-Three days later, July 29th, 5:35PM
The exchange rate provided by the Cryptid Delivery Services was surprisingly generous when brought into human currency. It was definitely stable income for what could be little-to-no work, despite the very obvious dangers that came with the job. So generous, that I could give up foraging outside the walls all together, though that felt unlikely as I really enjoyed that time. There was a problem though, and that was to figure out how to occupy all the newfound free time allotted to myself.
I could spend days, or even weeks in the wilderness outside the Bastion of Eerie’s Respite. Always being on the fringe of Society, being virtually independent of the quarrels that plagued the cozily nestled inhabitants within made me feel like a bit of an oddball. With a world being rebuilt on clarity and transparency, my unorthodox lifestyle would probably be seen with skepticism. Even if my mostly solitary lifestyle with nature was a rather unique one within the walls, there was a part of me that wanted to reach out and see if I was able to connect regardless.
With the week’s duties fulfilled and no immediate obligations, I saw an opportunity to immerse myself in new experiences. Perhaps, even make connections with other inhabitants. Sculpting my own niche inside the Bastion seemed like its own fantasy, but not without reason.
Those thoughts kept my mind busy, until I glanced back down at my phone as time slipped away. A wistful sigh left me, recognizing my plans might have actually been vain. I pocketed my phone, wondering if I should give up-
“Hey! Sorry I’m late. The bus system sucks, you know?” a cheery voice said approaching at a light jog. “Daegon, right?” “This is going to get boring; I’m going back to sleep.”
“Luna?” I asked, feeling a flush of embarrassment rising as my voice wavered. I noticed how her youthful features contradicted her claimed age, and her attractiveness was undeniable. A nagging suspicion lingered in my mind, wondering if this encounter was some sort of trap or if someone entirely unexpected would appear instead. Yet, there she was, standing before me with a mischievous glimmer in her eyes and a delicate scent of jasmine lingering around her.
"That's me. You're taller than I thought and definitely cuter. You need to work on your photo game." Luna smirked teasingly, her tone playful as a warm breeze. "Come on. I have friends waiting inside. They've been sending me pictures of you for, like, the last five minutes."
We stepped into the cozy family diner, where the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries mingled with the low hum of conversation. Two women waved us over to a round table.
“This here’s Carna and Sadi. Don’t worry, they’ll be leaving soon.” Luna announced, her voice laced with hinting notions.
"Oh, come on now. You know how creeps are nowadays. We had to make sure our girl was safe.” Carna retorted, her tone brisk and protective as she flashed a confident smile. Tall and athletic, she wore a snug track jacket and had her hair tied up—a perplexing blend of dark red and orange that caught the light with every movement.
“Besides, how’d a bum like you land such a cute little chew toy? What dark baggage are you carrying? Broke? No college? Maybe you’re a serial killer?” Sadi, with her curly brown hair bouncing at every accusation, appeared to revel in getting under Luna’s skin, yet there was sincerity in the way she always looked out for her friend.
“I… am so sorry for these knuckleheads.” Luna said apologetically, appearing a bit flustered and genuinely ashamed.
“No, no, it’s reasonable. It’s definitely hard to trust things nowadays.” I interjected, scratching my head as I tried to diffuse the tension. My palms felt clammy as I continued, "Uh, Sadi, I'd probably say that I have a hard time making connections. I don't, uh, people well."
“Ooh, so you ARE a serial k—” Sadi’s words were abruptly cut off by Carna, who did something under the table to make her friend silently scream in pain.
“Alright, I think we’ve made things awkward enough. Come on, Sadi... Enjoy your date, ladies.” Carna said with a brisk smile before walking off with Sadi, their bickering trailing behind them as they left.
“I promise, they aren’t normally this… dumb. They’re really sweet, and I’ve known them forever.” Luna said softly, her voice gentle despite the earlier chaos. Her eyes shone with warmth, and the ambient clatter of the diner faded into a comforting murmur around us.
“No, really, I get it. Honestly, the fear of a creep goes both ways… You couldn’t imagine the worry I had about some guy doing this for thrills.” I said with a light chuckle. Luna’s face scrunched as she tried to hold back a grin before bursting out laughing.
“You say the funniest things. Even though we both sent videos, you thought I might still be a dude?” Luna spoke, regaining most of her composure. She had to brush her golden, blonde hair out from her face. It wasn’t until then that I noticed her eyes had the most peculiar tint of green, with what looked like a fleck of red as well.
Our ‘date’ extended for several hours at the diner as we delved into fragments of our past. Luna appeared particularly intrigued by my expeditions outside of Eerie’s Respite. Not many people venture out, let alone return, so our conversation naturally gravitated toward that topic. Even after leaving at a reasonable hour, we found ourselves lingering at her bus station for another twenty minutes. The chill night air mingled with the soft hum of distant traffic, yet there was no sign of her ride.
