not like us

The creature was finally dealt with, and an escape route from the accursed tunnel was at last in sight. Relief barely filled him—there was no time for it. His mind was focused on one thing: Araxina. She’d been right beside him when the earth cracked and dragged him down. He could almost implode with the unknowing. Desperate. Feverish. The hope she hadn’t endured what he had, that she hadn’t been crushed like Mortis.

Ludovic’s frame set to a brisk trot, mismatched eyes darting around in search. He checked scent trails, debris, faint impressions of tracks. His nose worked overtime, sniffing through the air for any trace of her scent. Yet still, the silence around him grated his nerves. Taunted him. “Damn it, Xina.” the boy muttered under his breath, his steps slowing as frustration gnawed at his calm. His usual composure.

Finally, he stopped and let out an exasperated huff. The quiet way wasn’t going to cut it. Lifting his head to the sky above, Ludovic parted his jaws and let loose a howl—the message clear. Get over here, you damn idiot.

If she was alive—and fuck, she better be alive—he hoped she’d come barreling in just to chew him out for his tone. He’d welcome the irritation. Anything was better than this worry that she’d gone and bit the dust.



"Ludovic Praetor-Inferos"