Burning silence!

He had run for over two hours.

Now, he leaned against the doorframe, breathing hard—tired, but so relieved that it settled over him like a calm tide. She was safe.

He stepped inside, rushed upstairs, locked the door behind him, and hurried to Violet’s side.

“I’m here now,” he said softly, his voice gentle.

It looked like the potion they’d given her hadn’t worn off yet. I hate what they did to her, he thought, but I’m grateful she didn’t have to see any of what happened today. If she had… I don’t think I could ever forgive myself.

Jake grabbed a blanket and carefully draped it around Violet’s shoulders so she wouldn’t catch a cold.

After sitting by her side for a few minutes, he stood up and began cleaning the house, making sure to erase any trace of the fight.

“I don’t know what she’ll do if she remembers all this,” he murmured to himself. “She might be scarred for life.”

If that happens… there’s only one thing I can do—the only way to erase her memories.

But even then, he wasn’t sure his old friend would help him. And if he refused—Jake clenched his jaw—he wouldn’t go easy on him.

I’ll do whatever it takes for Violet to live a happy, safe life. No matter the cost.

He stood, his hands tightening into fists. Now… I have to get to work.

Thirty minutes later.

“Finally. I’m finally done and now—”

Bang!

A loud crash echoed from upstairs.

“Violet? Was that you? Are you okay?” Jake called from the first floor, panic flooding his voice.

He bolted up the stairs and threw the door open. Violet was on the floor.

“Violet!” He rushed to her, dropping to his knees and lifting her into his arms. “Are you okay? Can you hear me? Violet?”

She didn’t respond. Her skin was burning hot, her body trembling as if she were on fire. This wasn’t just a fever. It was something worse.

Jake carefully laid her back on the bed. “What am I supposed to do with you?” he whispered. “Violet… you have to come with me. I don’t know if you can hear me, but you can’t stay like this. We’re going to my old friend’s house. He can help you. I’m sorry if this isn’t what you want, but it’s the only way.”

He wrapped her tightly in a blanket, gently covering her head so no one would see her, and then lifted her into his arms.

He ran as fast as he could, glancing down at Violet as she flinched and shifted in his arms. She was too hot. Her breathing was shallow and ragged. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

“It’s going to be okay, Violet,” he said, his voice trembling. “It’ll get better soon. Just hang in there.”

After ten minutes of running, a figure blocked his path.

A monster-human.

Jake stopped in his tracks.

What do I do now? I can’t risk Violet’s life in this fight, but I can’t go around it either.

He gritted his teeth. I have to fight—and I have to end it fast.

Jake tore his belt, fastening it around both himself and Violet to keep her secure. Then he wrapped the blanket more tightly around her to protect her from blood.

Drawing his sword, he prepared himself. He didn’t have much time—Violet’s condition was getting worse by the minute.

The monster lunged, yellow eyes glowing. Jake dodged the blow and slashed, severing its hand. In one fluid motion, he turned and drove his blade through the creature, slicing it cleanly in two.

Without wasting another second, he ran again. Three and a half minutes later, he saw it.

His friend’s house.

Relief washed over him.

Finally. I’m here. He’s the only one who can save her now.

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