The day of sacrifice came once more, a grim ritual etched into the bones of the village's existence. The air was thick with dread as the villagers gathered at the gate, their faces pale and hollow. This year, the chosen family was one that had always been kind, always giving. The family of Theron and Liora, their two adult sons, Aldric and Leron, and their newborn baby, Erion.
Theron held his wife close, his arms wrapped protectively around her as she cradled their infant son. Aldric and Leron stood tall, their faces set in stone, though fear flickered in their eyes. They had watched other families walk this path before, but now it was their turn. The village wept silently, knowing they were sending one of their own into the maw of the beast.
The gate creaked open, and Nagaara awaited, its golden eyes gleaming with anticipation. The family stepped through, their footsteps heavy, each one feeling like a march to the gallows.
Nagaara led them a short distance outside the wall, to a clearing by the river, where the village once dared not venture. It was here the monster would feast. It was here the earth was stained with the blood of countless sacrifices.
Theron and Liora exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. They had to find a way to save their son, even if it meant their own lives. The monster had not yet noticed the bundle in Liora's arms. Perhaps, just perhaps, they could create a chance for Erion to survive.
Nagaara circled them, its serpentine body coiling and uncoiling with anticipation. It licked the air with a forked tongue, savoring the fear. "Which of you shall I begin with?" it hissed, its gaze flicking between them.
In that moment, Theron acted. With a sudden, desperate burst of energy, he dashed away from the family, his feet pounding against the earth as he ran in the opposite direction, deeper into the forest. Nagaara's head snapped toward the movement, its predatory instincts kicking in.
"You dare to flee?" it roared, its body surging forward with terrifying speed. Theron's heart pounded in his chest, but he did not stop. He knew he could not outrun the monster, but he didn't need to. He just needed to give Liora enough time.
Nagaara caught up to him within seconds, its fangs sinking into Theron's back. He cried out, his body going limp as the life drained from him. The monster lifted its head, letting Theron's lifeless body fall to the ground, satisfied with its quick kill.
But while Nagaara was distracted, Liora moved. She pressed a kiss to her sons' heads, whispering her love into their ears. Then, with a heart heavy with sorrow but filled with determination, she rushed to the riverbank. There, she found a cluster of thick vines hanging low over the water. She tied Erion securely to them, making sure he was hidden among the foliage.
"Stay quiet, my love," she whispered, tears streaming down her face. She placed a gentle kiss on Erion's forehead and laid him carefully by the water's edge, where she knew the village women would come to collect water.
With a final glance at her hidden child, Liora stood and walked back toward Nagaara, ready to face her fate. The monster, having devoured Theron, turned back to find the remaining family members. It saw Liora standing there, her eyes fierce despite the tears. It did not question the absence of the baby, for it had long grown used to the compliance of its victims.
As Nagaara descended upon the family, the river flowed on, carrying with it the hope of a new beginning. The village had lost five more of its own, but in the shadows of despair, a life was spared.
And somewhere beyond the wall, the seeds of rebellion stirred, watered by the blood of the fallen.