Zareth's footsteps echoed softly on the dirt path as he left the Shrine of Death behind. The village was still some distance away, but the weight of Death's command pressed down on him like a lead blanket. He had to take a soul—a task that felt both impossible and inevitable.
"This is what I signed up for," he muttered, glancing at his still-healing hand. The cut where he'd signed the Divine Oath with his blood had closed, but a thin scar remained. A reminder that he was now tied to Death's will. Permanently. For the first time since receiving his powers, doubt crept in. "Who is it?" he wondered aloud, his breath visible in the chill of the evening. "Who's the one refusing to pass?"
As he walked, Zareth's mind drifted to the people of the village. He didn't have many connections there—at least, not good ones. Most avoided him, others openly mocked him, and no one had ever shown him kindness. Maybe it was easier this way, he thought. If Death had asked him to take the life of someone he hated, it would make the task easier, right? But as the village came into view, he couldn't help but feel the heavy knot of uncertainty in his chest tighten.
The streets were quieter than usual. Most of the villagers were likely huddled in their homes, avoiding the early night chill. Zareth noticed the few that were out gave him wary glances. It wasn't new—he had always been the outcast, but now, after forming his Accord with Death, their stares felt different. Sharper. Almost… afraid. He tugged his cloak tighter around himself, trying to ignore the looks. No distractions. He had a job to do. "Alright, Death," he whispered under his breath. "How am I supposed to find them?"
As if in answer, the shadows at his feet began to stir. They stretched out across the ground, crawling like snakes through the cracks between stones. Zareth blinked, watching the shadows move with purpose, as if they were searching for something. For someone. His heart pounded as the shadows coiled into the shape of a narrow path, beckoning him to follow. "This is it, then," he muttered, wiping his palms on his cloak before stepping forward.
The shadows led him to a small, dilapidated house on the outskirts of the village. The windows were shuttered tightly, and the front door was weathered and splintering. It didn't look like anyone had lived here for some time, yet the moment Zareth approached, he felt a strange energy emanating from within. It was faint, but unmistakable—the presence of Death. "This is the place," he whispered to himself. The shadows at his feet receded as if confirming his thought.
Taking a deep breath, Zareth stepped up to the door and knocked, his fist light against the old wood. No response. He knocked again, louder this time, and the door creaked open with a slow, eerie groan. Zareth's heart raced. Was this it? Was he really going to do this? "Hello?" he called into the darkness of the house. "Is anyone here?" A faint rustling sound came from the back of the house. Zareth's pulse quickened as he stepped inside, his boots echoing on the creaky floorboards.
He followed the sound, deeper into the house, past empty rooms and dusty furniture, until he reached a small bedroom at the back. The air here was thick, and he could feel the presence of a soul lingering in the space, hovering between life and death. And there, lying in the bed, was a frail old man. His chest rose and fell with shallow breaths, his skin pale and almost translucent. But what struck Zareth most was the look in the man's eyes. They were open, but filled with an intense, almost defiant light. He was fighting, clinging to life with everything he had.
Zareth took a slow step forward, his mouth dry. This was the soul Death had sent him for. But now that he was here, standing over this old man—someone who had clearly lived a long life—he found himself hesitating. "Do I just... take it?" Zareth whispered to himself, unsure of what to do next.
The old man's eyes flickered toward him, and for a moment, it was as if he could see straight through Zareth. A long, shuddering breath escaped the man's lips as he struggled to speak. "Who... are you?" the man rasped. Zareth opened his mouth to answer, but no words came. Who am I? Was he a servant of Death, a reaper of souls? Was he ready to claim his first life?
Before he could respond, the familiar chill of Death's presence settled over him. The shadows in the room darkened, and the air grew still. "It is time," Death's voice whispered.
Zareth swallowed hard, his heart hammering in his chest. His hand trembled as he reached toward the man, the shadows at his fingertips coiling in anticipation. But just before his hand could touch the man's skin, Zareth hesitated. His mind raced. Could he really do this? Could he take a life, even if it was someone at the end of theirs?
The old man's eyes locked with his, full of both fear and understanding. "Please..." he whispered. "Not yet."
Zareth froze, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. Was this what Death's disciple was supposed to be? A taker of lives, regardless of their pleas? His fingers twitched, the shadows swirling, ready to act. "Zareth," Death's voice urged. "Do not waver."
Zareth clenched his jaw, his hand hovering in the air. But something inside him shifted. Something deep, unshakable. He couldn't do it—not like this. Not without knowing more. With a deep breath, he pulled his hand back. "I... I can't," Zareth whispered.
For a moment, the room fell silent, the shadows recoiling from his hesitation. The air grew thick, as if even Death itself was stunned by his defiance. Then, slowly, the old man's breaths became more labored. His body weakened, sinking further into the bed. It was happening, with or without Zareth's hand. The truth settled over him like a shroud: Death wasn't something he could stop.
As the old man's last breath left his body, the shadows coiled tightly around him, and Zareth felt the soul slip into the void, passing into Death's realm. Zareth's shoulders slumped, a mix of relief and confusion swirling in his chest. He had thought he would have to take the soul himself, but in the end, all he had done was witness the inevitable.
The shadows dissipated, and the room fell into a still, cold silence. Zareth stood there, staring down at the now-still body, his mind racing with questions. Was this what it meant to be a disciple of Death? To watch, to guide, but never to force?
He let out a shaky breath, his heart still pounding. "I didn't have to take it," he whispered to himself. "Death... it happens whether I act or not."
The realization settled over him slowly. He had power, yes, but the true nature of that power was far more complicated than he had first thought. And as he turned to leave the small house, the cold wind whispering through the cracks in the walls, Zareth knew this was only the beginning. His journey with Death was just starting—and there was still so much he didn't understand.