WASN'T SPARED

THIRD PERSON POV

After completing the ritual, Proseo immediately moved to find the life he would offer as a sacrifice and it was the market vendor who humiliated him. Though he had long been shunned by people at the market, this incident was different. Ayera herself had witnessed it, making the shame unbearable for Proseo.

Despite the blazing sun and the risk of being seen, Proseo moved swiftly, carrying what was left of his hunting and butchering tools some of which he had dropped outside Ayera’s house earlier.

Even before he could get close, the vendor was already looking in his direction. Proseo didn’t hesitate; he drew his knife and hurled it directly at the man’s forehead. Then he turned and ran, a wicked smile forming on his face. To him, this was a success. It meant he could now visit Ayera—even in her dreams.

Someone gave chase, but Proseo didn’t care. All he could think about was Ayera. Even barefoot, he didn’t feel the pain of every step. He ran toward the secluded forest near Ayera’s home, a place so remote that those pursuing him eventually gave up. Only then did Proseo feel at peace.

Under a tall tree, he waited until nightfall, knowing that soon he would enter Ayera’s dreams. He was confident the ritual would work it never failed him before, and no one had ever broken its power.

Finally, the moment arrived. He entered the dream realm and found himself in Ayera’s room. He stood in silence, watching her sleep peacefully. She was breathtaking flawless. He turned his back when he saw her stir, but he couldn't resist. He looked again, and to his surprise, Ayera was aware conscious inside the dream. Fear filled her eyes just as the door creaked open… and Arturo, as always ready to protect Ayera, entered.

As Proseo tried to leave the dream, he got a good look at Arturo. Seeing the difference between their faces Arturo's healthy features compared to his own wrinkled, cursed skin brought a sting of pain. For years, he had performed rituals and prayers, begging to fix his face, but nothing ever worked.

With the ritual fulfilled, Proseo vanished from the dream dimension and returned to the forest to sleep, feeling oddly satisfied… even if just for a little while.

AYERA'S POV

"Turo, where are you?" I asked right after I woke up. I got up early to search for my dog, Turo. I remembered what Lito told me that the murderer from the market had run into this remote part of the forest but I wasn’t afraid. I went anyway.

My voice was hoarse from shouting, but I still couldn’t find him. The more I walked, the farther the path seemed to stretch. I didn’t even know this place had deeper woods beyond the familiar ones.

Then I stumbled upon a massive tree, its bark full of knives stabbed into it. My heart raced. What if the killer was hiding here? I grew even more anxious for Turo’s safety. I stopped calling out and started walking quietly instead.

The tree was large enough to hide someone behind it. I was afraid, but at the same time, I knew I had to look what if Turo was there? Step by cautious step, I approached… and behind the tree, I saw a man lying down. He wore a white shirt and had his face covered with cloth. His chest was rising he was breathing.

I couldn’t tell who he was because of the fabric. But what if he was the man Lito warned me about? I didn’t wait to find out. I turned and ran as fast as I could, deciding to go home and ask for help to continue the search.

As I approached our house, I saw something in front. When I got closer, I froze. My worst fear had come true.

Turo was dead.

Trembling, I stepped toward my dog’s lifeless body. How could this have happened? Who would do this to him? Even a dog wasn't spared?

I examined his body and saw a wound on his head, as if someone had struck him hard. He looked pitiful. It made me furious.

I took a deep breath, but I had no clue who had done this. How cruel to kill him and then drop his body right at our doorstep. Thank you? I wanted to see him, yes, but alive, not like this. I knew Turo had a reason for running into the woods but that reason didn’t deserve death.

With no other choice, I buried him behind our house, tears streaming down my face. Arturo would be heartbroken when he finds out what happened—because of my negligence.

I headed to the farm in a daze, barely acknowledging my coworkers. I left early. I couldn’t take it anymore. I felt lightheaded I hadn’t slept in days because of everything that had happened. My eyes burned from crying too much.

I forced myself to walk home, but the world around me was getting darker. I knew I was about to collapse, yet I pushed my body to keep moving, even just to make it to the front door…

But I didn’t make it.

I fainted in front of our house hepless.

Alone in this place.