯re okay,¡± she whispered through tears. For a moment, they simply held onto each other. Then¡ª A piercing screech echoed through the forest. Evelyn¡¯s body stiffened. Aeron¡¯s head snapped toward the sound. They were coming. The Revenants had caught their scent. Evelyn quickly pulled away, her hands cupping Aeron¡¯s face. ¡°Can you get up? Can you run?¡± Aeron swallowed, his body still weak, but he nodded. ¡°Y-Yeah¡­¡± She wasted no time. She tore a strip from her sleeve, wrapping it tightly around his wounded arm. ¡°We won¡¯t be able to outrun them. They¡¯re too fast¡­¡± Her hands shook as she reached into her coat and pulled out a folded map, pressing it into Aeron¡¯s palm. ¡°Take this. Go to Eldorin. Run and never look back. Do you understand?¡± Aeron¡¯s stomach twisted. Something in her voice¡ªthis wasn¡¯t just a plan. This was a goodbye. His grip tightened on the map. ¡°No. No, I¡¯m not leaving you¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯ll distract them. I¡¯ll buy you boys some time.¡± ¡°No!¡± Aeron shook his head violently. ¡°We stay together!¡± Evelyn cupped his face again, forcing him to look at her. Her eyes, filled with love, pain, and desperation, bore into his. ¡°Please, Aeron.¡± Her voice was breaking. ¡°Just run. Take Rowan and go!¡± Tears welled in his eyes, but he knew¡ªhe had no choice. If he hesitated, they would all die. With a final, painful breath, he nodded. Evelyn pulled him into one last embrace, her lips pressing against his forehead before she turned to Rowan, stroking his hair. ¡°I love you both,¡± she whispered. Then she stood. Aeron barely had time to react before she spun around and sprinted in the opposite direction, her boots crashing against the forest floor. ¡°Hey! Over here, you ugly bastards!¡± she screamed, making as much noise as possible. The screeches grew louder. The Revenants had taken the bait. Aeron¡¯s breath hitched as he saw her disappearing into the darkness. His fists clenched, his body frozen in place. Then, Rowan tugged his sleeve. ¡°Aeron, we have to go.¡± Aeron took one last look in the direction Evelyn had run. Then he turned¡ªand ran. The night stretched on, endless and merciless. The trees loomed over them, their twisted branches reaching like skeletal fingers against the starless sky. The distant howls of Revenants echoed through the forest, a haunting reminder that they were still being hunted. Aeron and Rowan had been running for over an hour now, their lungs burning, their legs screaming in protest. Rowan clutched his side, his breaths ragged and uneven. "Aeron, my legs hurt¡­ Damn it!" he panted, stumbling slightly on the uneven ground. His entire body ached, exhaustion seeping into his bones. "Please, Rowan!" Aeron¡¯s voice was strained, his own exhaustion evident, but fear pushed him forward. "We can¡¯t rest yet! Not in this forest!" He tightened his grip on Rowan¡¯s arm. "Those Revenants, they can smell us from afar! We have to get to Eldorin!" But Rowan¡¯s body was giving out. His steps grew sluggish, his vision blurry. Every muscle in his body screamed for rest, for relief. "I¡­ I can¡¯t¡­" he wheezed. His knees buckled. "Agh¡ª!" Before he could collapse, Aeron lunged forward, catching him just in time. His arms trembled under Rowan¡¯s weight, but he refused to let go. Gritting his teeth, he hooked Rowan¡¯s arm around his shoulders, hoisting him up with what little strength he had left. His own legs felt like lead, his breaths shallow. He couldn¡¯t stop now. Then¡ªthrough the thick foliage, past the towering trees¡ªhe saw it. "T¡­There!" Aeron gasped, his voice raw. His trembling hand pointed at the silhouette of an enormous stone wall rising in the distance. Even through his exhaustion, his chest tightened with hope. "We¡¯re almost there, Rowan!" Rowan barely reacted. His head lolled against Aeron¡¯s shoulder, his body growing heavier with every step. Aeron pushed forward, every movement slow and agonizing. His vision blurred. His feet dragged through the dirt, stumbling over rocks and roots. The sound of Revenants screeching in the distance grew louder. Closer. "Keep moving." But his body wouldn¡¯t listen anymore. His knees buckled. His balance wavered. And then¡ª They collapsed. The cold ground met them with an unforgiving