Into the Circle of Shadows

The days passed gently for Kin, Vixen, and Shen, a blend of sweetness and shadows lingering quietly around them.

One gloomy evening, under a cloud-covered new moon, Kin and Shen Seizan decided to explore more of the village. They strolled through the quiet trails, chatting about the natural beauty and eerie charm of Zemura. But as they wandered deeper, distracted by conversation, they unknowingly stepped onto a dense path that led into the thick forest.

Darkness descended faster than expected. Kin glanced up — the sky had turned pitch black.

"Shen," Kin whispered, unease creeping into his voice, "I don't feel good about this place. Even with my magical pheromones, something feels... off."

Shen, trying to appear brave, laughed lightly. "You're too sensitive. If something happens, just call Vixen. Don't worry."

Before Kin could argue further, a violent force suddenly yanked Shen into the forest.

"Shen!!" Kin screamed, his voice cracking in fear.

Panicking, Kin ran after his friend, crashing through the underbrush. What he saw next turned his blood cold.

In a hidden clearing surrounded by ancient trees, a group of hooded cult members stood in a circle. At their feet lay a human skull, large black candles burning around it. An eerie fire blazed at the center, casting distorted shadows over their faces.

Dark ritual items were scattered around the clearing—vials of blood, bones, cursed sigils, and an iron dagger stained with something black.

The cultists chanted in a guttural tongue that Kin couldn't understand. Their voices were thick with malice, a sound that felt like claws scratching inside his head.

Gathering his courage, Kin stepped closer. "Have you seen my friend?! He was wearing a blue shirt! Please!"

The chanting stopped.

All at once, the cultists turned toward him—their eyes glowing a terrifying shade of blood-red.

Kin gasped and took a step back. His pheromones flared slightly, but something stronger was already at work here.

Before he could run, a cold, invisible hand grabbed his ankle.

It wasn't a person.

It wasn't alive.

And Kin... was not alone anymore.

Continue...