Spirit of the Forest
Chapter 22

The sun was just starting rise when Cyri awoke. The first thing he felt was the warmth that did nothing to abate the enormous migraine behind his eyes. He groaned as his head pounded painfully against his skull, as if it was trying to escape. He sat up slowly, holding his head, the simple action causing him to flinch in pain. “Oh god,” he mumbled. “Why does my head hurt so much…?” I wonder if Romelia-

Cyri’s eyes snapped opened before he could finish he thought. The memories of before Dominque knocked him out rushed back to him all at once.

“Romelia!”

He sprung to his feet quickly, wincing at the increasing pounding. His body wanted him to lay back down for a few more minutes, but he refused to let himself sleep. He went up the ladder, almost flying. As soon as he got up, he called out.

“Romelia!” All he got in answer was silence. “Romelia, please answer me!” There was no answer.

Becoming panicked, he searched through the house for the silver haired girl. No matter how hard he looked, or how long, there was no signs of her.

After a few hours, Cyri sat down on the bed, Romelia’s bed. Sighing heavily, he put his head in his hands. “Oh God no… Dominque got her…”

“This is quite a mess, no?”

Cyri looked up as he heard the male voice. In front of him, standing by the front door, was a man around his age, if not a bit older.

He skin was a dark tan color and had amber eyes with flecks of green in both of them. He had light brown hair that reached past his shoulders down to the middle of his back. He wore a plain red cloak with a simple black tank top and jeans.

Cyri, still a bit numb from fear of what Dominque could be doing to Romelia, just blinked. He didn’t know this man, if he knew Romelia, or if he lived in the forest. “Who are you?”

“My name is Luther,” he replied. “And do you know Dominique? I am looking for her.”

“How do you know her?” Cyri demanded, snapping out of his gloomy thoughts. As he jumped to his feet, Luther spoke again.

“That is none of your business.”

“Well,” Cyri snapped, “she took one of my friends hostage, so yeah, I want to know!”

“Then we are looking for the same person.” Luther held out his hand. “Would you like to join up for a bit? Just until we replace her.” Cyri looked at his hand, contemplating his options.

If I do replace Dominque, how will I be able to get past her security? She’s sure to have upgraded it by the time I get there. If so, how would I be able to get Romelia out alive? … I may need his help… But can I trust him? Who knows what he’ll do once we replace her? Will he turn on me?

After a few minutes, Cyri gripped his hand. “Alright then. I guess we can work together. Just until we replace Dominque. I’m Cyri by the way.”

Luther smiled. “Then let us get going Cyri.”