“Wake up! Wake up, or you will surely die! Wake up, my child! You need to go back. You need to get help.”

“But the red-eyed sorcerer will find us.” 

“Get up and find help.”

Gruff’s body burned as magic churned within him, and he forced his eyes open. His every move felt like a thousand volts of lightning were coursing through his veins. His arms felt like they were being pricked with pins and needles as he pushed himself into a seated position.

Jonah and Marcia were on the ground, the former covered in minor wounds, and a dark energy seeping from the small cuts scattered across his body.

Gruff picked his brother off the floor and tied him to his back. Then he headed towards Marcia, whose eyes moved frantically behind her eyelids, her brows knit tightly together. Gruff leaned over and shook her violently.

With a jolt, her eyes shot open, and she screamed while clasping her chest. Her shirt was torn, and there was dried blood all over her. She fumbled around, looking for the wound, and stopped only when her eyes met with Gruff’s.

The boy simply held out his hand to her. Helping her off the floor, the two of them left the safe house.

Her hand went limp halfway to the house in the woods, and she fell to the ground. 

“Marcia!” Gruff shook her. “Marcia, I need you. I can’t do this on my own. Jonah needs help. Marcia!”

Gruff picked her up. The house was right before his eyes, but Jonah needed help, and he needed it fast.

Gruff turned away from his home and ran through the forest. The sun peeked over the horizon as dawn ignited the village. Soa Pel became closer with each step. Rage rose in Gruff’s chest as he rushed to the town center.

The villagers murmured as the boy with red eyes returned.