Chapter 1 - Imminent
Ren stood, frozen in the center of the forest clearing. It was dark, and the crisp night air bit his pale skin.
It was as though his senses were drowned.
Everything in front of him was a blur and no matter how hard he strained to hear, only the violent thumping of his heart echoed in his ears.
Despite his lack of visibility, he knew he was surrounded, his every move being carefully observed.
The lull of his surroundings was unnatural, it was as though the forest was holding it's breath.
Any moment now, they'll strike, and I'll be a goner.
The thought remained in his mind as he lowered a shaking hand to his Kunai pouch.
With an abrupt crack, a twig snapped, the sound erupted from only a few feet ahead.
Panic flooded through him as he caught sight of two large dark eyes floating in the dark and gleaming with menace.
Underneath them, something glinted, catching his eye. Something metal.
"No"
The Kunai shot out of the shadow towards Ren with incredible speed.
His attempt to twist away failed as he remained paralyzed to the spot, transfixed in horror.
The knife blade pierced his chest and pain exploded throughout his body, pain like no other he'd ever experienced.
No longer rooted to the forest floor, the injured boy fell down to his knees, letting out a strangled shout.
A harsh chuckle echoed into the clearing and once again, Ren glimpsed those cold eyes glaring down at him in amusement.
The forest twisted infront of him, and he blacked out, plummeting out of sight and sound.
In a dimly lit and cramped room, Ren woke up with a jolt.