The morning sun crept over Eldervale, but Arden felt no warmth in it. He had hardly slept each time he closed his eyes, the demon's laughter returned, crawling through his thoughts like smoke.
He splashed water on his face, hoping to wash away the exhaustion, then stepped outside. The village was stirring awake: women laying out bread to rise, farmers hitching oxen to carts, children running barefoot through the grass. To anyone else, it was just another day.
But Arden could still hear the demon whispering beneath the surface.
"They don't know what you are. Tell them. Show them."
"Not today," Arden muttered.
"Not any day," another voice interrupted.
Arden looked up sharply. Maya stood nearby, arms crossed, her dark braid hanging over one shoulder. She tilted her head, studying him with those sharp eyes that always seemed to see past his defenses.
"You're talking to yourself again," she said softly. "And you look like you haven't slept in a week."
"I'm fine," Arden said, forcing a shrug. "You worry too much."
Maya stepped closer. "And you lie too much."
Her words struck deeper than he wanted to admit. He looked away, gripping the strap of his satchel. Maya's presence was a comfort, but her persistence was dangerous. She couldn't know what lurked inside him. Before he could reply, shouts rang out from the village square.
Arden and Maya hurried over, finding a small crowd gathered. Two farmers dragged something into the open a goat, its body torn open as though by claws. The air was thick with the stench of blood.
A murmur swept through the villagers.
"Wolves?"
"No… too deep. Look at those marks."
"Something's wrong. Something's in the forest."
Arden froze. The sight of blood made his chest tighten. His vision sharpened unnaturally, every heartbeat in the crowd thundering in his ears.
"Hungry… so hungry…" the demon whispered.
His hands trembled, and he clenched them into fists. Not now. Not here.
Maya's gaze flicked to him. "Arden…" she whispered, concerned about lacing her tone. She saw his struggle, even if no one else did.
Before anyone could speak further, a man staggered into the square. His clothes were torn, his arm bleeding from a deep gash. Gasps erupted as villagers rushed to catch him before he collapsed.
"Monsters," the man rasped. "In the woods… shadows with eyes… they're coming."
The village erupted in panic.
The elders stepped forward, voices firm despite the fear. "We must gather hunters. We must protect Eldervale."
Arden's stomach turned cold. Monsters. Shadows with eyes. The words struck something deep within him, as if the demon inside recognized them.
"They are kin," the voice purred. "You feel it, don't you? The forest calls to us."
Arden pressed a hand against his chest, breathing hard. No, he couldn't let it draw him in.
"Arden," Maya said again, tugging at his sleeve. Her face was pale, her voice urgent. "What's happening to you? You're shaking."
"I'm fine," he lied again, though his voice cracked.
She didn't believe him. Her eyes were sharp, almost accusing now. "You're hiding something from me. Something dangerous."
Arden froze, his throat dry. The words lodged in him like a blade.
Before he could respond, the elders called for volunteers to scout the forest. Villagers whispered, suspicion already swirling.
And through it all, the demon's voice laughed inside his skull.
"The shadows are coming, boy. You can't run from them. When they arrive, your little village will finally see the truth."
Arden clenched his fists, his heart pounding. He had kept his secret for five years. But now, with Maya's piercing gaze and the threat creeping from the forest, he felt the walls closing in.
The shadows were moving closer.
And this time, he wasn't sure he could stop what was coming.
The village square buzzed with fear and debate. Elders stood at the center, their voices rising above the crowd.
"These killings cannot be ignored," Elder Bran declared, his beard trembling with every word. "If beasts stalk the forest, they must be driven out before they reach our homes."
"But these are no ordinary beasts," another villager muttered. "Did you see those wounds? Too deep for wolves. Too sharp for bears."
The crowd murmured agreement, unease thick as fog.
Elder Bran raised a hand. "We will send a party to the forest. Hunters, strong men, anyone willing. We must know what lurks there."
Arden's stomach dropped. The words clawed at him. The forest. The shadows. The demon inside him thrummed with excitement.
"Yes… Take me there. I want to see them."
Arden stepped back, shaking his head. No. He couldn't risk it. If blood was spilled out there, if he lost control…..
"Arden," a voice called. He looked up to see several villagers staring at him. "You're strong. You should go," one of the hunters said. "We'll need all the help we can get."
"I…" His voice caught in his throat.
Maya stepped forward quickly. "He's not well," she said firmly. "You saw him earlier, he's pale, trembling. He doesn't have to.."
But Elder Bran's eyes were on Arden. "You're nineteen now. A man. Eldervale needs all who can wield a blade. Will you stand aside while others protect your home?"
The weight of the stares pressed on him. Every instinct screamed to refuse…but he couldn't. Not without drawing suspicion. Not with Maya watching.
Arden swallowed hard. "I'll go."
Maya's hand tightened around his arm. "Arden"
He gave her a weak smile. "I'll be fine."
But inside, his chest burned with the demon's laughter. "Yes… finally. Let's hunt."
By late afternoon, the chosen group gathered at the edge of the village. Hunters strung their bows, swords glinted in the fading light, and the air was thick with dread. Arden stood among them, a borrowed blade at his side.
Maya lingered close, her brow furrowed. "You don't have to prove anything," she whispered. "If something's wrong, tell me now."
Arden looked at her, words trembling on his tongue. He wanted to tell her everything about the voice, the hunger, the curse. But the weight of it crushed him into silence.
Instead, he said, "Stay safe, Maya."
She scowled. "Don't you dare say that like it's goodbye."
The elders raised torches, casting long shadows against the treeline. The party stepped forward, the forest looming dark and endless before them.
As Arden crossed the threshold of the woods, the whispers returned, stronger than ever.
"Home," the demon hissed, almost gleeful. "You've brought me home."
A chill rippled down Arden's spine.
The hunt had begun.
