The Village Falling

"I must respectfully decline your proposal."

"Oh? How so? Tell me, what's on your mind?"

"If I get married to you, I would have to move into the palace; with the Empress hunting me, I'd be vulnerable. You wouldn't protect me; your allegiance goes to the Empress first."

Kaiserin chuckled a bit before replying.

"I see; well, I wasn't serious about it. After all, you got the reputation for being depressed and a coward."

"Excuse me?"

Before Kaiserin could say anything, loud chanting and yells could be heard from the outside. Before we knew it, our door swung open, revealing Dorian.

"Esther! Ah, and your husband! Come with me, it isn't safe here!" Dorian exclaimed, addressing Liselotte and her companion.

I turned my head towards Kaiserin before he gave me a nod. I grabbed Dorian's hand as we made it out for the backdoor.

Kaiserin was right behind us, as we made it through the backdoor our surroundings. How come. The villagers, they're dead! But, how are they still moving? Aren't they a corpse? Their lifeless eyes seemed to be fixed on us, yet they were moving with an unnatural agility.

What is happening?

We ran towards an empty house, the undead corpses dwindling behind us. Finally, we had a chance to breathe.

"So you, Esther's husband, huh? We never got to talk, and I'm Dorian and you?"

Kaiserin looked confused, and I can't blame him. I didn't tell him my cover name! So I just hinted with my face or, you know, tried to.

"Huh, Esther? Oh! Sorry! Yeah! I'm Chris! So, your Dorian huh? Do you know what's going on?"

"Ah, no, not yet. But I might got a clue."