embrace. Aeron¡¯s vision spun as he lay there, panting. His limbs felt numb. Rowan, barely conscious, turned his head just enough to glimpse the towering walls of Eldorin in the distance. So close¡­ yet so far. His eyelids drooped, too heavy to keep open. Aeron tried to reach out, his fingers barely twitching before the weight of exhaustion dragged him under. And then¡ªdarkness. Chapter 3: Open Wound Chapter 3 Open Wound Aeron woke up in an unfamiliar bed, his body aching and weak. Sunlight streamed through the wooden-framed window, casting a golden hue across the small, rustic bedroom. His heart pounded as he quickly sat up, scanning the room. Rowan was nowhere in sight. Panic rose in his chest. Where was he? Where was his brother? Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, Aeron stood, wincing as his muscles protested. He instinctively touched his arm where the Revenant had bitten him. To his surprise, a clean, fresh bandage was wrapped tightly around the wound. Someone had taken care of him. His eyes flickered around the old, creaky bedroom. The place smelled of aged wood and dust. Scattered across a small shelf were a few worn-out toys and trinkets¡ªsigns that a child had once lived here. Cautiously, Aeron made his way to the door, gripping the handle with tense fingers before slowly pushing it open. The wooden floor groaned beneath his feet as he stepped into the hallway. The scent of cooked food lingered in the air. Following the aroma, he arrived at what appeared to be a dining area. Rowan sat at a sturdy wooden table, hungrily eating a plate of food. Relief flooded Aeron¡¯s chest at the sight of his younger brother alive and well. Aeron moved towards the table, his stomach growling as he reached for a plate of his own. Just as he was about to take a bite, the front door creaked open. Instantly, his instincts screamed at him. His grip tightened around the fork in his hand as he turned toward the entrance, his body tensed, ready to defend himself. A tall, broad-shouldered man stepped through the door. He was a burly figure, slightly round in the stomach, with a rough appearance that spoke of years of battle. A black eyepatch covered his left eye, and an old, burned scar stretched across his cheek. He carried a heavy presence, one that made Aeron uneasy. Without thinking, Aeron shot up from his seat, pointing the fork at the stranger as if it were a weapon. The man scoffed, unimpressed. ¡°Relax, lad. Ain¡¯t gonna hurt ya,¡± he said, voice deep and gruff. Aeron didn¡¯t lower his guard. ¡°W-Who are you?¡± he demanded. The man let out a sigh, shaking his head. ¡°Name¡¯s Edric. You must be Aeron. Your brother already told me.¡± He glanced at Rowan and chuckled. ¡°I was afraid you¡¯d be worse than this fella. He bit my damn hand earlier.¡± Edric lifted his hand, revealing a small but deep bite mark. Rowan only scowled, chewing his food like he couldn¡¯t care less. Edric let out a low chuckle. ¡°Eat up. You both been through enough at such a young age.¡± His tone softened. ¡°I found you two passed out near the kingdom¡¯s gates. Rowan told me what happened¡­ About Orion and Evelyn.¡± His voice carried a sorrowful weight. ¡°They were my closest friends.¡± At that, Aeron¡¯s grip on the fork loosened. Slowly, he sat back down, casting a glance at Rowan before looking back at Edric. For the first time since their escape, he allowed himself to breathe, even if just a little. After finishing their meal, Aeron and Rowan pushed away from the table, their stomachs full for the first time in days. The moment Aeron stood up, his legs nearly gave out beneath him. His body was still weak, but his mind buzzed with urgency. They needed to figure out where they were, and more importantly, what would happen next. Aeron slowly stepped toward the front door, his hand hovering over the handle. He turned to Edric. ¡°Are we in¡­?¡± ¡°Yep,¡± Edric said, leaning against the doorway. ¡°Welcome to Eldorin, lads. You¡¯ll be living here from now on.