As time passed after the horrifying dream that haunted David, he awoke to the gentle golden rays of the morning sun spilling through his window. His movements were mechanical as he stepped outside, the cool breeze whispering against his skin. With a watering can in hand, he began tending to the plants, his expression devoid of emotion, his mind lost in the shadows of his past.
Inside, Jessica stirred. The moment her eyes opened, something snapped within her—a trigger buried deep in her consciousness. Her mind, once clouded by David's control, suddenly shattered the chains that had bound her. Memories flooded her with brutal intensity. The betrayal of her husband—the god she once revered—the slaughter of the heroes she had summoned, the unspeakable acts she had committed under David's influence. The realization struck her like a blade to the heart.
Her body trembled as she staggered out of bed, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The echoes of her own moans, the heat of David's touch, the pleasure that twisted into shame—it all consumed her. She loathed herself, despised the weakness that had made her succumb. Hatred boiled in her veins, but above all, she despised the monster who had orchestrated it all.
Jessica stormed outside, her feet unsteady yet driven by an unrelenting fury. Her gaze locked onto David's back as he continued watering the plants, oblivious to her presence. Without hesitation, she seized the sword from the weapon stand, her fingers tightening around its hilt as rage consumed her.
In one swift motion, she lunged.
The blade pierced through David's back, the tip erupting from his chest. A gasp escaped his lips, blood dripping from the corners of his mouth. Jessica twisted the weapon deeper, her voice a venomous whisper.
"How could you use me? How could you turn me into your plaything, you son of a bitch? Die!"
But something was wrong.
David's body crumbled into ash, disintegrating like dust in the wind. A mere illusion—a clone.
A sinister chuckle echoed behind her.
"Tch, tch, tch… I must say, I'm impressed. I didn't expect you to break free."
Jessica whirled around, her eyes widening in horror. The real David stood there, a cold smirk tugging at his lips. His crimson gaze burned with amusement.
"But," he continued, stepping closer, "I did enjoy our time together. You were quite the entertainment. However, I must admit… you've outlived your usefulness."
Jessica's vision blurred, her body felt light. The morning sky above twisted into an abyss of darkness.
The sound of bubbling liquid filled the dense forest, the scent of spices and simmering meat wafting through the crisp night air. A pot sat over an open fire, steam rising in delicate swirls as David stirred its contents with a wooden ladle. The rhythmic sound of boiling broth, the crackling of flames, and the distant howls of nocturnal creatures formed a symphony of eerie serenity.
A group of hunters emerged from the shadows, their armor gleaming under the moonlight. Their leader, a rugged man with sharp features, approached cautiously.
"Excuse us, traveler. May we rest here for a while?"
David flashed a welcoming smile. "Of course, please, make yourselves comfortable."
The men settled around the fire, eyeing the bubbling pot curiously. The aroma was intoxicating, an irresistible mix of exotic spices and slow-cooked meat.
"Are you hungry?" David asked, his voice laced with hospitality. "I've prepared a meal. Feel free to help yourselves."
The hunters exchanged glances before nodding eagerly. As they dug in, satisfied groans filled the air.
"This is… amazing," one of them murmured between bites. "What kind of meat is this?"
David's smile deepened, his crimson eyes gleaming with something unreadable. He chuckled, his voice carrying a chilling undertone.
"Meat is meat, wouldn't you agree?"
The hunters paused for a moment, but then, with shrugs, they continued eating. They were too tired and too hungry to question further.
As David watched them devour their meals, he let out a low chuckle. His gaze flickered towards the pile of discarded clothing near the fire—the bloodstained remnants of Jessica's last worn dress. A knife lay beside it, glistening with fresh stains, and among the tattered fabric, strands of silver hair gleamed under the fire's glow.
David licked his lips.
"Meat is meat… Ha… ha… ha…"
The next morning, David returned to his usual routine, watering the plants as if the previous night had never happened. Ruby approached him, her innocent eyes filled with curiosity.
"Master, where is Jessica? She hasn't been around since yesterday."
David's expression remained neutral as he glanced at the child. "She left on an errand. She'll be gone for a long time."
Before Ruby could question further, a sudden pulse of energy filled the air. A massive portal opened before them, swirling with vibrant hues of emerald and silver. The air grew thick with an ancient presence.
David instinctively pulled Ruby behind him, his aura shifting into something dark and unreadable. From within the portal, elegantly clad figures stepped forth. The Elf King and Queen, accompanied by ten royal guards, emerged in regal splendor.
David narrowed his eyes. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?" His voice was cold, edged with warning.
The Elf King, a towering figure with piercing green eyes, raised a hand. "We mean no harm. We have come to express our gratitude."
David's brow furrowed. "Gratitude? For what?"
The Elf King's gaze softened. "Years ago, my daughter was kidnapped by rogue elves. You saved her. A silver-haired girl named Ashley—you gave her a pendant of protection. She is my child."
David's mind flickered back to the memory—a helpless girl, trembling in fear, the weight of responsibility pressing upon him. He had saved her. But why did it matter now?
"So?" David's voice was indifferent.
The Elf King inclined his head respectfully. "We will never forget your kindness. Should you ever need the aid of the Elven Kingdom, you have my word—we will stand by you."
David remained silent, his expression unreadable.
The Elf Queen, however, lingered. As the portal swirled behind them, she cast David a look—one filled with intrigue, perhaps something more.
David met her gaze, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.
As the elves departed, Ruby tugged at his sleeve. "Master, who were they?"
David exhaled slowly, turning his gaze to the horizon. "Just someone I once helped."
The day faded into night, the air growing colder. Sitting beneath the ancient oak tree, David closed his eyes, his mind swirling with the echoes of the past.
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves.
A portal shimmered open behind him.
Without turning, David smirked. "I've been expecting you, Elf Queen."
And with that, the chapter ended.