Haruto fell hard onto the ground. His body was already injured, and the force of the blast made it worse. Just before the explosion destroyed the house, he had jumped through the window, pulling Miyuki with him. But even escaping the direct impact wasn't enough to protect them completely.
Pain shot through his body as he struggled to breathe.
Smoke and ash filled the air. The forest floor was scorched, and fragments of wood burned around them.
Haruto turned his head to the side.
Miyuki lay a short distance away, coughing weakly. Her body was covered in dust and small cuts from flying debris.
Ignoring the pain in his chest, Haruto forced himself to stand. His legs trembled, but he didn't stop. He staggered toward her and reached out a shaking hand.
"Miyuki…"
He helped her to her feet. She winced but managed to stand beside him.
Thick smoke still covered the area, making it hard to see. The smell of fire and burning wood filled their lungs. Small flames crackled in the remains of the destroyed house.
Slowly… the smoke began to clear.
Shapes started to form in the distance.
Dark silhouettes stood between the trees.
Haruto narrowed his eyes, trying to focus. As the smoke thinned further, the figures became clearer.
There were many of them.
All human.
Haruto's breath caught in his throat.
His hands began to shake.
Because he recognized them.
They were the same bandits who had attacked him before… the ones who tried to kill him and threw him into the river, leaving him to die.
Then one of the bandit members spoke.
"Boss, look at her. Who is here?"
The bandit leader stepped forward. His eyes moved to Haruto, and a crooked smile appeared on his face.
"You're still alive? I think your luck is not good," he said mockingly. After surviving once, you came back just to die again. What a shit
Then his gaze shifted to Miyuki.
His expression slowly changed as his eyes moved over her. He swallowed and smirked.
"What a sexy body…" he muttered. "Guys, today is your best day. We found a demi-human girl."
He looked directly at her.
"Don't worry. We won't kill you first. First, we kill this bastard. Then we'll have a full night of fun with you."
Miyuki trembled. Her ears lowered against her head as fear filled her eyes.
The leader continued, his voice turning darker.
"And I will taste every part of you, girl. After that, we'll decide whether to kill you or not. It's your choice. If you cooperate, you might live a few more days. If not… after I'm done, I'll hand you to the members. They'll have their fun too."
The other bandits began shouting.
"Yes!"
"I want her after you, boss!"
"Give me a turn next!"
They started arguing among themselves, but the leader raised his hand to stop them.
"Don't worry," he said with a grin. "You'll all get your chance."