A golden light pierced through the dark shadows beyond the mountains in the east, waking the slumbering souls in a distant village. Men and women alike began their early morning chores. Cattle were released from barns and set free on the green pastures. Hens and roosters cackling, along with the chirping of the birds perched on the trees, create a melodious sound that suits the gentle morning ambiance.
Tessa opened her slumbering eyes and stared at the soft, golden sunlight passing through the beige, translucent curtains covering her double-hung window. Though drowsy, she sat up, stretched her arms, and clasped her hands in prayer, thanking the Great One for another day. She then changed her nightgown and wore white long sleeved blouse under a brown dress. This has been one of her favorite go to dresses, only that it has been quite loose since her womb became swollen.
She then went outside to fetch water from the well. As she pushed the door open, the radiant sunrays hit her, instinctively shielding her eyes. The gentle chirps of the bird echoed from the distance as the cool gust of wind swept swiftly. Tessa inhaled the fresh aroma of morning dew enveloping the area and savored the gentle breeze. She then stepped out with a towel hanging on her shoulder and went to the well. She traversed the green path, which is only a few meters away from her home. When she reached her destination, she fervently removed the well's wooden cover, albeit struggling a little. She then looked down the well and began pulling the rope. Though she'll be giving birth soon, due to her active lifestyle, she never felt burdened in lifting heavy things, in contrast with other pregnant women. Due to this, her husband is constantly anxious about her well-being.
Pulling the rope with both of her hands, the cog turned till the wooden pail surfaced. She pulled the rope one last time and tied it on the side, locking it and letting the water-filled pail dangle lightly. The distance was just enough for Tessa to reach it without any danger. She removed the knot tying the pail and put it beside her. Lifting the hem of her dress and sitting down on a small wooden stool, she rolled her sleeves up to her elbows, dipping her hands on the freezing cold water as she splashed a handful on her face. Parts of her dress, including the hem, got wet due to her light bath. She wiped her face dry using a towel and returned the pail.
She went back home and began lifting the curtains. The warm rays brightened the interiors, revealing the small, yet cozy space within. While opening the windows and humming gently, a nudge in her stomach made her stop momentarily. Dropping her gaze, Tessa chuckled.
"You wanted to help me with my chores, hm?"
She caressed her belly as she spoke.
"You've been kicking a lot lately. You must be excited to come out."
She hummed softly as she continued her chores. Tending the garden, cooking, and sewing are some of the hobbies she discovered doing ever since she discovered she was pregnant. Though she used to work as a seamstress, she was forbidden by her husband to work for a while as the doctor diagnosed her pregnancy to be delicate. Since then, she has been staying at home managing the house and idling by.
While peacefully tending the soil, screams began to resound along with the sound of destruction from the town. Flustered, she stood up and gazed at the town below. A billow of smoke arose from the edge of the village as humongous, terrifying creatures with spikes on their back and razor sharp teeth began rummaging through the houses. A cacophony echoed to the hills where she was staying. Beads of sweat began to form on the side of her forehead as chills ran down her spine. She touched her swollen belly as she slowly took steps back tremblingly, terrified for her and the child in her womb.
"T-They're h-here…" Her lips trembled as her face paled. Flashbacks of fire engulfing a certain area in the past began to resonate in her mind. Silhouettes of strangers and loved ones alike reaching out to her for help as their flesh burned away appeared in her mind.
Her knees began to collapse as she ran to her room upstairs, stumbling on her steps, heaving heavily and slammed the closet doors behind her. Covering her ears, tears streamed down her face as she began muttering for help in fear. She scrambled on her pockets, took the rosary from her pocket and started to pray hard. She stammered as she spoke the ancient language, breaking into sobs.
As she was praying, a loud bang resounded below. Sarri hushed her voice, whispering inconceivable words, still praying for her and her child's safety.
The sound of her door opening made her clasp her hands to her mouth to prevent any sound from leaking. Tears streamed endlessly from her eyes as rapid footsteps that seemed like looking for something echoed outside.
The closet doors opened in a flash. She held her breath in panic. A familiar figure appeared before her. His messy red hair glistened in sweat, face contained slashes of blood and wounds from a fight that freshly occurred. Exhaling heavily, he slowed down his breathing as he saw his love fine and uninjured.
"T-Tess."
"Adrian!"
Tessa leaped out of the closet into Adrian's arms, sobbing as she held him tightly. Adrian did the same as he kissed her hair and her temple a few more times. She sobbed loudly in his arms.
"A-Adrian, i-it's them…" she trembled. His shirt wrinkled in her hold.
"Shhhh, it's okay. It's okay…"
Adrian held her for a while, calming her down.
"I thought I lost you," Adrian breathed a huge sigh of relief. He broke their embrace and leaned on her, looking into each other's eyes. Adrian could see how fearful her wife was. Her tears flowed freely. He consoled her, wiping her tears, kissing them and her trembling lips repeatedly while saying, "I'm here now. You don't have to worry."
They hurriedly packed their things and escaped from the village. Adrian mounted her wife on the horse. He then mounted next as they hurriedly escaped. Tessa looked back as the village they once loved is now being destroyed by the Damned. Adrian whipped the reins, prompting the horse to ride away.
The horse galloped quickly, the scenery of the forest passing by like a blur. As they ran to the woods, Tess began feeling a certain pain in her stomach. She held her womb and gritted in pain. She began groaning and held on Adrian's arm tightly for support. Adrian immediately noticed his wife's pain and called her name.
"Tess? Are you all right?"
Just then, a snarling, creeping, creature in all fours appeared from their far left side. Adrian immediately turned his head to the speeding creature behind them.
"Sh*t!*
Adrian unsheathed the sword on his side and immediately sliced through the creature that leaped to attack them. Another creature running on all fours appeared on the other side. Adrian disabled it and slashed its two front legs.
"Aaaahh!"
"H-Hang on Tess!"
Tess held on Adrian's arm and on the horse. Adrian grabbed her hand that was clutching on the horse and put it around his neck.
"Use me as support. Hang on. We'll get you out of here."
He held the reins harder, prompting the horse to go faster.
Soon, dozens of monsters began chasing after them one by one. Adrian took some mama bombs from his vest and began dropping and throwing them to the monsters.
One by one, each of the damned hit by mana bombs began exploding and got caught in fire.
Tessa clutched on Adrian's collar tightly, enduring as she heaved heavily. Liquid began to slowly flow and drip down her legs, soaking her dress. Beads of sweat filled her face as she buried her face to his neckside, grunting and heaving in every contraction.
"A-Adrian…t-the baby!"
Adrian held her shoulders and leaned her deeper to her chest.
"Just a few seconds more. We're almost there!"
Adrian continued on blocking and defending themselves from the monsters chasing after them with his sword. A flying demonic creature with humongous talons and twisted, red, eyes began rushing from behind.