“I’m sorry to ask this, but do you think you could maybe take me home?” Luna said, glancing at her phone with a hint of frustration in her eyes. “Sadi and Carna aren’t responding, so I can only imagine what kind of shenanigans they’re getting into.”
“Uh, I walked here… I could, uh, walk you home if you want.” I offered, feeling a bit sheepish as my cheeks warmed with embarrassment. Luna paused, looking up from her phone as the cool breeze brushed against our faces.
“Rrright, because you’re normally out and about after curfew, so no use for a car… Well, okay. It’s not too far of a walk.” Luna pulled up a map on her phone, the screen’s glow highlighting a route about twenty minutes away. “Will you be able to find your way back?”
“Yeah, I know this area pretty well. Although… we might want to avoid this route. It’s not the friendliest neighborhood.” I pointed out, gesturing toward a major road where the path veered into a less inviting section of town.
“Oh, what if we cut through here then?” Luna suggested, stepping a bit closer. My gaze shifted from the phone to her, and I caught a soft whiff of incense mixed with the night air—a scent that trailed her wherever she went.
"S-sure." I replied somewhat impulsively. Luna glanced up at me, a slight blush coloring her cheeks as if realizing the unintended implications of my agreement.
“You know, you’re a bit too old-school for this app. It’s not a bad thing, but…” she said as we turned down a quiet side street and paused beneath a flickering streetlamp. Her phone rang, the ringtone echoing in the cool silence.
“Sadi, it’s about time! No no, we’re fine. He’s walking me home. Yes, I know curfew! We’re almost home anyways. No, you’re not picking me up. We’re like 5 minutes out. Yes, I’ll call you when I’m home. Ugh, really? No, I’m not saying it.” Luna said in an annoyed tone before glancing at me. I took it as my queue to step back a few and turn around. She began to whisper, “Cucumber Salad.”
Laughter erupted from the phone as she hung up. “Codeword?” I asked aloud. It was the only logical thing I could think of, like when a spy is in trouble.
“Ugh, yes. She said you might have kidnapped me so I had to tell her.” Luna replied, a mix of irritation and affection in her tone.
“She really does care for you.” I said turning around and walking up to her. “I see why you trust her so much.”
Luna's cheeks flushed with embarrassment before she walked off again, leaving me to play catch-up. “You’re right, she’d practically do anything for me… I just wish she was a bit more restrained in that regard.” she confided, letting out a soft sigh as the distant hum of the city filled the quiet space between us. “Speaking of restrained, you come off as way too mild-mannered for a Hunter. Do you even know what you’re doing?”
“What?” I asked, feeling a bit bewildered. Luna turned around to look at me again, her expression shifting. Her eyes appeared to be a deeper shade of red and green than before. “I'm sorry, I think I'm the one who's confused here.”
As Luna approached closer, a slight shiver ran down my spine once again. Her expression shifted from seriousness to an almost apologetic softness. Before I could fully process it, movement caught my attention from the corner of my eye. Two figures emerged from my left side as if materializing out of thin air.
“No, no no no. No fucking way.” a familiar, deeply resonant voice echoed out, reminiscent of that fateful night. “Fight, or flight.”
I froze. Terror rooted me to the spot. My mind went blank as I slowly turned my head to see an out-of-breath Carna and... "Zylas..."
“Wait!” Zylas, the Lady of the Beasts who had killed me in my own home, who had pierced my shoulder and shattered my bones, yelled out as I sprinted in the opposite direction of the group, consumed by blind, raw terror. “You idiot, I said wait!”
In a desperate scramble for my life, I careened down several streets at breakneck speed. The sound of my pounding footsteps blended with the distant, disembodied echoes of my own ragged breaths. I stole desperate glances over my shoulder, but nothing—no shape or sound—followed my frantic flight. I jumped over fences and used my hands to steady myself around sharp corners. The world became a blur of dark pavement and fleeting neon lights. All I knew was that if I stopped even for a second, I’d be trapped in that nightmare once again.
I couldn’t gauge how far or how long I ran. Eventually, I found myself behind a flashy, unusually lively building for this time of night. The air here was thick with the stench of spilled alcohol and stale smoke. Exhausted beyond measure, I scaled one final gate and collapsed into the garbage area behind the building. My body heaved with exertion, and my muscles throbbed with an intense, fiery ache. Even as I sat down, my legs trembled, threatening to give out at any moment. Several minutes of deep, labored breaths passed before I dared to open my eyes and move my arms. The hour was late—painfully so. I knew I needed to gather myself, figure out where I was, and decide my next move.
