⧔ ⌁ CHAPTER 1 ⌁ ⧕
KITSUELLA
I trek through the forest, scattering mist with my hand. Frost lines the bare branches that scrape past me. The earth is damp beneath my boots. Each step sinks into the mud with an unsatisfying
squelch
. All I ever inhale is the scent of bitter rain, and upturned soil.
“
UNITS 03, 06, 11, 02, and 04 — stand post by the tree. Someone's here
,” a voice orders.
It's almost singing, like a siren's voice. Angelic, yet terrifying.
Strange silhouettes scramble in the moonlight. Still, they are clearly wary of being seen in the silver glow.
I want to shut off all of this, pretend it is a lucid dream like always — but I know I can't. I also know I can't go back.
My mind crashes. All the warnings. The simple ideas of staying away from enemy territory were too obvious, too dull to be taken seriously. For me at least. But I try not to be afraid.
Yet…
Who are these UNITS?
I take a tentative shuffle forward.
