From Rock Bottom To Hero

I crouch in the dark alley, knees drawn up, forehead pressed against my arms.

The voices of the villagers won't leave my head.

"He must leave!"

"He's the reason the demon is here!"

"If he stays, we'll all die!"

No matter how often I try to tell myself otherwise, there is only one truth.

This is my fault.

Slowly, I lift my head again.

I can't just sit here and hope everything will resolve itself.

I take a deep breath and force myself to stand up. Slowly, I leave the alley.

I head back home. Not because I want to rest, but because I can't just disappear.

When I reach the house, Father is already standing at the door, arms crossed. "I figured you'd come home."

I don't know what to say. But then, another figure steps out of the door.

Gareth.

The guild master examines me with that piercing look he always has when assessing a situation.

I enter the house. Father says nothing, simply turning and walking toward the dining room. Gareth follows, and I have no choice but to go after them.

"So." Father's serious tone makes me look up. "We need a plan."

The guild master leans back. "We are not handing you over. That is not an option."

"But if I don't go, they'll attack the village!" I argue desperately. "You heard what he said!"

"And you think that if you go, they'll just leave us alone?" Gareth crosses his arms. "Demons don't make fair deals. They'll take you and attack anyway. You just wouldn't be here to fight back."

I open my mouth, but no words come out.

Father leans against the table, arms still crossed. "We have six days. We'll prepare."

The discussion revolves around what can be done, the village's defenses, and the possibility of finding allies.

Eventually, the meeting ends. Gareth stands up. "I'll talk to the other guild members tomorrow morning. We need a strategy."

With a final glance at me, he leaves the house. It's already late, so I head to bed.

The night drags on. I lie in bed, the villagers' words, the looming danger, and my own helplessness gnawing at me. I can't sleep.

"This is my fault, so I'll fix it."

Quietly, I slip out of bed and change. I take my dagger as well. With careful steps, I move toward the window. My heart pounds with nerves. A deep breath.

Then, I climb out.

It's colder than expected, despite it being summer, but that won't stop me. No one sees me. No one will stop me. I just need to get through the city unnoticed. Though, going around the city might be safer.

I silently open the gate to our property and slip out. Then, I follow the path toward the city. When I reach the section that cuts through the forest, I pull out my dagger, just in case.

Then, I hear a voice.

"Where are you headed so late at night?"

I freeze. My breath catches. The voice is unfamiliar.