[WHAT IS HE? IS HE A SINFUL ONE?!]
Lein's eyes widened in terror as he shouted, "AAH!" The creatures turned to him, their cold stare sending shivers down his spine.
THUCK!
Lein stumbled backward, fear propelling him toward the door. His trembling hand grasped the handle, but before he could open it, it swung open from the other side.
"Lein, I'm glad you're safe," his mother said, her voice a warm refuge from the darkness.
Lein's face contorted in confusion and fear. "Mother, what is this?" he exclaimed, rushing into her arms.
Her gentle hands stroked his hair, but her voice was laced with urgency. "There's no time for explanations, Lein. You'll find the answers on your journey."
"Journey?" Lein's eyes locked onto hers, filled with questions and fear.
"Yes, this village is going to be destroyed," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lein's grip on her tightened. "WHAT?! IF IT IS, HOW CAN YOU BE SO CALM, MOTHER? TELL ME!"
Her eyes welled up with tears. "I knew the future, Lein. I knew our village, Arisl, was doomed."
Lein's mind reeled. "SO, WHY—"
"Even if everyone knew, the outcome wouldn't change," she interrupted, her voice cracking. "There's only five minutes left before he starts the ritual. Please, Lein, you have to go."
Lein's face contorted in desperation. "I WON'T GO WITHOUT YOU! YOU HAVE TO COME WITH ME!"
Her tears flowed freely now. "I...I can't. I just can't abandon this village."
"YOU'RE JUST GOING TO ABANDON ME?!" Lein's anger and fear boiled over.
His mother's eyes pleaded with him. "You promised, Lein. The 8th promise. You said you'd follow my requests."
Lein's face twisted in anguish. "NO, I WON'T FOLLOW THIS! I WON'T LEAVE YOU BEHIND!"
A faint smile touched her lips. "I knew you'd say that."
Before Lein could react, she called out, "Marco, do it."
THACK!
A heavy blow struck Lein's neck, and he crumpled to the ground. As his vision faded, he heard his mother's anguished whisper: "Bye, Lein. You're our hope for vengeance against the Sinful One of Curses..."