"Almost… midnight… You’re telling me I ran… for…" I spoke aloud, my voice strained with disbelief at the physical toll.
“Three fucking hours, are you done now? Because I’m just as pissed off as you are pissing yourself.” That visceral voice cut through the night air. I glanced upward. There, perched on the fence gate above me, was Zylas. She didn’t even spare me a glance, as if I were a trivial annoyance. She sat smoking, taking long, deliberate drags from a fresh cigarette, the ember glowing in the dim light.
“Fffffuck me…” the words slipped from my lips in utter disbelief. Panic still roiled within me, and despite the urgency, my legs remained stubbornly immobile, refusing to obey any commands.
“Listen, if that fixed this I would have tried earlier.” Zylas spoke with clear frustration as she took another drag and finished her cigarette. She exhaled slowly, and an ethereal shroud of smoke blanketed the air above me. A few stray embers danced downward, landing on my feverish skin with a strangely soothing warmth. My thoughts were a tangled mess, devoid of any clear direction. There was no lifeline to grasp, no miracle escape.
With a graceful leap, Zylas hopped down from her perch and landed a few steps in front of me. Turning to face me, her gaze sent a cold shiver down my spine. She squatted to meet me at eye level and spoke with a firmness that demanded my full attention. "Before you pass out, just listen. Tonight was a mistake. She didn’t know who you were, and even if she did, she wouldn’t have laid a finger on you. Once Carna told me what was happening, I rushed over to make sure you weren’t a late-night snack for the other Contractors prowling the area."
“Carna? O-others…?” I repeated in disbelief. My mind was clouded by the gravity of her presence, my heart pounding rapidly. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from the lethal implements in her hands—whether twiddling a new cigarette or the vorpal blades hidden in the curve of her jaw, each threatened to promise my demise.
“Ugh, you’re fucking helpless. Okay, how about this.” Zylas spat with frustration, as she pulled out some type of knife and sliced her thumb. She drew precise runes in an intricate pattern on the side of the dumpster with astounding accuracy. After muttering something incomprehensible to human ears, a contract materialized from azure flames in front of me.
“This is a contract.” She spoke tersely, with authority and clarity. “I promise no harm shall befall you for the next 48 hours, from external forces or myself, within reasonable consideration. If you jump off a bridge, or intentionally fuck the wrong whore, that’s on you. Everything I say will be true and factual. In return, you come to your senses and hear me out within that time. We talk, you listen. Do you accept?”
“Do I have a choice?” I said, unable to take my eyes off the absolute unit of visceral human carnage before me, despite the contract doing its best to draw my attention to it. Zylas let out a deep, rumbling sigh, frustration etched into every line of her formidable frame.
“Yes, you do.” she retorted sharply. “You can’t force someone into one of these contracts, even subliminally or subconsciously. This is literally one of the highest forms of deals. Even if you do decline, you know I couldn’t do anything to you. I’m sure you’ve had that explained to you. This is really a one-sided contract I’m offering. You’d be a fucking moron not to accept this.” She said with venom planted in every word. “We shou—” “Oh and don’t let the bitch sway your thoughts. You won’t be able to sign if you’ve been swayed in any manner, even your own parties. This is just you and me.”
The contract before me fluttered slightly, its words echoing Zylas’ speech verbatim. As I glanced between the contract and her, a sense of apprehension swept over me. The dread of being tethered to her for even a moment filled me with terror, even in such a protective contract. I attempted to muster my strength this entire time, just enough for a hasty retreat, but my body remained stubbornly immobile. I ran my body to the brink, and this was the consequence of such an act. Out of options, I resigned myself to this outcome with a exhausted sigh. The contract, as if aware of my intent, scribed itself with my signature before dematerializing in a puff of azure flames.
Simultaneously, intricate runes began to dance across the back of Zylas’ hand. Their colors swirled in a mesmerizing display before settling into a deep, ominous black. It was as if the very essence of our agreement had been etched into her skin—a silent testament to the binding nature of our pact.
“Huh… No shit, you actually bit… Color me impressed again, I didn’t think you had balls enough to sign an infernal contract.” Zylas remarked with a hint of amusement. “I was kind of looking forward to dragging your ass back by your legs.” With a quick flick of her wrist, she lit another cigarette. Taking a long drag, she exhaled a dense cloud of smoke directly into my face. She chuckled at my discomfort, a devilish glint flickering in her eyes as she flicked the finished bud away. “Well, you’re not allergic to smoke so I think it’s safe enough to bring you inside then.”
