Carmine had many more questions he wanted to ask, but he could tell Valleus was in no mood to answer them. He glanced at Coriund, whose eyes were fixed nervously on Valleus.

“How much farther is the hideout?” Carmine asked, changing the subject. 

Valleus was grateful for the change of topic, and readily answered, “I believe it should only be a few more minutes riding at this speed. Once we reach that patch of brush, we should dismount,” he finished, pointing out what he saw. 

Though it was broad daylight, and the knights would stand out even more against the snow, they assumed the cultists would’ve already tried escaping. If that was the case, time would not be on their side. It was imperative that the knights begin tracking them right away. 

The three stopped at the area Valleus had indicated, somewhat covered from view by large bushes and small trees. “Just down that way a bit, there’s a dip that’s nearly invisible because of the way the snow drifts. The path to their hideout is that way.” Valleus had been lucky enough to catch sight of the last of the assailants escaping last night; otherwise, he may not have found the hideout. 

“Are we waiting here?” Carmine asked, tying his horse’s reins to a low branch. 

“No,” Valleus replied, doing the same. “I have orders to scout the area ahead of the group, in case the cultists are still there.” He looked over at Coriund. “It’s up to you if you’d like to join me, or wait for the others.” 

Coriund, also tying his horse, scowled slightly. “I told you I’d be coming along next time you waltzed into an enemy camp, remember?” 

“I’m coming too,” Carmine insisted. Valleus chuckled softly to himself. If he’d ever had a little brother, he would’ve been exactly like Carmine. 

“All right, suit yourselves. I don’t expect the cultists to still be there, but lay low regardless. This is for reconnaissance only,” Valleus commanded. The two nodded resolutely, and followed the young captain down the sloping path. 

-

The moment I noticed that I was awake, I knew I wasn’t myself. Or at least, I wasn’t whoever I used to be. 

The memories have been choppy at best. Slivers keep coming back to me- but it’s hard. Even putting my thoughts into words like this shows me that I’ve lost part of myself to this damned humanity my body is steeped in.

I definitely used to be instinct. I was violence, I was greed, I was whatsoever suited me. I can’t remember why, or how, but those words are certainly etched into what remains of my soul. 

I look now out of someone else’s eyes, yet they still feel like my own. My body feels very different, but I have no doubt that it’s mine. The times from Before are hazy– perhaps this is who and how I’ve been this whole time. But something is new. 

To start, this body of mine is young– so very young. Had I ever been so new and young before? Even the glimpses I have of Before feel ancient and tired. I’m young, and strong. I’m also not alone. 

The song of bloodlust was my morning call, but in spite of that glorious chance to destroy, my body opted to protect. The young one that had been in my arms resonated with me deeply. I don’t know who he is, but even now, I’m sure my instinct to protect him would outweigh my desire to taste blood. What terrifying power humanity has to taint what we are. I would be more upset, if I hadn’t been similarly tainted before. Yes, I was still a– something. I am something, something different than my body, even different from the Before times. I know it will come to me eventually. 

Staying awake is difficult. I had been asleep for so, so long. But it was not rest, it was punishment. It was being cast aside. 

I might want vengeance, but I don’t know whom towards, or even what for. For now, as I slowly awaken, I will watch my new body and my new mind. I feel warmth seep back into me, realizing where we are. This was where I just woke up. The meager taste of blood I received then wasn’t enough. I thirst for more. My body seems to agree. Anger and hunger can be bridged quite easily. My mind races, hunting for the prey that had so recently been here. Soon, I should be able to tap into my mind’s thoughts. Then, I can grasp more of who I am.

The two near me smell quite different from the lingering scent of my prey in this cave. They both smell familiar- my body tells me they’re no threat to me. One smells of fear. He knows I’m here, lingering just under the surface. The other smells of something else– almost like the prey I seek. But my body tells me we share blood. Kin… had I ever had kin before? I can’t remember that far back.

My mind is frustrated. The prey have left no trace. I desire to hunt them down, to tear into their flesh, but more presences enter from behind and interrupt my train of thought. 

The large man smells powerful. Were it Before, I would’ve challenged him, to taste the pleasure of crushing the strong. But this mind and body treat the large man with near reverence. It is a scent that invokes a similar feeling as the kin does. This body has many interpersonal relationships… Tch. Humans. 

The large man persuades my mind to rest for now, and return to the stronghold from which we came. It’s a new feeling for me, but I believe this is what humans call “home”. My mind seems influenced by my heart. The bloodthirst does not easily subside. 

The timid one beside me speaks, to remind me that he waits for me back home. 

Him. The one whose blood called me from my imprisoning slumber. Though I’d quite enjoyed the taste of his blood, I somehow hated the idea of seeing him spill any more. Yes, he did seem so similar to the one from Before. After my mind collapsed from the weight of binding with my heart, I’d taken control of my body to save him. I knew what to do, and how to do it, in spite of sleeping for so long. Seeing him lay comfortably beside me was a fresh feeling, reminiscent of one of the best memories from Before, that I unfortunately still cannot recall. 

‘I want to see him again,’ my mind and my heart echo in tandem. I shall allow my hunt to pause, to be with him again. I have no concerns that my prey shall escape me. They have harmed something of mine, and because I am… something– ah, that’s right. 

Because I am a dragon, I shall not let them know peace.