A Blade’s First Kill

The moment the branches fell apart, Ed moved.

His body didn't wait.

His mind didn't think.

It just acted.

SHING—!

Steel flashed in the moonlight.

A clean cut.

The village head didn't even have time to react.

His beady eyes widened, his mouth barely parting—

Then—

His head rolled off his shoulders.

A dull thump followed as his lifeless body collapsed onto the dirt.

Silence.

For a moment, there was only the sound of the wind whistling through the trees. The faint rustling of leaves.

Then—

A shriek.

"AAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!"

The village head's wife screamed.

Loud. Piercing. Horrified.

Her wrinkled hands clutched her chest as she staggered backward, pointing at Ed with a trembling finger.

Zareth and Vynesaa snapped awake.

Their eyes, once clouded and distant, cleared instantly.

Zareth blinked, still dazed.