“I-inside? Where are you taking me?” I asked, coughing through the smoke. Zylas reached down as I flinched instinctively. The rune on her hand flared up emitting a faint white glow as if reacting to my fear. She paused and glared at her hand; her expression unreadable. The runes slowly dimmed, before returning to a dormant state.
“Look, you’re gonna have to trust me to carry you. You’re not moving on your own.” She stated, her voice trying to hide her impatience. I gave a half-hearted nod and closed my eyes, bracing for whatever came next. Another audible sigh escaped her lips, filled with annoyance, before I felt an odd sensation of weightlessness. Then, suddenly, I felt her weight pressing against me. “Aaand up you go. Oh, good. You didn’t actually piss yourself.”
My eyes snapped open as I felt myself being lifted off the ground, desperately trying to cling to anything for balance. In the blink of an eye, we were on the rooftop of the building I was hiding behind. Zylas had secured me on her back, her arms wrapped firmly around my legs to prevent any chance of me falling. Despite being on her back, my head barely reached her own. As hard as I was clinging on with my arms around her sides, I was very likely-
“Yeah, it’s an accident. That doesn’t count. Just lock around my neck at least when you realize it. Really would prefer if you just strangled me instead of having to deal with this, though. Not that you could.” Zylas spoke with a rather passive, condescending tone. Feeling a sudden squishiness, my mind blanked and I hastily retracted my hands intertwining my arms around her neck as she lifted me slightly higher. I started bracing myself for the inevitable demise at the end of these 48 hours. Zylas looked down, and I could feel the eye roll accompanying her grumbling. “Aaand there it is… So, we have two options. I can sit you down, fix my shirt myself, and then pick you up again, or you can reach back around and pull it down before you flipped it up exposing me to the world.”
“W-what did I..?” I stammered, dumbfounded by her sudden demand. Before I could even process her words she let out a low guttural snarl.
“JUST PULL THE FUCKING SHIRT DOWN!” she roared, her voice echoing across the night. With a surge of primal fear of my short-lived existence flaring up once more, I reached around and found the ruffled shirt. Pulling it back down with a sharp tug, I was sure to keep my eyes closed the entire time. Once that was complete, I returned my arms around her neck feeling a mixture of embarrassment and relief wash over me. “It’d be easier if you- fuck it, it’s fine. I’m taking you to the Den. Yes, you’re safe. Everyone knows not to touch you. You’ll be pestered to death before they even so much as raise a claw to you.”
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“She must really like you, I bet you’re like a secret crush.” A scantily clad female werewolf lay before me on her phone. Her tone was teasing yet edged with mischief. “She’s never brought, uh, a hu-uuuu-andsome man back. Much less made a contract.”
“I think, uh, it’s very much the exact opposite of like, as to why she did…” I responded, my raspy voice and sweat beading on my forehead. I sat in one of those transition rooms in what felt like an ancient mansion—an area repurposed as a makeshift sleeping zone. Curtains graced both doorways, and two oversized mattresses flanked the walls. I was relegated to a solitary chair in the corner, while several creatures ambled by, casting curious glances. Their calm, friendly demeanors belied the reality that I was deep in their territory—a fragile haven for a human in a predatory world. Four beings inhabited this room: a nearly dragon-like, scaled creature without a tail passed out on the far bed; a furred creature in a similar state rested nearby; and the werewolf lady before me, who had offered no name—simply instructing me to call her “whatever.” Despite her nonchalant attitude, it was clear she kept a vigilant watch over me.
“Ooh, maybe this human forced her into a contract? What do you think Valia?” A diminutive, aquatic-tinged scaled being chimed in as it slithered into the room and settled next to the werewolf.
“Both of you stop pestering him. We made a mistake so we’re repaying it in kind. A lesson you both should learn.” A slightly familiar voice interjected. “Also, go get him food. Actual human food since we don’t know when Zylas will be back. Or else I’m getting Zylas to revoke your share.”
“Ugh. Yes, Lady Bitch.” The werewolf quipped before rolling over onto her back. She eyed me for a few moments before slightly sticking her tongue out and pulling her loose shirt down slightly, exposing a lot more than just fur. “If you ever feel lu—”
“I SAID GO GET HIM FOOD!”
