The elderly man, moving numbly, regained his senses and turned to flee in terror.
The Shadow of the Maiden followed, strolling leisurely behind.
Bang—
Dust scattered wildly, as the stumbling old man raced into the wooden hut.
Inside the room, a few elderly people engaged in hushed conversations turned to look, meeting each other's gaze.
"An evil spirit... has entered."
Unclear cries accompanied the sound of air howling through a cavern, as the elders inside saw the gruesome gash that almost sliced off half of a head.
They simultaneously retreated towards the back door.
"The blood has drained away; why are you still alive... who are you?"
"I am—"
The voice was drowned out by a gurgling sound, as the elder suddenly collapsed like a candle near a fire, melting into a puddle of bloody gore wrapped in its clothes.
"Inherited the ritual, can't be discovered..."
Soft whispers as the elegant and graceful Shadow of a Maiden left the village.
...
