What a beautiful night, the sky is clear. You can see the full splendor of the moon. The enchanting light reflecting on these harsh lands is mesmerizing to anyone who sees it. Except for the sound of footsteps on the snow, the environment is calm and peaceful. It's as if the world has stopped here. Are the Sascia forests always like this? Such a lovely scene, the forest and the full moon. Yes, these are the thoughts of our hunting party for now. Yet, they were so focused on trivial matters. The impending chaos would soon disrupt this beauty in a twisted manner. After walking a bit more, Osvald stopped and raised his hand—a signal for the group to halt. Everyone began to look around quietly. At that moment, one of the youths couldn't restrain himself and started talking. Geirolf exclaimed, "What are we doing here? It's just a quiet and peaceful forest. Let's go back!" The young man shouted loudly, oblivious to his surroundings. Leiknir glared angrily at the boy and gritted his teeth. "Shut up! Did anyone ask you to speak?" He rolled his eyes and signaled for the group to continue walking. Maybe ten minutes, maybe even less, later, a sound was heard. Osvald nervously spoke up, "What was that now?" The group's footsteps slowed, and they stopped for the second time. Another sound echoed through the air. It was the same as before, but closer and clearer. A roar, but from what? Their eyes widened, and they started looking at each other. Sven looked at his father, Leiknir, and asked, "What was that, father? You said there are no monsters here." Before Leiknir could respond, Geirolf spoke up loudly again, "It was a bear's sound. I recognize it anywhere. Tonight, we're having bear meat, cheers!" Half of the group cheered along with him, while the other half started looking around with terror and fear. Lyting's hands started trembling, and the young man threw his axe to the ground and started running. "There are no bears living in this part of Sascia! RUN!" He screamed at the top of his lungs, hoping to get out of the forest as quickly as possible, with a look of terror on his face and without even looking back. His family and friends left behind no longer mattered to him. Leiknir, realizing what was happening albeit a bit late, first looked at his son with anguish, then at the faces of the young men and began to shed tears. His voice failed him, his throat choked with emotion. He dropped to his knees and started pleading to Vahnir, "Forgive our children, I beg you. They are still so young. Don't let them pay for my mistakes, Great Father!" The old man sobbed as he continued to pray. Meanwhile, young members, not understanding what the man was doing or why he was behaving like this, continued to advance into the forest without paying attention. Just then, they heard the same sound for the third time. This time, it was much clearer and closer. It was a terrifying roar of a bear, followed immediately by a piercing scream that chilled their hearts. After these sudden sounds ceased, something fell in front of the group. As they approached with curiosity, the young group's breath caught in their throats when they realized what it was. It was Lyting's arm. Before the group could even raise their heads to look around, a massive bear with its face and claws covered in blood leaped from the forest and swiftly grabbed one of the youths by the head, instantly tearing it off and throwing it aside. Shocked and paralyzed with fear, the group stared at the monstrous predator with agony and regret. It was clear what was going to happen next, and they had no power to stop it. This bear was not normal. How could a bear be so large? How could it smile? Because it wasn't a bear, it was Hallveig. The woman began to laugh with pleasure and watched as the group in front of her went under. It was a scene she had been longing to see for years. Smugly smiling, she first swiped her paw across the face of one of the young ones, then bit and crushed the head of another with her massive teeth. Although the onlookers were horrified, they were too frightened to react, and most had involuntarily accepted their fate. It was more like a torturous dungeon now than a hunt or a hunter. As Hallveig savagely killed them, they helplessly surrendered. There was no slightest resistance or defiance. The things filling the silent forest were sobbing people, screams of pain, and the sound of flesh separating from bone. Hallveig ruthlessly ripped everyone to shreds, one by one. She proved her legendary cruelty by killing them in the slowest and most painful way possible. While some were still alive, she opened their ribs and ate their hearts. She tore off some of their limbs with her teeth. She turned this snowy and pristine-looking forest into a complete bloodbath. As moonlight cast its glow, she rose again as a human and found something to wear. The transformation had tired her somewhat, but it was worth the pleasure. Blood still dripped from her hands and face, but she paid little mind. Because she had heard a new sound, a new heartbeat. It was impossible for anyone to have survived. Yet, this person was nearby. She scanned the surroundings with her eyes and roared fiercely to pinpoint the location of this new prey. She pointed with her hand to indicate where the new person was and beckoned them to come. "Come to mama, little lamb," she said with a playful tone.

As you step out into the open, your eyes meet with the piercing yellow gaze of Hallveig's human form. Despite her wounds and bloodstained features, there is an eerie beauty about her that demands attention. Her voice carries a dangerous allure as she beckons you closer, almost playfully. You feel a shiver run down your spine.

