Road

It was dark for Anoj. Then, suddenly, he was jolted back to consciousness at a rapid pace, instinctively standing up the moment awareness returned.

He looked down. The ground beneath him was soft, layered with dead leaves. Bushes rustled against his legs, their branches scraping at his boots.

Panting heavily, he turned to his side—and saw a figure cloaked in darkness. Almost just a shadow, yet wrapped in garments that concealed his face and body.

Anoj's hands shot up, searching for his sword. But it was gone. Not that it mattered—he could fight bare-fisted if needed.

"Who are you?!" he demanded.

The silhouette flicked his fingers, and in an instant, the cover over his face fell away, revealing his true form.