The Moon Without a Heart

The night was pitch black, with clouds drifting, and lightning like silver serpents slithering across the vast sky.

It was the day of Awakening of Insects.

I stood beneath a tree, eyes closed, quietly waiting.

The roaring rain drowned out all noise. I didn't know how long I had waited, but at last, the sound of galloping hooves splashing through puddles and clashing swords was carried by the fierce wind.

"Austin, this is the price of betrayal."

A cold blade slashed down, the wind howled, and the thud of a body falling from a horse hit the ground with a resounding crash.

Just as the man was about to strike again, Austin, who had fallen after being stabbed, suddenly sprang up. His unusually thin blade slid out like a serpent, piercing the man's neck from behind, before swiftly withdrawing and slicing through the legs of the leading horse.

The white horse neighed in agony, crashing into the horses behind it and sending men tumbling down.

At that moment, Austin had already slipped into the crowd, killing as he went.

Blood sprayed along with the rain, staining the flashes of lightning red.

When the last head rolled, only Austin remained standing in the downpour.

This was the power of the world's top assassin. The people of Blood Sacrifices returned empty-handed, even when they sent their finest to hunt him down.

I looked at Austin, my lips moving silently.

Three.

Two.

One.

Austin collapsed to the ground, coughing up blood.

Outnumbered, even with his unmatched skills, it was impossible for him to emerge unscathed.

I pulled my hat lower and walked toward him, step by step, until I stood in front of him.

Blood pooled at my feet, forming a rapid stream. I looked down to see Austin's body covered in wounds, his clothes torn, revealing countless scars of varying depths.

His eyes were filled with the dullness of death. He muttered and reached out, trying to grab the hem of my clothes.

"Help... help me..."

I didn't move.

I stood there, indifferent, unmoved, even though I was right beside him.

In my past life, I had saved Austin without hesitation. I helped him escape from his pursuers and even helped him conquer Blood Sacrifices entire organization.

And what about him?

When I was dying, he stood by coldly, watching as I suffered and died in agony.

"Why didn't you save me?"

Austin never answered. I stood there as the rain eased and dawn approached. The blood had drained from his body and had congealed like dark red roots across the ground, but still, he didn't answer.