The Forsakened

The end of the year is approaching. It has been fifty years since the Divine King cursed humanity. Soon, an era dreaded by children, women, and men will start; The Velmure is a terrifying event set in motion by the heavens. Yet, within this cursed cycle, something unexpected will appear: an impurity. A flaw. A child. He is called The Forsaken, a nameless boy abandoned in the heart of the dark forest, a place where light is a myth and death hides in every shadow. On his seventh birthday, a mark appeared on his chest—twisted and ominous, resembling a sign of blasphemy. The priests, filled with fear and doctrine, demanded his sacrifice. His father, caught between faith and love, could not bear that idea. With trembling hands and a broken heart, he chose exile over execution. He carried his son into the depths of the forest and left him there. alone, afraid, and unwanted. He could not face the pain of watching his only child be killed. The boy, confused and broken, wandered through the forest. Each step was a silent plea for life. Each breath was a struggle against despair. He held on to hope like a drowning man clinging to driftwood. But the forest showed no mercy. Then, he saw it. A creature. Tall, headless, with rusted nails sticking out of its fingers like claws. A horror born from a nightmare. Panic seized him. The boy ran. He ran without direction, without reason—only fear pushing him forward. The monster chased him, relentless and tireless. The boy's breath burned, and his legs gave way. He fell, trapped by the creature that moved closer with every heartbeat. Desperation filled him. He threw rocks. small, useless stones, at the monster. They bounced off harmlessly, giving him just a few precious seconds. As the beast readied to strike—when death seemed unavoidable—someone appeared from the trees. A man, wild in appearance. His hair was long and unkempt, his clothes torn and dirty. A scarred sword hung at his side. Without a word, he stepped between the boy and the beast. In one swift motion, he struck the monster down, splitting it in half and covering himself in its blood.