* * *
Ever since the warrior became entirely bound to me, I cannot shake the feeling that something dangerous hangs in the air.
I gained access to some of his memories—especially those related to combat.
What I saw was so astonishing and incredible that I immediately wanted to ensnare him as our protector.
It was also an opportunity to vent the frustration that had been building up for some time.
The longer our contract lasts, the more of his memories I see. That is normal with such a spell. Or so I thought.
When I first managed to force my way into his mind, I felt as if a great darkness had overpowered me. It lasted only a brief moment and passed immediately. I did not worry about it then.
That changed the moment Reika and Keira came to me after their first night together and recounted the exact same thing I had experienced.
The spell was cast. He is entirely devoted to me. And yet, something is wrong. Something gives me no peace.
Together with the nymphs, I gave him a new weapon. I was now going to actively expand the sphere of influence of this sanctuary. At least, that was the intention. The warrior acted as if the entire territory belonged to him. He checked every corner, walked every path. And above all, he did not do what he was supposed to. He was supposed to provide sustenance for the forest and the pond.
That was when I showed him whom he is to serve and how. That same night, it all began.
As soon as he fell asleep, fear washed over me. I did not know of what. I did not know from where.
I began to hear dozens of human voices at once. They were not calm. Each was violent, turbulent, and above all, full of fury and bloodlust. I felt all the wounds, the blows, and the pain that accompanied those voices. I began to scream. And then, the exact same darkness that had appeared briefly before enveloped me.
It would not let me break the warrior's sleep. And he dreamt on. He lived through all those atrocities.
Even though I knew it was happening within my mind, I felt no relief. Throughout the night, there was only suffering, torture, and all the torments the warrior had inflicted upon others, as well as those he had endured himself. I lost all sense of time.
However, I remember the final vision most clearly. I watched as he tore other women apart with his bare hands right in front of me. One by one.
Only after a moment did I realize that the first one was the woman who had lain beside him.
But that made no sense. He had not killed her. The second was a woman in a blue dress. I did not know her, but her face burned itself into my memory. Then, my blood ran cold.
Reika appeared. After her, Keira. Each shared the same fate. Torn apart by the maddened warrior. Then he approached me. He dug his fingers into my chest and began to rip it open.
To this moment, I feel the pain as if it had truly happened. It was then that I finally broke free from that sinister darkness.
At that exact moment, the nymphs come running to me. Terrified. Frantic. Pale as death.
They share the exact same vision I just endured. The only difference is that they woke up faster. At the exact same moment as I did.
None of us knew what to think of it. Then he woke up. He stood up so fast that every one of us felt the hair stand up on our bodies.
He is actually smiling!
He stretches in place. He turns toward us.
The rusalkas point their fingers at him. I react quickly and speak up.
"We all had the same visions. But that doesn't prove anything yet!"
"You saw how he tears us apart! He will be our end!"
"Reika is right! We need to get rid of him!"
"But did you see that first woman?!"
"What does it matter if she is dead?!"
"But he wasn't the one who killed her!"
Keira and Reika fell silent. The warrior had already walked away in his own direction.
"This happened after the way you treated him, Aio."
"Yes! Keira is right! And how was it the first night? Nothing of the sort took place!"
Perhaps the rusalkas are right... Maybe our fate is not yet sealed?
Shivers run down my spine at the mere memory.
I would disregard it, were it not for the fact that we all had the same visions. And that darkness...
I think we caught something in our snare that we should never have touched.
"We must get rid of him..."
"And what if that leads to our doom?!"
"What do you mean, Reika?"
"The vision started after you hit him! Maybe we need to change our approach?"
I refuse! This is my forest!
"We cannot allow our own servant to swagger about like this!"
The rusalkas remain silent. Without a word, they turn and disappear into the depths of the pond.
Pathetic! I will not be intimidated!
Fury boils within me.
I will not allow myself to be treated this way. If it happens again, or if it turns out he is planning something against me, I will dispose of him personally.
Despite my readiness for a confrontation, I found no moment of peace that day. The nightmares of the previous night kept returning to me.
He returned!
Blind anger consumes me. I am already moving toward him when suddenly I freeze in place.
I spot the warrior striding toward me through the trees. He is carrying someone in his arms. Time has stopped. My heart has stopped.
It is impossible…!