The young Lenen leapt from rock to rock, climbing steadily up the mountain. The first rays of sunlight pierced the horizon, banishing the terror of the night. He paused, gazing at the dawn, and sighed.
Brother, please live… please make it home. I will not fail, Lenen thought, his resolve hardening. His wounds had healed, leaving only torn clothing as evidence of the battle he had endured. At last, he reached the peak and was greeted by a breathtaking sight.
The mountains curved into a vast circular range, enclosing a valley of diverse ecosystems. Thick forests, lush grasslands, and winding rivers intertwined in harmony.
Incredible, Lenen marveled. Closing his eyes, he focused—his target was near, resting in the grasslands just a descent away. He swallowed hard and began his way down.
Engaging now would be reckless. If Lilith cannot resist my intrusion, I'll gain the information I need, he reasoned. But his thoughts faltered as a sweet aroma drifted past him. He stopped, recognizing the scent.
Could it be…? I haven't smelled that since—
Flashback
A young Lenen bounded through a green forest, running on all fours like a wild creature. His hair was long and unkempt, two horns protruding from his head—marking him as a demon. He chased birds and critters, laughing, his innocence masking the darkness of his heritage.
The sound of snapping twigs halted his play. He looked up and saw two humans: a gentle-looking woman and her young daughter with radiant blonde hair. They were gathering herbs and fruit. Curious and naïve, Lenen approached.
The girl noticed him first. "Hi there," she said with a kind smile. Lenen grinned back, his sharp teeth bared in a strangely endearing way.
"Rosaline, who are you talking to?" the mother asked calmly.
"This boy, Mother," Rosaline replied, pointing. The woman turned, startled at first, but softened when she saw the innocence in his eyes.
"Hello there. Come out of that bush," she said, extending her hand. Lenen scurried forward, taking it.
"Hello," he said, his words crude and broken.
"You're far from home. Demons shouldn't be this far north—the nearest colony is hundreds of miles south, near the Vatican border. I am Linda, and this is my daughter Rosaline. What's your name?"
"I… Doulos," he answered, placing a hand on his chest.
Linda's eyes lingered on him. His ragged clothes and scarred wrists told a story of shackles recently broken.
"Rosaline, let's take this boy home. We'll return later," Linda said, gathering her things.
Back at her cottage, Linda cleaned him, dressed him in her son's clothes, and gave him shelter. Weeks passed. Lenen helped with chores, collected berries, and learned to speak properly and walk upright. When Linda cut his hair, she discovered a brand on his neck—a mark of slavery from raids.
One evening, as they shared supper, Linda spoke. "That name is unfit for you. Doulos means slave, and you are far more than that. Your name will be Lenen—after the half-breed warrior of legend who fought to end the war between demons and humans. With this name, I charge you to protect all life. Every life is precious. Never take one."
Tears welled in Lenen's eyes.
"You're such a crybaby, brother," Rosaline teased, making them all laugh.
Weeks later, Lenen returned late from berry-picking.
Mother and Rosaline must be worried. I should hurry.
But smoke rose above the trees. Dread filled him as he dropped his basket and sprinted home. His stomach churned, his pace quickened—he ran on all fours, desperate.
The cottage was ablaze, a crowd gathered. Rage consumed him as he leapt over them, landing before the burning home.
"See! Her demon! She's a witch!" someone shouted.
Lenen's eyes fell on Rosaline's severed head mounted on a spike. Tears streamed down his face.
"Run, my sweet boy," a voice whispered. He turned to see Linda, beaten and bound.
"Do not let their hate define you," she said, smiling through her pain. The crowd screamed for her death as flames consumed her.
Something inside Lenen snapped. His scream tore through the night, his eyes turned white, his hair spiked. The crowd clutched their heads, collapsing in agony—the mental demon was born.
"You monsters. I could end you all," he growled. He walked to Linda and, with a swift strike, decapitated her—ending her suffering.
"But killing you would stain her legacy," he said, closing Rosaline's eyes. He turned to the humans writhing in pain.
"Live with the knowledge that you murdered two innocents, and a monster spared you. When you tell this story, do not forget the name—Lenen."
With that, he vanished into the forest, and their torment ceased.
Present Day
Lenen found the flower and plucked it gently.
"Mother, sister… I am sorry for not honoring you more. I promise, from now on, I will live up to you both," he whispered, gazing skyward.