Amidst a massive puddle of blood stood a figure, seemingly surprised by what had happened. Their face was splattered with red liquid, and their mouth was agape. Just a moment before, they had shut their eyes in fear, extended their arms, and shouted. Out of their arms came crimson lines that formed a long sphere accompanied by subtle blood-curdling screams, which shot at the beast’s stomach as it lunged at them. The beast’s body recoiled as it hit, and its eyes immediately shifted to its now-gone lower half. It whined repeatedly when it landed on the ground, squirming in every direction before falling limp.

  “It-it kinda looks like a rug–wait! I can’t think of this. How the hell…?”

  Klaus gulped and turned his head towards his shoulder as if to whisper.

  “You. Voice. What was that?”

  “...”

  Only the sound of his breathing responded to him. Or maybe a shudder.

  “Hey! Voice! Answer me…”

  His voice dropped as a piece of cloth fluttered towards him, seemingly emerging from the dissipation of the crimson lines far in the distance. It landed perfectly in his open hand, its bright white hues serving as a relief in contrast with the forest's darkness. Klaus muttered in confusion. Why was it here? Why–no, how did it come from those red lines–no, what even were those red lines?

  As he sighed, he felt a massive pressure release from him. Was it the relief of killing the beast? No, he thought it was something else.

  “It must’ve been whatever those red lines were. Where did it start…”

  Before he had time to brainstorm, however, a ferocious wind began to blow all through the forest. Nearly falling, he gripped the beast’s scraggy fur and gritted his teeth.

  “AHHH!!” He yelled as the beast’s body slapped his face and wrapped around his body. The air was the one in charge now. He couldn’t even look back since the beast’s fur seemed to stick, too.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  He shouted a muffled “Goddammnit!” before feeling hardwood slam against his back. Spit shot out of his mouth, his body tightening as he slid off the tree straight onto another.

  “Oof!”

  This time, a searing pain entered the back of his head, and blood began to pour. The strong gust pinned his arms behind him.

  “Wh-what the hell am I supposed to do?!”

  Using all his strength, Klaus yelled, drove his palms into the beast’s hide, and took a big gasp when it left him. In an instant, the wind tore the hideaway, one of the claws leaving three deep wounds on both his palms. He screamed and looked at his hands while trembling. He didn’t have time to process, though, since another gust attacked his left side, pushing him off the tree and into free fall.

  “Damn!!!”

  Klaus rubbed his eyes and gasped at the massive tree before him. He was about to slam headfirst into it. Imagining what would happen caused him to gag.

  A cracked skull, his body being carried across the woods, leaving trails of blood as his head drained its final life. Maybe even his brain would eventually slip out and serve as food for those hungry below. He was petrified. Truly, this time. Since this time, he hasn't been able to do anything. The airlocked him in place. All he could do was stare at his impending doom. As it inched closer, he closed his eyes and let out a shuddered breath. This was it, right?

  “Wrong. So wrongggg—”

  The voice cut off as Klaus’s reality was flipped on its head. The voice cut off as Klaus’s reality was flipped on its head. In an instant, the forest vanished from his vision, replaced by a cold, gray wall. The warm sensation of the wood's breeze also disappeared, usurped by sweat and wetness on his skin. He panted, repeatedly gulping and staring at the floor. Was he really back? This wasn't a dream, right?

  "Ho-how...this..."

  He scanned the room until he felt sweat leave his arm. Looking down, he saw a puddle of sweat. Then, furrowing his brows and licking his lips, he lifted his shirt to see his condition. His ribs were visible. It was clear he had sweat a lot. Too much, in fact. As he exhaled, he felt heat release from his body and a sharp chill enter.

  "It's cold. Damn, so cold. I guess...I'll get out for now, no? I've gotta find Emma. And Joshua, he's key. But how am I gonna see either of them anyway? Too many questions..."

  Klaus concluded his thoughts and attempted to stand up from the chair, only to be stopped by a squelch.

  "Seriously?"

  He tried a few more times to no avail. He placed his hands on the edges of the chair and pushed himself off.

  RIP!

  "This can't be real! What kind of sweat sticks onto you?!" he complained, staring at the fabric that used to once lay on his beautiful black pants. He bent his head back and touched his behind, feeling the equally soaked gray underwear. With a grumble and a curse, he punched the air and began to walk towards the door. As he reached for the doorknob, he realized something. There were three other people here: Grandnew, Luna, and Mae; Grandnew, the old woman; Luna, the girl similar to his age who had beaten his ass; and Mae, the young girl who had a demented form.

  Before he could think any further, he felt the door push open.