A booming voice interrupted as a solid object was flung from another room into the side of Valia. She yelped distinctly before snapping upright. The scaled creature bolted from the bed and dashed out the door it had entered through. Then, a lithe, fox-like creature glared deathly at Valia before silently slipping away. A quick glance revealed the object to be a cast-iron donkey, roughly two hand-widths in size—a stark reminder that even the smaller beings possessed formidable strength. The agitated were-fox’s eyes briefly met mine, their gaze uncomfortably familiar…
“W-wait a second. Luna? Right?” I asked wearily. Despite my condition and complete lack energy, fear for my life was the only motivating force keeping me awake and attentive. It was obviously affecting my speech by this point. Luna paused, mostly outside of the doorway, except her tail. It was a subtle observation, but her tail definitely was noticably fluffier than others and had a few streaks of gold through it. “I-I don’t blame you for today…”
Her tail fluttered for a second but quickly disappeared as Zylas walked in. A lump formed in my throat, despite Zylas remaining in her human form. Her hands and feet were still exposed with sharp claws. She was in a more casual punk attire, probably the same she chased me down in. “Alright Daegon, I know our contract said you could kill yourself but if you stay up in this condition any longer I will not survive another encounter with Lord. So, you’re coming with me even if you don’t like it.”
Zylas walked up to me and reached out a hand, razor sharp claws and all. I harshly flinched, despite it being a decent way away. The rune flared on her hand, as she turned it so she could stare intently at it, before glancing back up at me. “Look, I’ll lead you to a bed. I literally cannot do anything that would endanger you. Grab my hand and watch.”
I hesitated, but the contract flashed in my head reminding me of the deal struck. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I also received a runic circle on my hand. Reaching forward, she lightly pulled me up to my feet. Despite a few claws making contact with my skin, they didn’t scratch me at all, which was a small mercy in the chaos of tonight.
“Alright so, to prove my point and the contract, I’m going to focus my bloodlust on you for a second.” Zylas spoke plainly, with her golden eyes piercing me, ensuring I understood what was about to happen. The atmosphere shifted, and my senses tingled, but it wasn’t the same murderous intent as that night. Regardless, the runes on her hand flared into a violent rage, as if her blood caught fire beneath them. For reasons I couldn’t explain in my barely functioning mind, I tried to cover her runes with my free hand to stop it. As I did, the heat from it ceased instantly, despite the ‘bloodlust’ lingering around me. It took a few moments, but she dropped her ‘murderous intent’, alleviating my senses. Realizing the situation, I hastily removed my hand and looked up to see a very unamused, probably internally irate, Zylas.
"Alright Sugar-tits, this way." She quipped with a dismissive lip smack as we navigated several dark corridors at a painstaking pace. I could feel unseen eyes tracking our every step, their presence lurking in the shadows. After a brief pause, she unlocked a door ahead and led me through what felt like a minefield. Though I couldn’t see her face, I imagined it held the faintest trace of something other than hostility. In that gloom, I even sensed a subtle smirk. Gently, she shoved me onto the softest bed I had ever encountered.
"Need anything else?"
"M..maybe… a…"
My voice faltered as exhaustion overwhelmed me; my thoughts tangled and I sank into an indescribable sleep, cradled in the heart of the most harrowing refuge imaginable.
-Interim 3/d – Takes place 2 hours after Daegon falls asleep.
My head throbbed in time with each heartbeat, and my body ached as though every muscle had been torn. It felt as if both my legs had been ripped apart, a constant, fiery reminder of the ordeal. Yet, the room cocooned me in serene tranquility, its air imbued with an otherworldly aroma that soothed my battered senses. The darkness was complete, yet it exuded no menace, and a chill reminiscent of a winter night with a cracked window lingered.
I lay nestled in what felt like a memory-foam cocoon beneath a voluminous, plush blanket. A comforting warmth pressed against me, embodied by a body pillow I clung to instinctively as I began to piece together the previous day's events. The contract had been signed after midnight, and we had reached "The Den" within an hour, well beyond the Bastion’s confines. Despite the chaos, I still recalled the time: Zylas had left for other matters for roughly two hours while Valia cared for me and Luna kept watch. I must have drifted off around 3 a.m. With 29 hours remaining on the contract, it was now...
"Seven in the afternoon... I'm starving... mentally drained... and utterly immobile." I murmured to myself, the weight of exhaustion heavy upon me. I attempted to adjust the body pillow for some modicum of comfort, only to find it behaving oddly. It felt larger and more unwieldy than before, until it began to shrink. It moved. I pushed away as much as I could, and saw a slight figure in the darkness and began to stretch.
“Honestly, if you slept through the contract, it would have been easier on me.” Zylas’ tired voice broke the silence, punctuated by a yawn that echoed through the darkness. Even in the dim light, her piercing eyes bore into mine with a weariness that matched my own. “What? Safest spots my room. Did you expect me to throw you in the pit with the younger ones? This entire place would have been killed off if I was that fuckin’ stupid.”
“I-but-what-I…” trying to piece things together.
“Apparently you have a leg fe-” Zylas began, her hand glowing faintly in the darkness. "Fucking contract... You latched onto my leg after I jumped in a few hours later. At least it was a decent way to ensure you weren’t dying, you fucking energy vampire. Seriously, I’ve never sl— Ugh, forget it."
