Drip…

Drip…

Drip…

Why me, God? What did I do to deserve this?

Fifteen-year-old Alex Seraphic muttered as the rain fell relentlessly on him, his face turned toward the heavens to hide the tears mixing with the cold downpour.

He stood alone in the dense, dark forest—cold, wet, and barefoot. His ragged clothes clung to his frail body, offering little warmth. His limbs trembled, not just from the cold, but from the weight of everything that had happened.

My mother gave everything to you, he thought bitterly, fists clenched at his sides. She sacrificed all she had for my happiness and your forgiveness—and for what? To be abandoned by our nobles? To be beaten and oppressed by those who claim to rule over us?

His throat tightened. I will never forgive you. I will never believe in a god who abandons his people.

Hours passed. The rain finally began to ease, but the damp chill hung in the air, soaking into Alex's bones.

It seems I'm truly on my own now, he thought, a sense of finality settling over him. No home. No mother… His stomach churned with guilt. If only I had been strong enough to pull her from the fire… But it's too late. She would want me to move on, to forgive those who led us astray. But I can't. It's too late for forgiveness. I'll get stronger—and I will have my revenge on the people of Vana. I'll show them what I am capable of.

His voice was barely a whisper as he looked toward the thickening shadows of the forest. First, I need to survive. I need warmth, or I'll freeze to death before I can make them pay.

Determined, Alex began searching the forest floor for kindling, lifting fallen branches and logs, hoping to find anything dry enough to burn. As he knelt to gather some twigs, a sharp sound echoed through the trees—a sudden, loud snap of a twig breaking nearby.

He froze, his pulse quickening. His eyes darted toward the source of the sound, but all he saw was darkness. His breath caught in his throat.

Another snap, this one closer.

Something was moving through the forest, and it wasn't small.

Before he could react, a low growl rumbled from the shadows—a guttural, predatory sound that made every hair on his body stand on end. The growl turned into a snarl as a massive shape emerged from the underbrush.

A mountain lion.

Alex's heart pounded wildly in his chest. The beast's golden eyes locked onto him, muscles rippling beneath its wet fur as it stalked toward him with deadly intent. His breath came in short, panicked bursts as he frantically scanned the ground for something, anything, to defend himself with.

There—half-buried in the mud—a small, jagged rock caught his eye. It wasn't much, but it was sharp enough. Without hesitation, he snatched it up and held it tightly in his trembling hand, his knuckles white from the grip.

The mountain lion lowered its body, preparing to pounce. Alex barely had time to brace himself before the massive creature leapt through the air, claws outstretched. He threw himself to the side, but the beast was too fast. Its powerful paws collided with him, sending him sprawling to the ground. The wind was knocked from his lungs as the lion's weight pinned him beneath its massive frame.

Alex gasped, struggling to free himself, but the lion's jaws snapped dangerously close to his face, its hot breath reeking of blood. He could feel the creature's claws raking against his ribs, grazing his skin and leaving a burning line of pain in their wake.

This is it, he thought, a wave of panic threatening to overtake him. I'm going to die here.

But then, something deep inside him shifted. Rage, desperation, and the memory of his mother's face ignited something primal within him. With a scream of defiance, Alex gripped the rock tighter and drove it upward with all his strength, aiming for the only vulnerable spot he could reach.

The lion roared in pain as the sharp stone pierced its eye, blood spurting from the wound. The creature reared back, thrashing wildly, but Alex didn't let go. He twisted the rock deeper into the lion's skull, his arms shaking from the effort, until finally, with a last, shuddering breath, the beast collapsed beside him.

Panting, Alex rolled onto his back, the cold air stinging his lungs. His side throbbed where the lion's claws had grazed him, but he was alive. The mountain lion lay dead, its body twitching as blood pooled around its head.

For a long moment, Alex just lay there, staring up at the sky. The rain had stopped, but the forest felt heavier now, as if it were watching him.

Slowly, he pushed himself to his feet, his legs trembling beneath him. His hand still clutched the bloodied rock, slick with the lion's blood. He stared down at the creature, a strange sense of satisfaction coursing through him.

I did it, he thought, his breath ragged. I survived. I killed it.

He turned his gaze skyward, his expression hardening. Do you see this, God? I've taken life, and I'll take the lives of anyone who stands in my way. You deceived my mother. You deceived us all. But I won't be like her. I won't be weak.

His voice was a growl, low and dangerous. I'll show you what true strength is. I'll show them all.

Ding…