??? (7)

It was an ordinary day in the village, just like any other. After gathering herbs and leaving them at the storehouse, I returned to my small, secluded home for dinner before drifting into a restless sleep. I was alone, as always. No family, no friends—just me. The villagers kept their distance, only speaking to me when necessary, their eyes filled with disdain, pity, or fear because of my mismatched eyes and the deformity that marred half of my face.

But that night, everything changed.

Screams pierced the silence, mingling with the crackle of fire and the acrid scent of smoke. My eyes shot open, my heart pounding like a war drum. From my lonely home at the village's edge, I could hear chaos erupting. No one warned me. No one cared. Of course not.

Grabbing a small bag, I shoved in my few precious belongings and bolted outside. Flames consumed the village, smoke billowing into the dark sky. Villagers ran toward the forest's northwest path—the route to the cave, our emergency hideout. Clutching the hem of my skirt, I followed, heart racing as I saw villagers struggling to fight off bandits. Their terrified cries echoed in my ears, each one twisting the knot of fear in my chest tighter.

After what felt like forever, I caught up with the group near the cave. Relief flashed across their faces, only to turn sour when they noticed me. I lowered my bangs to hide my face, retreating to the back as their whispers of disgust stung like needles.

Then, a chilling voice shattered the fragile hope.

"Heh-heh-heh, the boss was right."

Bandits emerged, weapons gleaming in the moonlight. A villager hurled a bag at them—a burst of green smoke erupted, creating a smokescreen.

"Run!" someone shouted.

We scattered. I sprinted south toward the river, zigzagging through the forest to lose my pursuer. Branches clawed at my skin, and my breath came in ragged gasps. Finally, I collapsed behind a bush, trying to quiet my breathing. But before I could catch my breath, something collided with me. Sophia—beautiful, cruel Sophia—groaned, saw me, and sneered.

"Out of my way, freak!" she spat, darting into the forest—straight into the grasp of a massive bandit.

"Hah! Look what I caught!" he laughed, yanking her by the hair.

I turned to flee, but the cold kiss of steel pressed against my neck.

"Ah, a pretty little thing," whispered a voice dripping with malice.

"Let me see your face," he ordered, shoving my bangs aside. The moment he saw me, he recoiled in horror.

"What the hell?!"

The larger bandit dragged Sophia closer, his face twisting in disgust when he saw me.

"A freak," he growled.

Tears welled up, blurring my vision. I was too scared to move.

"Don't cry, bitch!" he snarled, striking me again and again until my mouth tasted of blood.

Then—stillness. The bandit froze, eyes wide, before collapsing lifelessly.

A silver blur cut through the darkness. A curved blade severed the larger bandit's leg in one swift motion.

"AHHH!" he screamed, crawling backward, his face contorted in terror.

The figure stepped into the moonlight—silver hair shimmering, violet eyes cold and unreadable. Dressed in black, a wicked grin playing on his lips, he was a division knight, his presence both beautiful and terrifying.

"My, that was fun," he purred, pinning the bandit down effortlessly before driving his sword through his head without hesitation.

Sophia shrieked, tears streaming down her face. I stayed frozen, my body trembling as the knight's gaze fell on me. His expression softened from cold indifference to mild surprise, then curiosity.

He approached me, ignoring Sophia entirely.

"Are you okay?" His voice was smooth, almost melodic, and it caught me off guard.

I nodded, my face burning under his intense stare. He draped his black jacket over me, the fabric warm and comforting. "Stay low when you head back to the village," he advised gently.

And just like that, he was gone, leaving behind the echo of his presence and the warmth of his touch.