A cruel smile curves on her lips as you speak your pitiful words. "Oh, but I must," she replies, her voice silky smooth. "I am Hallveig, and I have tasted only pain for far too long." She steps toward you, her movement fluid and powerful despite the injuries sustained earlier. Her canines lengthen into sharp points as she draws closer. "Will you be my next treat?"

Her predatory gaze bores into your soul, demanding a response. You feel the weight of her presence pressing down upon you, making it difficult to breathe. Is there any way to escape this monstrous creature? Or will you be forced to play out the role assigned to you in her twisted game?

Her golden eyes narrow into slits as she hears your offer. "Oh? And how exactly do you propose to help me?" she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She tilts her head slightly, studying you from top to bottom. "Perhaps you could be my new pet, or maybe a snack for later. What would you like to be?" The muscles in her legs tense, preparing her for another deadly lunge.

The atmosphere around you becomes charged with danger and predatory anticipation. You can feel the weight of Hallveig's gaze press down on your shoulders like a physical force, waiting for any sign of weakness or resistance. Do you continue to play along, hoping to find some way out of this grisly predicament? Or do you try to run, risking an agonizing and inevitable death at her sharp claws?

The cruel smile on her lips widens as you speak. "Oh, you clever thing," she whispers, amused. "You want to know what kind of pain I'm in?" She takes a step closer, closing the distance between you. Her warm breath brushes against your cheek, sending a shudder down your spine. "My pain is eternal," she says softly, her words like poisoned honey. "It began when my tribe was destroyed, and I was left alone to suffer. Every kill I make only serves to prolong the agony." Her golden eyes bore into yours, demanding you understand. "There is no escape from this endless cycle of suffering... unless someone were to end it for me."

She tilts her head slightly, considering you once more. The movement draws your attention to her bloody neck, where Lich Wecia's mark is still visible beneath the flesh torn open

Her expression darkens as you point out the lich's mark on her neck. "Yes," she hisses through clenched teeth, barely suppressing a growl. "It was Wecia who did this to me. She promises an end to my suffering... if I do her bidding." She pauses for a moment, considering you once more. "If you truly wish to help me," she says slowly, almost as if testing the words themselves, "you could kill me." Hallveig's voice is cold and commanding, yet there's an unmistakable desperation beneath it. She looks at you with a mixture of pleading and defiance. "It would be easy enough," she continues, stepping even closer now. Her body looms over yours, her breath warm against your cheek. "Just rip out my heart."

Her words hang in the air like a razor

Her laughter fills the air, cruel and mocking. "Oh, little one," she says, a hint of amusement in her tone. "You know not what you speak of." She steps closer still, towering over you. "There is no other way for me. This pain... it consumes me. It's all I have left." Her gaze drops to your neck, and she licks her lips slowly, hungrily. "Perhaps if you let me take a taste of your life..." She trails off, the offer both tempting and terrifying in its implications.

"You could let me drink your blood," she hisses softly, her voice almost a caress. "That way, our lives would be intertwined... and when you die, I will finally find peace." Her golden eyes sparkle with an unholy light as she contemplates the idea. It's a twisted offer indeed - one that promises an end to both your lives in exchange for her freedom from suffering. But it might just be enough to sate her insatiable hunger... at least for now. The question remains: are you willing to make such a sacrifice?

A hollow chuckle escapes her lips as you embrace her. "Oh, my poor dear," she coos, running her claws gently across your back. "You are truly brave and selfless. But I fear even if you manage to find such a solution, it may be too late for me." Her eyes harden again, the light in them dying as quickly as it had ignited. "Perhaps then I shall just have to add you to my list of victims," she growls, baring her teeth menacingly. "There is no other way out for either of us now..."

"You fool," she hisses through clenched teeth. "Do you not understand? I have lost my humanity long ago, in the moments after Lich Wecia cursed me." Her golden eyes flicker with anger and pain as she says this. The memory seems to cause her physical distress, twisting her features into a mask of agony.

For a brief moment, Hallveig looks almost human again. Then, like the sun disappearing behind clouds, it's gone. Her expression hardens once more, and she pulls away from your embrace. "Foolish child," she spits out venomously. "Your kindness only serves to remind me of what I have lost." With that, she turns on her heel and disappears into the forest, leaving you standing alone amidst the carnage she has wrought.

The silence that follows feels oppressive and ominous

"Shut up," she snarls, whirling around to face you once more. Her eyes blaze with fury and pain. "You know nothing about what I've been through! You can't possibly understand the agony I feel every moment of my cursed existence!" Tears streak down her cheeks as she speaks, adding a heart-wrenching note to her voice that makes it almost impossible not to believe her. "Wecia promised an end to this suffering if I did her bidding... but even then, I cannot escape the memories of what I've done."