“I-I-I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to I…”
My words faltered, fear creeping in at the thought of what might happen in the next 30 hours. After my harrowing encounter and near-death experience with Zylas in my home, I had learned of her contract in the world. According to Zylas' rules, she could hunt down those who had benefited from an assault, either for personal amusement or in self-defense of imminent death. In human terms, this typically meant those who sexually assaulted or violated others. Theft, property damage, or bodily harm didn't usually constitute a breach of her contract. However, after her 'drunken binge' encounter with me and some rule bending, she apparently had been reprimanded and placed on a 'tighter leash'.
“Tjm'd pq ykgw z vkgexmc bkyys, Tzqcjm, I’m not stupid enough to consider it a breach.” Zylas retorted with a low, rumbling yawn, her words laced with stark truth. “xv sjk’lq cjxmc dj ydzmt zmt crzlq qxdwql zbbljzgw dwq wknzm, yes I sleep in my normal form. Human bodies are too fucking chilly alone.”
“I… Uh... Okay...”
I mumbled, realizing what she meant. It felt as though she had risen—the bed shifting beneath me with a soft thump as she lightly jumped and landed a few feet away. In the darkness, I caught fleeting glints of her golden eyes and the faint rustle of movement.
“Alright, can you at least walk properly now? Because I’m literally going to drag you by the neck if you can’t.” She snarled, her tone laced with impatience. I gingerly maneuvered to the edge of the bed, each movement sending shockwaves of pain through my body. Despite the agony, I managed to stand, albeit unsteadily. Several exasperated lip smacks from Zylas echoed in the room before she seized my arm and propelled me through what felt like a minefield, finally depositing me outside a rapidly swinging door. It slammed shut behind me with a definitive click of the lock. “Come on, if the fresh meat did their jobs, you should have food waiting for you. Which, it does smell like.”
The light outside was brighter yet subdued, casting long, wavering shadows that danced over familiar surfaces. A strange sense of déjà vu washed over me as I followed Zylas down a corridor. Every window was shrouded—mostly covered by grimy drapes—though the exposed panes looked ancient, dirty, and sometimes shattered.
“That’s because we have been here.” … When? “Many months ago, you made a lot of funds scavenging this mansion. It was in quite the state. They must have moved in shortly after your adventure. Lucky for you, this wouldn’t have been survivable this far outside of the Bastion.” … You’re abnormally chatty for once. "Let’s just say, that sleep was beneficial for all three of us.” Zylas’ rune flickered briefly before fading as we entered a lengthy room. I was immediately overwhelmed by the medley of aromas: smoky, spiced meats mingled with fresh herbs, as though I had stepped into an elaborate buffet.
"Oi, meals on wheels, you can eat anything. Nothing here will kill you. Now, go mingle."
Zylas barked before striding away, leaving me to observe over a dozen creatures gathered around the table with plates laden with meat. Their eyes lingered on me, and though no one spoke directly, I felt the weight of their scrutiny. I took a deep, steadying breath and approached the nearest serving—a generous portion of sautéed meat, served with the bones intact.
“Oh, you humans call that deer.” A nearby voice spoke, and I tensed as I turned sharply to see Carna in a rather loose outfit. “She just reverted back to approach you. Isn’t that sweet?” … You can stop with the dialogue at any time Li-
“You uh, you okay in there Daegon?”
“Oh, yeah. Fine, just- “I said before wincing at a wave of pain flushing over me. I should probably hurry and find a place to sit down with some food. “Could you maybe tell me the rest of these dishes?”
Carna identified the meats: chicken, goat, even bear, and some creatures whose safety for human consumption made me hesitate. Though she reassured me, I opted for the familiar. The entire conversation felt nerve-racking amid a room full of beings. Even in her human guise, the situation left me uneasy. As I settled near a far wall, I noticed the absence of silverware. Carna, as if reading my mind, produced an antiquated fork and a sharply honed knife with a gentle smile.
"I figured you’d appreciate a semblance of decency. These are one of my many swipes."
She said cheerily, settling beside me. I soon realized she was unconsciously mirroring my own movements—down to the positioning of her elbows.
"Y-you’re... copying me?" I asked, glancing from her hand to mine.
“Well, yeah. Most of us don’t know how you humans do things. Just because I can walk around you all doesn’t mean I can freely interact or watch without suspicion.” She stated matter-of-factly. I paused, and looked about. There were definitely more eyes than before looking over. Was I teaching them all on social norms of humans? “If they learn from you, we have nothing to worry about them blending into society. They’ll be thrown back into the stre—”
“Oi, flesh-sack, you done?” A sharp voice cut across the room. Zylas glared over seeing both Carna and I. “Of course not. Hey, rest of the useless meat-bearers xv sjk’lq cjxmc dj ydzmt zmt crzlq qxdwql zbbljzgw dwq wknzm, or GET THE FUCK OUT!”