¡± With that, he swung the door open. The sight that greeted them left Aeron breathless. Bright sunlight flooded the streets, illuminating the bustling kingdom before them. People walked along the cobblestone roads, chatting and laughing. Children ran through the streets, their giggles echoing through the air. The scent of fresh bread and roasting meat wafted from nearby market stalls. Carriages rattled over the stone paths, pulled by strong horses. To Aeron and Rowan¡ªwho had spent their entire lives in the quiet, secluded forest¡ªit was unlike anything they had ever seen. ¡°Go on,¡± Edric said, smirking at their stunned expressions. ¡°Explore the kingdom. Just don¡¯t go too far.¡± Aeron turned to Rowan, his excitement bubbling over. ¡°Come on, Rowan, let¡¯s go!¡± Rowan hesitated, frowning. ¡°Do we have to?¡± Aeron rolled his eyes, grabbing his brother¡¯s wrist and pulling him forward. ¡°Yes! Let¡¯s go!¡± They stepped out of the house, taking in the vastness of the kingdom. The streets stretched far and wide, lined with houses, shops, and towering stone walls in the distance. The kingdom felt alive, thriving despite the monstrous dangers lurking beyond its walls. As they wandered through the streets, Aeron¡¯s eyes darted around, soaking in every detail. The tall, big horses, the way merchants shouted out prices for their goods, the way armored guards patrolled the streets, the way blacksmiths hammered at molten metal, sending sparks flying¡ªit was all overwhelming, but in the best way. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Look, Rowan!¡± Aeron exclaimed, pointing ahead. Rowan, already annoyed by Aeron¡¯s enthusiasm, sighed. ¡°Ugh, what now?¡± Aeron gestured toward a group of men walking past them. They moved with confidence, their armor polished and weapons secured at their hips. Some carried swords, others bows, and a few had crossbows strapped to their backs. ¡°Aren¡¯t those¡­ hunters?¡± Aeron whispered in awe. Rowan raised a brow. ¡°Hunters?¡± ¡°They kill Revenants,¡± Aeron said, eyes gleaming. ¡°They protect the kingdom from those monsters.¡± The hunters passed by without sparing them a glance, their expressions hardened and focused. ¡°And look at that!¡± Aeron said pointing up at the tall and massive castle from afar ¡°Its huge!¡± Said Aeron as Rowan looked up, mesmerized by the sight of the castle. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s keep exploring!¡± Aeron said. The midday sun hung high above Eldorin, casting golden light over the bustling streets. Aeron and Rowan wandered through the kingdom, taking in the sights of towering stone buildings, busy merchants, and the clatter of horse-drawn carriages. The air smelled of freshly baked bread and sizzling meat, but the peaceful moment didn¡¯t last long. A group of kids, led by a boy with messy blond hair and a smug grin, stepped into their path. "Look at these freaks!" the leader, Patrik, sneered. His friends laughed, circling around Aeron and Rowan like vultures. "They don¡¯t even belong here!" Rowan tensed beside Aeron, clenching his fists, but Aeron remained quiet, watching them with narrowed eyes. "Look at him," another boy pointed at Aeron¡¯s bandaged arm. "He¡¯s been bitten! He¡¯s probably turning into one of those monsters!" "Yeah! Maybe he¡¯s already infected! Should we put him down before he eats us?" another taunted, snickering. Rowan had enough. With a growl, he lunged forward, ready to throw a punch¡ª SPLASH! A wave of cold water crashed over the bullies, drenching them from head to toe. They gasped and shrieked, flailing their arms as their clothes clung to their skin. Aeron blinked in surprise and turned to see a boy standing near a wooden house, gripping an empty bucket. He looked a year younger than Aeron and Rowan, with messy brown hair and wears brown apron and goggles on his head and brown gloves. The bullies sputtered in shock. "W-What the hell?! Who did that?!" Patrik shouted, spinning around. The boy lowered the bucket, his face pale. "I-I¡ª" Before he could say anything more, a deep, stern voice boomed from inside the house. "Felix, Need your help over here!" The boy flinched, his hands shaking slightly. "C-Coming, Dad!" he called back, then hurried inside, slamming the door behind him. The bullies stood there, dripping wet and humiliated. Patrik scowled and turned his glare on Aeron and Rowan. "This isn¡¯t over," he spat before storming off, his gang following behind. Aeron watched them leave, then glanced at the house where Felix had disappeared. He memorized the name. Felix. He would remember