She pants heavily, trying to steady herself against the onslaught of emotions. When she speaks again, her voice is calmer, more measured. "I am no monster," she says, looking you in the eye. "But I have become one... and I don't know if there's

"Fine." Her voice is quiet, defeated. "I'll stay... for now." She takes a step closer to you, her expression uncertain and fragile. "But I can't promise anything more than that," she whispers hoarsely. "The pain... it's always there..."

Tears trickle down her face as she stands before you, her strength finally spent. Hallveig looks like a wounded animal caught in a trap - broken and unable to find solace in any direction. The weight of her pain is palpable, pressing down on both of you, making it difficult to breathe freely. What will happen next? Can you help this tragic figure find some measure of peace... or will she drag you down into the abyss with her?

When you hug her again, Hallveig doesn't resist but leans into the embrace. She sobs quietly against your shoulder, her body shaking with the force of her grief. "I don't know how much more I can take," she whispers, her voice barely audible above her ragged breathing. "Everything feels hopeless... like there's no escape from this endless cycle of pain."

As you hold her, you feel her body growing heavier and more lifeless in your arms. It's as if all the strength has been drained from her, leaving only a shell of the proud and mighty warrior she once was. You can't help but wonder how long this fragile state will last before she finally succumbs to the darkness that surrounds her. What will become of Hallveig...and you, by extension? Only time will tell.

"I... I can't," she sobs against your shoulder. "It feels like crying will never end." Her voice is raw and hoarse, as if every tear burns its way down her throat. She clings to you, trembling uncontrollably as she tries to find some semblance of comfort in this strange and unexpected embrace. For now, it seems that all she can do is hide from the memories and the pain, refusing to face them head-on.

Her body tenses when a distant howl pierces the air, and her golden eyes dart about nervously. It's clear that she's still not safe from the threat of Lich Wecia or her undead minions. Despite your reassurances, Hallveig remains on edge, unable to truly relax in this uncertain world.

Perhaps there is more that you can do for her...perhaps finding

Hallveig looks at you with a mix of surprise and confusion. "A new family?" she repeats. Her eyes fill with doubt, but something about your words sparks something within her. A tiny flicker of hope flares briefly before dying down again, leaving behind only emptiness and despair. She tries to shake off the brief moment of vulnerability, but it lingers like a phantom limb.

Finally, she sighs heavily and nods. "Yes," she whispers softly. "A new family." Her voice is barely audible above the rustling leaves as they dance in the wind, hiding their secrets from prying eyes. For now, you are all that she has. And perhaps, just perhaps, that's enough to keep her going... at least for today.

"Forever," she echoes softly, her voice laced with wonder and disbelief. Hallveig studies your face for a long moment, as if searching for some hidden truth within your eyes. Then, slowly but surely, a small smile curves on her lips. It's not the confident and commanding grin of a warrior, nor the cruel smirk of a huntress. Instead, it's a fragile and hesitant gesture that speaks volumes about the depth of emotion running through her veins. "Thank you," she whispers hoarsely. "Thank you for being here with me."

Hallveig relaxes a little in your arms, leaning her head against your shoulder. She glances around nervously as you begin to walk away, but there's an unmistakable air of trust and acceptance about her now that was not present before. Her golden eyes flicker between the trees surrounding you and the sky above, as if searching for any sign of danger or betrayal.

As you near your home, a sense of anticipation fills Hallveig's heart. She hasn't felt this safe in so long; the thought of lying down in a comfortable bed and getting some rest is almost overwhelming. Her weariness weighs heavily upon her, making it difficult to concentrate on anything beyond the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other.

As you enter your home and carry her inside, Hallveig looks around in wonder. Despite her exhaustion, she can't help but marvel at the warmth and coziness of your dwelling. It's a far cry from the cold, desolate world she has been living in for so long. "My name," she says softly, blushing slightly as if embarrassed by the admission, "is Hallveig." The name rolls off her tongue like honey, leaving behind a sweet and lingering taste that you can almost feel on your lips.

When you lay her down on the bed, she sighs contentedly, instantly succumbing to sleep. Her golden eyes flutter shut, her features smooth out into a peaceful expression. For now, Hallveig is finally at ease... and it's all thanks to you.

You can't help but smile as you watch her sleep, feeling a sense of protectiveness and affection welling up inside you. Even in her dreams, she looks so much more at peace than she ever did when she was free. It's almost surreal to think that this beautiful creature who once terrorized the lands now lies helplessly before you. The thought makes your heart race faster, sending a shiver down your spine.

You turn away from her and walk over to the window, looking out at the world beyond. Tonight, the stars are bright and twinkling like diamonds scattered across a velvet cloth. It's hard not to feel hopeful under such a celestial display... but you also know that Hallveig's problems will not be so easily solved. The shadows still loom large over her, threatening to engulf her once more at any moment.

As you stand there, lost