The woman led them into her home, bolting the door behind them. She spoke in hushed tones. "Every blood Moon, a monster crawls from the wells... Taking those who wander at night." Arinn's voice was small. "What kind of Monster?"
The woman's eyes darkened. "A woman with six arms, each ending in claws Sharper than knives. Her mouth Stretches too wide... and when she Whispers your name, you disappear." Rey's expression hardened. "And no One's fought it?"
The woman shook her head. "Many tried.
None returned."
A loud creak echoed outside. The woman froze.
Rhys pulled out his axe.
"Something's out there."
The air turned heavy. The shadows in the Corners moved.
Then, a whisper. "Rey... Arinn..."
The door shattered. A six-armed figure slithered in, its Grinning mouth too wide, its many Fingers twitching. The Red Widow had come.
The Red Widow lunged.
Rey barely dodged as her claws carved through the air, slicing deep gashes into the wooden floor.
Rhys vanished into the shadows, moving fast. "We kill it fast, or we don't kill it at
All."Arinn grabbed his dagger, his hands shaking. "How do we fight something that can whisper us out of existence?"
Rey's grip tightened on his sword. "We don't let her speak."
He charged, swinging his blade at her neck-but her six hands moved too fast, catching the sword mid-swing. She grinned, her jaw snapping open wider, revealing rows of needle-like teeth.
"Little knight... I see your dreams... your fears..."
A wave of whispers flooded Rey's mind-His worst memories, his doubts, his pain.
His hands shook.
She was trying to break him. But Rey clenched his jaw. "Nice try."
He forced his willpower forward, pushing her voice out of his head. Then, with a yell, he twisted his sword, slashing three of her arms off in one brutal strike.
The Red Widow screamed, her body twisting in agony.
Rhys struck next, driving the back of his axe into her eye, sending her stumbling back. But she wasn't done yet. With a snarl, she lunged for Arinn. "ARINN, MOVE!" Too late. Her claws were inches from Arinn's throat- Then, in a flash of steel- A second sword appeared.
"You two can't even protect a Child, what a waste"
A new warrior had entered the battle.
And in a single swift motion, they severed the Red Widow's head from her body. The creature let out a final horrific scream before collapsing into a pile of black mist.
Arinn gasped, looking at their mysterious savior. "Who... who are you?"
The stranger lowered their sword, Dropping his hood and Revealing piercing blue eyes beneath and sharp features.
"My name is Alastor Glenwood," the warrior said. "And you're walking straight
Into a war."