A moment later, the attack came.

From the dense underbrush on both sides of the road, a volley of arrows rained down upon them. The first soldier barely had time to react before an arrow pierced his throat, sending him toppling off his horse in a spray of blood. The second soldier fared no better; he raised his shield but was quickly overwhelmed by a swarm of goblins—vile, green-skinned creatures armed with crude spears, short swords, and bows. They tore him apart in seconds, his screams cut short by a spear through the gut.

Esther shrieked in terror, clutching onto Aeris’ arm. “M-My lady! What do we do?!” she cried, her voice shaking with panic. She pressed herself against Aeris, her body trembling uncontrollably.

Aeris felt nothing but disgust.

The goblins, about twenty in total, circled the carriage, their beady eyes gleaming with malice as they prepared to unleash another volley of arrows. Esther’s grip tightened, her fingers digging into Aeris’ sleeve as she cowered beside her.

For a split second, Aeris considered her options. She could fight, of course—she had the power now. But then a different thought crossed her mind. An opportunity.

She turned her cold gaze to Esther, her maid’s terrified face inches from her own. Without a word, Aeris shoved Esther in front of her, using the girl’s body as a human shield just as the next wave of arrows came flying toward them.

Esther’s scream pierced the air as the arrows tore into her flesh. Blood splattered across Aeris’ gown as Esther’s body convulsed, the life draining from her eyes. She slumped forward, her trembling hands still clutching at Aeris’ dress, blood staining the hem of her pristine white leggings.

“P-Please…” Esther whimpered, barely conscious, her fingers weakly grabbing at Aeris’ legs. Her bloodied face pressed against Aeris’ shoes, leaving streaks of red on the polished leather.

Aeris felt nothing.

With a detached, almost clinical precision, she lifted her leg and brought her heel down on Esther’s throat, silencing her pathetic gasps with a sickening crunch. The maid’s body twitched once before going still.

Aeris stared down at the lifeless form beneath her heel. Esther had served her for years, but in the end, she was nothing more than a tool. And now that tool had served its purpose.