???? POV

  The moon hung high, casting its silver glow over the darkened forest as I sprinted through the undergrowth. My breath came in ragged gasps, each inhale sharp and strained. Warm blood oozed from my chest, soaking through my torn clothes, but I couldn’t stop. I wouldn’t stop.

  I weaved through the towering trees, my steps uneven but relentless. My pursuers had likely lost my trail by now, but I wasn’t willing to take that risk. Too much depended on me. My body screamed for rest, yet I pushed forward—until my legs gave out beneath me.

  I collapsed onto the grass, my vision swimming. Blood dripped from my lips as I coughed, the sharp sting in my lungs making every breath agonizing. I forced myself upright, leaning against the rough bark of a nearby tree. My chest throbbed, the wound deep, the blood loss dangerous.

  I needed to patch myself up. Fast.

  A flicker of movement caught my eye—a green blur darting toward me. My fingers tightened around the hilt of my short sword, and with a swift, instinctive slash, I struck.

  The creature tumbled back, its gelatinous body wobbling from the force of my attack. A slime. Damn things always seemed to show up at the worst times.

  I didn’t stick around. Sheathing my sword, I stumbled forward, forcing my legs to move. The slime gave chase, but it was slow, too slow to keep up.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  I ran.

  I ran until my head spun. Until the burning in my chest became unbearable. Until I could barely feel my legs beneath me.

  But I couldn’t stop.

  Not yet.

  Princess Luna was waiting.

  The thought of her, alone and afraid after our people had been slaughtered, forced me forward. My vision blurred, darkness creeping in at the edges, so I relied on my ears instead.

  Silence to my left.

  Birds chirping faintly ahead.

  Leaves rustling to my right.

  And behind me—the guttural groans of the undead.

  I clenched my teeth and followed the birdsong, stumbling through the trees until I emerged into a clearing. A lake shimmered under the moonlight, its still surface a perfect reflection of the night sky. Flowers and wild shrubs surrounded the water, the air thick with the scent of earth and damp grass.

  I dragged myself toward the lake and knelt at its edge, peering into my reflection. Silver-white hair, matted with sweat and grime. Piercing blue eyes, dulled by exhaustion. I barely recognized myself.

  Cupping my hands, I scooped up the cool water and splashed my face, the shock momentarily waking me. My gaze dropped to my chest, where crimson stained my tattered robe. The wound was deep. Too deep. I tore strips from my cloak and pressed them against the gash, wincing as pain flared through me.

  The blood wouldn’t stop.

  My strength was fading.

  I slumped onto my back, staring up at the night sky. The stars blurred together as fatigue weighed heavy on my body. Still, I forced my lips to move, whispering a vow to the silent heavens.

  "I, Reid Sord... swear… if I survive this… I will become Princess Luna’s knight. I will protect her until she can stand on her own… until she can lead, just like her father before her… Until then… I just need to live… Just until then…"

  I reached a trembling hand toward the sky, as if begging some unseen force to grant my wish.

  But the night remained silent.

  And the only sound that followed was the slow, steady knock of death at my door.