The atmosphere definitely changed rather quickly, as most of the others in the room quickly fled from the irate Zylas. Though, a few remained. What could only be described as a stunning deer-like woman sheepishly made her way closer to the table and stuttered a bit. It was an uncanny beauty, nothing like the forced allure I felt before on that dreaded night. Her green eyes held the tranquility of all nature within them.
“Jw, Phq, txt sjk hzmd dj rqzlm djj?” Carna definitely asked them a question, in which they quickly nodded. She motioned to one of the free seats and produced another set of silverware from somewhere I definitely couldn’t see. Another heavily veiled individual walked up to us. They were wearing a very ornate and foreign dress that flowed passed their arms and legs. The atmosphere of them felt of wrath and sorrow. But, it wasn’t directed towards me. “Jw, sjk djj, Jmlx?”
“I uh, I guess I-I’m… Teaching?” I asked a bit concerned. They all nodded in agreement.
A lot of time passed between dinner and now. I was allowed to shower, much to the curiosity and disappointment of some of the creatures as I did so alone. That gave me a little bit of a breather before being tossed back into the fray. Despite the awkward air of being the only human in a mansion of human devouring beings, things started to feel a bit ‘normal’. I learned the cloaked lady creature was originally from a far-off island bastion, and the deer lady had actually been a part of this world for well over a dozen centuries. Banished to this very forest away from most common folk and even other creatures felt like a rather cruel ordeal. The upheaval finally freed her from the confines and allowed her to walk freely. Most of the creatures didn’t have names and looked displaced. Aside from Zylas and the other were-like creatures, I’m not sure I had much of an innate fear of the now curious monsters that swarmed me, kind of treating me like a little puppy. Though I knew most them could still end my existence given the chance, and it was Zylas’ contract that kept me safe. A lot of them couldn’t really speak. Or at least not in tongues I understood. But Carna and a few others were happy to translate. There were… Two… Maybe three dozen beings here. Though only a handful lingered nearby at a time, as if they were cycling their time around me.
The lives of these creatures, both within and outside bastions, were intricate webs of interaction. I learned this place had been restored by Zylas just under a month ago, and many had moved in under her rule. With wildlife running amok, they were free to hunt and feed within limits—Zylas’ guidance ensuring balance. Some, like other were-likes, chose to reside in the bastion despite the inherent risks.
“Alright, story times are over. Everyone go do your own shit.” Zylas commanded as she strolled into the room, partially reverting to her human form. Her tattered, stretched clothes clung loosely to her form. Almost immediately, everyone departed except for Carna, who reclined in a corner bed. I barely noticed she had resumed her ‘normal’ appearance—likely for quite some time now. “We’re going to have our contractual talk, now. Come, my room.”
We wound our way back through a labyrinth of rooms until we reached a sturdy, dark door marked with a carved ‘Z’ and a deep matte lock. Zylas placed her hand on the knob, and with a decisive click, the door swung open. She pointed sharply for me to enter. The room was bathed in soft ambient light, with piles of clothing and assorted items along the walls. In the center stood a pair of surprisingly comfortable chairs—out of place amidst the clutter. She nudged me toward one chair.
“Sit, good boy.” She quipped, and I complied. Much to my astonishment, it swiveled, as did hers as she plopped down. Though, her chair definitely sank more than mine.
“So… Where do we begin…” I asked timidly, unsure what to expect. A cold, dissonant voice borrowed my mouth. “In exchange you come to your senses and hear me out within that time as well. We talk, and you listen.”
“Yeah, what that harlot said.” Zylas snarled. She was much larger than the chair, even in human form. She aimlessly stared up at the ceiling while slowly spinning. “Ah fuck it, you’ll survive. You already have.”
Then, with a decisive clap, the room’s light dimmed by nearly 80%, cloaking details in shadow while still leaving them discernible. She rose and kicked the chair aside into a heap of clothes before approaching her bed... She, transformed… The rune on my hand burned slightly, as the contracts’ rules flashed in my head. ‘We talk, and you listen.’ Even though my deep-rooted, life-altering fear loomed before me, it couldn’t break our agreement. She let out a rather long, stress relieving sigh, with a massive daggered paw covering her face. “Aaah, so much fucking better. You humans and your fucking lights everywhere is such a pain in my damn head.”
