It was day seven in this strange world. Tomorrow, Ronan was supposed to leave this village. But tonight, everything had gone wrong.
Inside the small house, Ronan sat on the fur mattress with Elvana and Noctis. Outside, the sounds of shouting and metal clashing against metal filled the night. Earlier that evening, a group of robbers had stormed into the village. Zyrris and the other men were out there now, fighting to protect their homes.
Ronan's hands clenched into fists. "Let me go! I can help them!" he said, his voice loud as he tried to stand.
Elvana grabbed his arm and pulled him back down, her grip tight. "No, stay with me," she said, shaking her head hard. "They're strong. They can handle it."
Ronan frowned, "I'm strong too!"
Noctis put a hand on his shoulder, "You don't know these men, Ray. Stay here. We need you safe."
He sighed, his shoulders slumping. He didn't like it, but he stayed put, listening to the chaos outside.
Then, with a loud bang, the wooden door flew open, splintering at the hinges. A tall, dirty man kicked his way in. His hair was greasy, hanging in clumps over his face, and his teeth were yellow as he grinned. His eyes locked onto Noctis and Elvana, gleaming with a sick excitement.
"Well, well, look at this!" the robber said, his voice rough and loud. He stepped forward, dragging a rusty sword behind him. "Two beautiful women here? I hit the jackpot tonight!"
Ronan tensed, ready to jump up, but Noctis moved first. She stood slowly, her face calm. She held a small knife tight, hiding behind her as she walked toward the man.
The robber laughed, his eyes roaming over her body. "Oh, you're coming to me? Good girl. Makes this easier." He didn't even raise his sword, too busy staring at her chest and legs.
Noctis stopped a step away from him. Then, in one fast move, she swung the knife. The blade sliced across his neck, cutting deep into his flesh. Blood sprayed out in a red arc, splattering across the floor and onto her arms. The man's eyes went wide, his mouth opening in a gurgling gasp. His hands flew to his throat, but the blood kept pouring, running down his chest and soaking his torn shirt.
He stumbled forward, swinging his sword in a wild, panicked arc. Noctis jumped back, her bare feet sliding on the dirt floor. The blade missed her by inches, cutting through the air with a sharp whoosh. The robber staggered, his legs shaking, then crashed to his knees. Blood pooled around him, thick and dark, as he fell face-first onto the ground, dead.
Noctis knelt beside him, her breathing steady. She grabbed the knife's handle and yanked it out of his neck. Another gush of blood spurted out, splashing onto her hands and dripping down her wrists. She wiped the blade on her cloth, leaving a red smear.
"Let's go," she said, standing up. "This place isn't safe anymore."
Ronan stared at the dead man, the puddle of blood spreading across the floor. His stomach twisted, but he nodded. Elvana grabbed his hand, pulling him toward the door. The three of them rushed outside.
The night air hit them hard. Smoke stung Ronan's eyes, and the northern side of the village glowed orange—flames licking up the tents and houses. Women screamed in the distance, their voices high and desperate. Men shouted, and the clash of swords rang out louder now.
They ran down the dirt path, sticking close together. Noctis led the way, her knife still in hand. Then, out of the shadows, another robber stepped into their path. This one was different—taller, broader, with short black hair and a cold, hard face. His eyes didn't flicker with lust like the last man's. They were sharp, focused, full of killing intent. He held a long, clean sword, its edge glinting in the firelight.
Noctis stopped, raising her knife. "Get behind me," she said to Ronan and Elvana.
The robber didn't wait. He lunged, swinging his sword down in a fast, heavy strike. Noctis twisted to the side, but she wasn't quick enough. The blade slashed across her waist, cutting deep into her skin. Blood poured out instantly, soaking through her cloth and dripping onto the ground. She gasped, stumbling back, her free hand pressing against the wound.
"Aunt!" Ronan yelled.
The robber smirked, raising his sword again. Rage exploded in Ronan's chest. He didn't think—he just moved. He charged forward, pulling his fist back. The robber turned, too late, still focused on Noctis. Ronan's punch slammed into the man's jaw with a loud crack. The robber's head snapped to the side, spit and blood flying from his mouth. He stumbled backward, his sword dropping from his hand as he fell hard onto the dirt, out cold.
Ronan grabbed the fallen sword. He stood over the man, breathing hard. Ronan hesitated, his hands shaking. Then he gritted his teeth and drove the sword down, straight into the man's chest. The blade sank deep, slicing through muscle and bone. Blood bubbled up around the steel, spilling out in a thick, dark stream. The robber's body twitched once, then went still, his eyes staring blankly at the sky.
Ronan yanked the sword free, blood dripping off the tip. He turned to Noctis. She was on her knees now, her hand pressed against her waist. Blood leaked through her fingers, staining the ground beneath her. The cut was long and deep, the edges of her skin torn open.
"Damn it…" Ronan said, his voice tight. He dropped to her side.
Elvana ran over, her face pale. "Mother! We need to stop the bleeding!" She tore a strip of cloth from her own covering and pressed it hard against Noctis's wound. Blood soaked through it fast, turning it red.
Noctis winced, her teeth clenched. "It's fine… I've had worse cuts. But we can't stay here. More of them are coming."
Ronan looked up. Two more robbers were running toward them from the burning side of the village. One was skinny, with a scarred face and a short axe in his hand. The other was stocky, holding a spear with a jagged tip.
"Fuck these bastards," Ronan muttered, gripping the sword tighter. His hands were sticky with blood now—some from the robber, some from Noctis. He stood up, stepping in front of her and Elvana.
"Ray, be careful!" Elvana shouted, her voice shaking as she held the cloth against her mother's side.
Ronan was ready to charge forward, but suddenly he found he was... In his room, in the original world.