I know what I must do–the horrors that will ensue if I fail, and all I will gain if I succeed. Gods, her image intoxicates my mind. As I walk upon the cave that has swallowed the vivid, warm rays of the sunlight into the dark, cool, ominous cave, I hesitate and wonder if I am making the right decision. Am I doing this to be a hero, or am I a self-centered asshole? A cold, bitter wind hits my face from the depth of this hole ripped into the earth. As I battle my choices, I stumble upon the razor-sharp rocks, feeling each gruesome step, leaving the protection of the sunlight. The darkness swallows me, feeling for the markings etched onto the cold, lifeless stones to guide me. The deeper I reach, the more I suffer the razor-sharp rocks digging deep into my feet, causing me to leave a trail of crimson-red
blood in my wake. Death fills the air, searching for fresh air. I cover my nose with my shirt to escape the repulsive smell of rotting flesh, realizing I am getting closer to the depths, closer to her, to us, but also to the protection of our people. Because of the trail of my blood, I know it has picked up my scent; I will have to move quickly as I feel my silky skin being torn apart thread by thread by each rock I pass, attempting to keep conscious while I lose precious blood the quicker I move.

The hairs on the nape of my neck began to rise with the fear of something watching me in the shadows. My body suddenly did not feel like it was mine. I fought with every inch of will, trying to move, but it was a losing battle. Blind in this dark, treacherous cave, I heard a large mass making its way to me, growing louder as I panicked and fought to move the body that had betrayed me. Knowing my demise and accepting that I would not see you again, I shut my eyes to see your face once more. You may not know, but I would watch you from afar, admiring your beauty. Your face was sprinkled with freckles across your nose, with dazzling eyes glistening in the light, moving your flowing brunette hair out of your face, smiling. I wanted to kiss those angelic lips and taste you in every way possible, savoring the taste like freshly picked strawberries on a perfect spring day. It was then that you stole my heart, knowing I would never get it back from you.

Suddenly, I was ripped away from your presence and thrown back into this nightmare. My body was lifted from the ground as if I were a puppet. It felt like there were strings attached to my legs and someone else was controlling my every step. I continued to fight for control of my body, resisting the urge to take another step. The stench of death grew stronger as I caught a glimpse of light pouring down into the cavern, allowing me to see the source of the unpleasant smell. I made it to the center, where I was forcibly buckled to my knees, defenseless and vulnerable. I have failed you, my love. I have failed our people.

Formidable eyes floating just a few feet away from my defenseless body, untouched by any earthly light. As I gaze into these cold, bottomless, soulless holes, a sense of fear and hopelessness floods over me. Time seems to have slowed down, giving me a chance to investigate my surroundings as I wait for the inevitable. Lifeless limbs that have been torn apart from multiple torsos rotting with thousands of white creatures chomping away of what’s left. I bow my head, resigned to my defeat, accepting my fate…