“Why did you attack me? Why me?” I blurted out rather loudly, sweating a bit. I don’t know where the audacity came from, but it was a question that did keep me up some nights that just rolled out.
“Oh, good. You’re asking questions. This will be so much easier.” She spoke, unmoving. “Because you’re a rare catch- Ugh. Because I am blood-hungry and feast on those who fall under my contract. You both pass and fail the rules set before me. Even now. Back then I could kill outside those rules if I bent the meaning enough, and I abused it to fill my own desires. It’s like you humans and your ever-growing desires, until it kills you.”
“W-what do you mean I—” I started asking before my throat closed up for a second. I felt like I sank back into my own body for a moment, as the other entity borrowed all it wanted. “I’m the reason you fall under her contract. I fall under a lot of contracts in this world. But, you don’t.”
“Well, that explains that part. Your little leech here has forced herself on others.” Zylas spoke, a golden eye now fixated on me.
“You make it sound as if you’re any better, little puppy.” The voice spoke before I hastily snapped back into control, out of the fear of my own life. My heart pounded like a drum as I straightened up. “Oh come now, she can’t raise a hair to us in this state. Let me have my fun with her.”
There was a pause as Zylas sat up, her gaze piercing and intense. She harbored some very choice words, but opted to hold them back for the moment. Letting out a light grumble, she continued, “Your blood is something special as well. When I fell on you, I got an accidental taste. It... Well, I didn’t have the intent of killing you outside my rules until then.”
Reflecting on it, the bloodlust didn’t intensify until after she collapsed. At the time, I instinctively touched the wound on my side where she had originally cut me open. She followed my motions but made no comment. Questions and concerns flooded my mind. I realized the gravity of what I possessed in my blood, something that could draw others in, potentially putting me in danger if they stepped out of line. It was a revelation that made me rethink the perilous nature of my previous salvaging runs. If Zylas knew about it, then others could just as easily find out. Something clicked in my head, but I struggled to find the right words to express it.
“Oh? That’s a little devious, even for you little Daegon. Maybe I’m rubbing off on you after all.”
“H-how much b... Blood do you need to survive?” I asked, my voice trembling slightly. Zylas appeared genuinely surprised, almost taken aback. She stood up, walked over, and kneeled in front of me, meeting my gaze.
“From you? Much less than you think. Why?” she responded, her voice carrying a low, rumbling growl. Despite her attempt to mask it, there was an underlying difference from her usual demeanor. The various layers of degradation and intimidation faded away, making her current state standout vividly. She held that gaze for what felt like a solid minute before something caught her attention, and her door opened. But it wasn't the usual hallway. A hastily moving Faun in a blue CDS uniform burst into the room.
“Hi yes hello yes, sorry for intrusion. No sorry I’m not willing to join in on Human, not my thing. All for you Lady Zylas. Urgent Delivery, straight from you-know-who. No signature, please just- yup thank you I’ll leave you to your dinner, ta-ta!” Once again, the hasted CDS Faun that gave me my uniform arrived, and it left after handing off a sealed envelope to Zylas. The door briskly closed, not before I caught a glimpse of the other side. Another location I very, very much remember.
“Jv zrr dwq vkgexmc dwxmcy dj wzbbqm, jv gjklyq wq hjkrt xmdqlvqlq... ” Zylas uttered in a quiet raging growl, looking at the envelope. It gave off the same vicious feeling the night we met, and sent cold shivers down my spine.
“We’re extending the infernal contract, you good with that?” Zylas spoke in a begrudging tone. She hated the very thought of it, but obviously that letter spelt some form of trouble for her, or just maybe, me.
I accepted.
Interim 3/d –
cracked ruby from her neck. It was small, featuring two silver doves circling the gem. “If you get the chance, try to see from the other side… For me.”
reddish glow emanated from their clasped hands before Ainai withdrew hers. Opening her palm, she found the necklace had expanded in size, now suitable for Zylas even in her full transformation. With a slight shift, Zylas secured the necklace around her neck. Ainai stretched lightly and rose to her feet, extending a hand to Zylas.
After completing her rounds through the house and ensuring that all the occupants were present, Zylas returned to her room. Piles of clothes and various items were scattered across the floor, creating a cluttered mess. Among the piles, one stack consisted entirely of paper and messages, one of which displayed a picture and description of Ainai.
almost felt a sense of ease.
Hey folks, hopefully you enjoyed the first little Interim! In the .PDF version, they're all added at the end of the book in a 'glossary' of sorts, and most of my early-bird readers felt it was the most appropriate. I always end up in this circular argument with myself if I should just slot it in, as I've been doing with most interims now, but this is one of the few remaining I'm unsure of. So I'mma just leave it as such for you readers to decide and just
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