The Damsel

"No! Stop!"

"Esther, calm down. He's gone. Even though I don't see it this way, your husband will come to us safe and sound."

He's right. Kaiserin's ability must be good. After all, he grew up as a Crown Prince with incredible swordsmanship. I should know it; it's said everywhere in society.

Even so, why should I be worried for him?

It's good if he doesn't come back. 

He's destined to kill Liselotte, the person I've become. I need to return home before I meet my end at his hands.

Wait, why do I even want to return? What is it about that place that draws me back?

No, that place was hell. Why do I want to go back?

Stop it, So-Jin; of course, you want to go back! 

You don't want to live in a fantasy where your whole life is always in danger, either by the Empress, Kaiserin, or damned zombies...

Back in Korea, your only struggle was keeping up with deadlines! 

"Esther, is everything okay?"

Oh god, I forgot about Dorian! 

I took a deep breath, trying to compose and hide my stressed demeanour before speaking up.

"Ah, yes. Sorry, let's go to the Church while Chris fends off the villagers."

Dorian took my hand as we ran. We ran so fast that my stomach was starting to hurt. We stopped to catch our breath as he put his hands on my shoulders and looked into my eyes.

"Esther, you need to go on."

"What? What about you?"

Dorian only smiled as he made me face forward, away from his gaze, before whispering into my ear.

"You need to go on Esther. There's a city up ahead. It'll take a long hike, but it'll ensure your survival."

"Okay, but will you-"

Before I could say another word, Dorian ran off into the distance, only giving me a simple wave of goodbye.

I waved back.