Story 712: The Web

The stench of burnt flesh clung to the air as Kruger knelt beside Dorian’s body. The man who had once fought beside him, shared drinks, and bled in battle was gone. His corpse twitched unnaturally, the last remnants of Selene’s venom writhing beneath his skin.

Kruger clenched his jaw. He had no time for grief.

A chilling giggle echoed from the chapel’s ruined walls. Selene was still here. Watching.

"Did it hurt, General?" Her voice was velvet-soft, slithering between the cracks in the stone. "Killing him? Or was it easier than you expected?"

Kruger rose to his feet, reloading his pistol with steady hands. He wouldn’t play her games.

A shadow flickered in the candlelight.

He fired.

The bullet tore into the wooden pews, but Selene had already moved. She emerged from the smoke, smirking, untouched.

"You waste bullets on phantoms."

Kruger charged. Fast. Direct. Brutal. His blade flashed in the dim light as he swung, aiming for her throat—

But she was faster.