"Let's go, Meralf. We need to take this place down."

"Hold on. I want to introduce myself. I'm Meralf. It's a pleasure."

Meralf wore his usual cocky grin. He took a dramatic bow, for the sole reason of being himself. Reaching for her hand to kiss, I grew angry and grabbed his hand, squeezing and breaking a few fingers. Swiftly, he moved his hand back, shaking the dangling fingers. Svi was shocked by how protective I was.

"You didn't need to break my fingers, Nocri. You should keep your emotions in check."

"When will you? You're always smiling. Even in serious occasions."

"I'm not exactly sane. What can I say?" Meralf answered, clearly not caring enough to give a good reason.

"Are we going now? Also, you need to give an order to the army. Tell them they are to transform everyone, except children. Have some of them keep the children in check. We should gather them."

"Can do."

"Start the attack."

Meralf's grin was especially big.

"Yes, sir!" Meralf told me in a sarcastic tone, giving a cheap salute. He saw I wasn't impressed.

"We're separating. I'm going to go with Svi. Tell one of your men to get us if needed."

"Yeah. How much blood can I shed?"

"You can kill some. Keep it small, though. No children."

"Sounds good."

Meralf strolled out the door, leaving to cause chaos. Screams filled the air.

"Are we going, Cri?"

Svi had a face that was loving and bloodthirsty all in one. I replied to her with a smirk.

I held Svi to my side, walking out of the inn. Zombies and vampires roamed the streets. Corpses were on the ground. Chunks were missing from their cold flesh, and they slowly rose. Small fires had broken out throughout the city.

"What are we going to do, Nocri?"

"Search houses?"

"For people?" Svi questioned, grinning. She kissed my lips, preventing me from answering right away. I enjoyed it.

"And maybe some alcohol."

We walked along the blood-soaked paths, the echoes of death in our ears. Svi hummed in her sweet voice. It filled me with warmth and glee.

"Isn't that the song you were working on?"

"Yes. Do you want to hear it while we find a suitable house?" Svi asked, looking content and excited.

"I love your singing."

Svi cleared her throat, ready to sing in her harmonious voice.

"Wrapped in chains with a decaying heart. Why do you beg? What is waiting for you? Your blood has caused the pain of many, so let it run from your veins. While numbness spreads through your body, remember the faces with pain. If you were kind, why are you here? This pain I bring will sear. You're blinded, so what's the use of eyes? Your speech means nothing, so what's the use of a tongue? The overworld won't welcome you, so do you think the underworld shall? A god your soul will hail. Nothing but pain from here, out. Enjoy your heartbeat while you shout. Wrapped in chains with a decaying heart. Why do you remain? The underworld is waiting."

The song was calming in Svi's voice. She'd been working on this song since I met her. She couldn't figure out some of the lines. The finished product was worth it.

"What do you think?"

"Your voice is so sweet. I could fall asleep to it. The song itself is a good reflection of your thoughts, and it really works for you."

She blushed, giving me an innocent smile.

"I'm glad," Svi spoke softly.

We found a house on the outskirts of the town, seemingly untouched.

"This is our best bet for people. Everywhere else has been ransacked of life," I explained, unsure if anyone would even be in there.

"You should make Meralf tell the army to leave a house for us next time."

"The search is fun, though."

"You might have a point, Cri."

We entered the house, holding hands. The door was locked tight, so I kicked it down. The wood broke apart easily. Once inside, I could hear walking in one of the rooms.

The house was strange. Alcoholic beverages were lying on the ground in multiple places. Not much else existed. Some basic furniture was in the rooms, but nothing special. A couch filled with multiple rips with a cushion missing, a few chairs (one broken by the side of the wall), a table covered in scratches. More, but you get the gist.

"Don't randomly strike with your blades, Svi. We can't kill children."

"Okay. I'm taking them out, though."

Svi grabbed her daggers, one in each hand. I didn't take out anything, knowing I wouldn't die easily. A door was between us and the footsteps. It was covered in scratches. Red paint appeared to spell the word fucker near the center of the door. It was hard to tell.

I opened the door, looking around the room. Ropes were on the ground, heavily worn. Broken glass, likely from alcohol bottles, was scattered on the dull wooden floor. Scratches covered the floor, along with a multitude of bite marks and dried blood. A puddle of blood leaked from a fresh corpse in the center of the room.

The corpse was that of a man in his forties. He had unkempt hair and pimples on his face. He was obese, fat sticking out of his clothing. A short sleeve tan shirt and dark brown pants were on the body. A kitchen knife was in his neck, other stabs throughout the man. His face showed shock and anguish.

I heard a creak on my left, so I turned to see a boy. He appeared thirteen. Red hair fell to his shoulders. A few freckles were splattered on his cheeks. His eyes looked like crystal waters. He was in torn brown pants without a shirt. The skin was tight around his bones. His feet and hands were filthy, black from dirt. Around his right eye, dark purple. Bruises and scars were all over his skin. Scars were on his wrists, likely burn marks previously. A kitchen knife was in his grasp.

"Put your weapons away, Svi."

Svi nodded, putting them to her side. I could see the fear in the boy's eyes, though they had a hint of dullness.

"Can you set down the knife? I won't hurt you."

"Why wouldn't you? You're a demon. Kill me already," he said. His voice sounded empty and soulless. It was so soft.

"I still have morals. Can you put the knife down now? I want to talk."

"If you wanted to kill me, I'd die either way. I'll talk."

He set the knife on the ground, a defeated look on his face. I tried not to speak in a menacing voice.

"Did you kill this man?"

"Why? Are you here to take me to the underworld?"

"As I said, I'm not going to hurt you," I reassured, trying to keep the boy out of panic.

"Yes. He's my father."

"Why did you do that?"

"It's hell outside. It was an opportunity, and I decided to take it."

"What was your reasoning?" I asked, trying not to be rough or rude. I didn't quite know what to do.

"Have you seen me?! Have you seen this place?! He's an alcoholic! He injured me daily! Do you see my bruises, my scars?!"

Tears ran down the boy's face. Svi looked at me, annoyed with how I was handling the situation. She held out her arms, hugging the boy. He needed it, as he hugged as well. She patted his back, the boy wailing in her arms. She started talking to him when he'd calmed down.

"Do you have a name?" Svi questioned. She made her voice sound light and friendly.

"I don't anymore. I don't want it."

"Are you hungry? We can go get some food."

"I haven't eaten in a few days," The boy replied, his voice monotone, though occasionally a sob occurred.

"Let's go, then."

Svi held the boy's hand, grabbing mine as well.

"Let's go, Nocri. We can find a restaurant. Can you cook?"

"Yeah. I'll cook."