that. The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple as Aeron and Rowan walked through the streets of Eldorin. The kingdom, once bustling with life, now began to quiet down as merchants packed up their stalls and families retreated into their homes. Rowan let out a frustrated sigh, kicking a small rock across the cobblestone path. "I still don¡¯t trust him," he muttered. Aeron glanced at him. "Come on, Rowan. We have nowhere else to stay," he reasoned. Rowan scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Seriously? You don¡¯t even know who that guy is. He¡¯s creepy! Didn¡¯t Mom and Dad always tell us not to trust strangers?" Aeron frowned but stood his ground. "But he saved us, Rowan. Back in the forest, if he hadn¡¯t helped, we could be dead right now. And... he knew Mom and Dad. He was close to them. Maybe we can trust him." Rowan crossed his arms, clearly annoyed. "Fine! But if that old man turns out to be bad, I swear, I¡¯ll kill you before he can," he threatened, though his words held more frustration than actual malice. Aeron sighed in relief and led the way back to Edric¡¯s house. As they approached, the wooden door creaked open slightly under Aeron¡¯s hesitant push. Inside, they found Edric sitting on the worn-out couch, carefully polishing an old, battle-worn sword with a clean cloth. At the sound of the door opening, Edric looked up and grinned. "Ah! Thought you two might¡¯ve run off for good. Come in, I made dinner. Sit and eat." Rowan didn¡¯t hesitate, walking straight to the table and digging into the food without a word. Aeron followed, but before he could sit, Edric stopped him with a gesture. "Aeron, come here for a second," Edric said. Aeron hesitated but obeyed, walking over as Edric motioned for his arm. "Let me take a look at that wound." Carefully, Edric unwrapped the bandages on Aeron¡¯s arm. The bite mark was still visible, but the wound had closed slightly, showing signs of healing. Edric¡¯s one eye narrowed in curiosity. "You were bitten¡­ yet you haven¡¯t turned," he muttered, his voice laced with both amazement and thought. "Fascinating." Aeron¡¯s eyes flickered with unease. "What do you mean?" Edric let out a small breath, shaking his head. "Your father¡­ Orion. He did this. He actually made a cure for the virus¡ªbut he used it on you." Aeron stiffened. "What?" Edric nodded, his expression turning distant, lost in memory. "Orion was a brilliant scientist. A genius. A great man and a great partner. If anyone could¡¯ve found a way to stop the virus, it was him." Aeron swallowed hard, his mind racing. "Then¡­ why didn¡¯t he ever mention you? If you were his partner, why didn¡¯t you two stay close?" Edric let out a low, humorless chuckle, a bitter smile on his lips. "That¡­ that was my fault." He lifted a hand, pointing at his eyepatch and the burnt, scarred skin on his cheek. "Before I got this¡­ before I became what I am now¡­ I was a hunter. One of the best. I was a leader¡ªstrong, fearless, unstoppable." He paused, his voice dropping to almost a whisper. "But everything changed when my wife and two kids were killed by the revenants. Right in front of me." Aeron felt his chest tighten at the words. Edric¡¯s fingers curled into a fist. "I lost myself to rage. I killed every revenant I could find, fueled by nothing but hatred. I fought until I couldn¡¯t anymore. In the end, I lost my eye, my face was burned, and my will to live was shattered. I locked myself away for months, drowning in my own grief." He sighed, shaking his head. "Orion tried to visit me. He tried to help¡­ but I pushed him away. I didn¡¯t want to be saved. So, I shut him out¡­ and I never saw him again." A heavy silence settled between them. Aeron, without thinking, stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Edric in a hug. "You¡¯re not alone anymore, Edric," Aeron murmured. "We¡¯re here now." For a moment, Edric remained still. Then, slowly, he lifted a hand and returned the embrace, his tough exterior cracking just a little. After a few seconds, he pulled away and cleared his throat. "Go on, lad. Eat with your brother." Aeron grinned, wiping his eyes. "Yeah! I¡¯m starving!" With that, he ran to the table, finally sitting down beside Rowan as the three of them eat while the night continues.