orzcore

Erica Wiley, a 21-year-old procrastinator with a cynical streak, is stuck between avoiding life and facing it. When she impulsively offers to take her aunt’s miserable twins on a gap-year adventure, she has no plan—other than to be lazy. But when their simple hiking trip goes horribly wrong, the trio finds themselves lost in a strange village, caught up in bizarre encounters and a growing bond with Lee, a charming (and suspicious) merchant.

What begins as an unplanned journey soon turns into a series of misadventures that push Erica to confront both her past and the possibility of caring about others. With dangerous beasts, questionable decisions, and awkward moments, Erica must decide if she’s ready to face the responsibilities—and feelings—she’s spent so long avoiding.

A quirky adventure about finding yourself, even when you’re trying not to.

Traveling with the Reckless and Unmotivated

The fight was over. The bird beast lay in a crumpled heap, its feathers slick with blood. Sydney wiped the sweat from her brow, taking a deep breath.

A figure, standing just beyond the tree line. Still, silent, watching.

Sydney's fingers tightened around her weapon. Instinct screamed threat, but when she blinked—

Frowning, she stepped forward, heart hammering. She wasn't sure why, but something about that presence sent a chill through her.

She slipped between the trees, staying low, her breath controlled. The figure was ahead, just barely visible through the shifting branches. They weren't running. Weren't sneaking.

Sydney crept closer, her body tensed to strike. But when she saw what they were doing, she nearly lost her footing.

The massive creature—a serpent-like beast with gleaming black scales—curled at their feet like a trained dog.

Sydney barely caught herself before gasping aloud.

Then, as if sensing her, the figure turned.

Sharp features. Pale skin. Hair so silver it seemed almost white in the dim light. Their clothing was neither masculine nor feminine—draped, flowing, yet armored in all the right places.

Piercing, assessing, yet not unkind.

The figure smiled. "You shouldn't spy, little hunter."

The stranger introduced themself as Victor Victoria.

A ridiculous name. An affected name. And yet, it suited them.

They spoke in a tone that was both casual and deliberate, as if every word was chosen for effect.

"Why kill what you can control?" they mused, running gloved fingers along the beast's head. "Humans assume these creatures are mindless. But they can be taught."

Sydney gripped her weapon. "You're behind the attacks, aren't you?"

Victor Victoria tilted their head, feigning curiosity. "Attacks?"

"The beasts. The ones attacking villages. That's you."

Instead, they smiled. "Balance is a delicate thing, wouldn't you agree? Humans push. Beasts push back. I simply… give them a nudge."

Sydney tensed. "You're getting people killed."

Victor Victoria sighed, almost theatrically. "Oh, come now. You kill them all the time. Why is it so unthinkable that they might deserve the same?"

Before Sydney could respond, the beast at their feet lifted its head, sensing her aggression.

Victor Victoria barely had to move—just a flick of their fingers—and the creature settled. Obedient.

Sydney clenched her jaw. This is bad.

And then Victor Victoria did something even worse.

They smirked. "I'd love to chat more, but I have someone else to meet." Their gaze flicked past Sydney. "A certain cynic with a sharp tongue and tired eyes."

Chapter 18: The One Who Whispers to Beasts