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The War That Bound Us

Chapter two: Karisa

Chapter two: Karisa

May 16, 2025

This content is intended for mature audiences for the following reasons.

  • •  Cursing/Profanity
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Content Warning: This chapter contains themes of war, loss, trauma, dehumanization, and references to child experimentation and death. It includes scenes of emotional confrontation, ableist language, and military discipline. Reader discretion is advised.


Eris and I walked into the tent. The tent was full of maps and notes from the other camps—some from our side and some from the Crimson Horde.

"General," one of them greets me.

"You wanted to see me?" I ask, bracing myself for the worst. We've been losing a lot of battles lately. The last thing I want to hear is that we're down a few hundred men. The families have suffered enough as it is.

"Yes, we wanted to talk to you about the next plan of attack."

I let out a sigh of relief. I nod to him and look at the strategy table to see where we could strike. When I first joined the war, we had more battle standards on our side. We had more wins. Now... there are so few. We've lost control of too much. We've lost too many lives—both soldiers and civilians.

I clench my fists, thinking about how we should have done more. How I should have done more.

I glance over at some of the villages we’ve lost. Some were destroyed in the crossfire. Others... turned into labs or experimental camps. People who once lived peaceful lives now twisted into weapons—used and abused for the enemy's gain.

The wood of the table creaks under my hands. My eyes darken, just thinking about what those people must be going through.

I need to focus on the task at hand. I can’t fix the past, but I can make damn sure it doesn’t happen again.

I look at the map, at one of the labs—an informant told us this one isn’t heavily guarded. If we can shut it down, it could shift the tide. Maybe not by much, but even a small victory means fewer people hurt.

“We’ll attack here,” I say.

Silence follows. I can see concern on their faces. Even Eris looks uneasy.

“I understand your concerns,” I continue. “But considering what the Crimson Horde has done to the people in those villages... this lab needs to go. Our insider confirms it’s vulnerable.”

“Monsters,” someone mutters bitterly from the back.

I turn. “Do you have something to said, Private Smith.”

"Oh, I have a few things to say. Let me start with the basics so it sinks in." He said harshly. My tail whips around me with frustration at his comment. "I don't understand why you are acting like they are something that should be talked lightly about."

"May I remind you, Private Smith, that this so called "monster" where one human too" I say shooting back.

He sneers. “human? human?! Have you been on the ground with them? Seen your comrades ripped apart? Friends torn limb from limb by one of those things?!”

I have. I’ve seen it all. I bear the scars. But I also know what those creatures used to be. How young some of them were when they were taken.

I remember the first one that I encountered, He was no older then nine. His eyes scared of what has done, at what he as become. I could hear it in the way he cried, shouting about how it hurt, how he wanted it to end. So, I followed his requires, and end his suffering.

My chest tightens. I wish I could have done more from him.

“That’s enough, Smith,” Eris snaps, stepping forward. She can read it on my face what I was thinking. She knew how much it hurt. How much I want to take it back.

“Well, my apologies, Lieutenant,” he spits, “but how do you expect me to sit quietly while this hellspawn—”

“That is your general.” Her voice is sharp as steel. “You will show her respect, or—”

“Or what? Demon patrol? Fine. I’d rather that than take orders from a psychopathic bi—”

“Enough!” I slam my hand on the table. The room falls still.

“Private Smith,” I say, voice cold. “By my authority as commander of the Celestial Defenders, I release you from service. May the gods pity you—because I won’t.”

He stares at me, stunned. “You can’t be serious!”

“With what you’ve shown here, it’s clear you are not fit for war. I will personally ensure your family knows you’ve dishonored them. Pack your things. You’ll be gone by tomorrow. Do I make myself clear?”

His face drains of color. “Fine. I don’t want to be here anyway.”

He storms past me, spitting on my boot. “Just know no one here will ever respect you, bitch.”

“Let him go, Eris,” I say, catching the fury in her eyes.

“You can’t be serious, he—”

I give her a cold stare.

She grits her teeth. “Fine.”

I turn back to the others. “Let Private Smith serve as an example of what I will not tolerate. That said—does anyone else have something to add?”

“No, General,” they say in unison, still stunned.

But the silence that follows is thick. One soldier shifts awkwardly. Another keeps his eyes on the ground. Someone in the back gives the faintest nod—reluctant, maybe, but still a nod.

“Then you are dismissed.”

I pause at the flap. “One more thing. If any of you decide to follow in his footsteps, you’ll be training under Lieutenant Eris.”

I walk out of the tent, and the silence behind me says enough.

And as the night air hits my face, I keep walking. The spit on my boot burns hotter than fire, but I don’t wipe it off. Let it burn. Let it remind me who I am—and what I’m willing to endure to end this war.

pumpkinwolfdesign
Autumn

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The War That Bound Us
The War That Bound Us

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Karisa, a general of the Celestial Defenders, commands with fire and silence.
She doesn’t fight for glory—she fights for her sister’s future.
Every battle—on the field or in the halls of power—is a test of her strength, her faith, her right to lead in a world that refuses to believe in her.
All but one: Eris, her lieutenant. The only one who has seen her at her best, and her worst.
This is the war that bound them.
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Chapter two: Karisa

Chapter two: Karisa

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