You ran. You ran as if your life depended on it—because it did. The trees were everywhere, branches were scratching your arms and legs, your bare feet were torn open by rocks and splinters, but you didn’t stop. You didn’t dare to stop. Not with him behind you.

And then came the first bolt.

A crossbow bolt whizzed past your head, grazing the air where your head had been a split second earlier. A warning shot, you thought. Just to scare you. Though the second bolt wasn’t so merciful. It grazed your side, ripping through shirt and leaving a thin line of blood, making you cry out in panic. You were losing control, fear was overtaking your senses. And then it happened, your foot got caught on a root, and you crashed to the ground.

Then came the third bolt.

It wasn’t like the others. This one hit with a cruel precision, digging itself deep into your leg. You let out a sharp scream, your hands clawed at the earth, desperate to pull yourself up, but it was useless. You could already hear the footsteps. Slow, measured. Mocking.

Vangelis stepped into your line of sight, his silhouette framed by the shadows of the trees. He didn’t hurry. Why would he? You had already lost. He slowly crouched beside you and with a slow, deliberate motion, he pulled the bolt out from your leg. The pain made you cry out, but Vangelis only smiled. “There it is.” he murmured, almost to himself. “That lovely sound.”

Your vision blurred, the world tilting as the sedative that was on the bolt began to work. Your body grew heavy, your limbs useless, as Vangelis scooped you into his arms, cradling you against his chest. Blood from your leg smeared across his shirt, but he didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he looked downright pleased. As he carried you back, he stroked your back in a way that was almost comforting, if not for the situation.

“Shhh, little bird..” he whispered against your ear, his breath hot on your skin. His fingers traced lazy patterns down your back, as if soothing you into submission. “Rest now. It’s time to take you home.”