Azad's vision was hazy as he staggered through the familiar forest path, every step a struggle. The world around him blurred and tilted, but he clung to one thought—home. Just a little further. The cozy silhouette of their house appeared on the horizon, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. He could just make out Choco's barking echoing through the trees, but each bark seemed to fade as he struggled to stay conscious.
With a final, exhausted step, he collapsed to his knees, barely feeling the ground as he hit it. As the darkness crept in, he heard Ellie's panicked voice, clear and frantic.
"Azad! What happened to you?" she cried, her footsteps pounding the ground as she raced toward him. Choco barked louder, running to his side and nudging his face with a concerned whimper.
Azad's mind drifted, the faint smell of home comforting him as he slipped into darkness.
A week later, Azad stirred, his eyes fluttering open to the sight of their ceiling. The familiar beams seemed oddly comforting after the horrors of the cavern. He blinked slowly, and his vision cleared. But as soon as he moved, a sharp pain shot through his side, and he winced.
"Oh, no you don't," a familiar voice said gently. Ellie appeared at his side, holding some kind of herb looking thing. "You're in no condition to be leaping out of bed."
Azad gave her a weak smile, but memories of the creature, that horrid place, and his close call flashed through his mind. He shifted uncomfortably, reaching for the herb. "Ellie… I saw something," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "Something terrible."
"Here, eat this first." She held the herb to his lips, and he ate gratefully, feeling the warmth spread through him, dulling the aches and sharp pain in his ribs.
Ellie's expression softened as she pulled up a chair beside his bed. "Azad, what happened down there?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
Azad looked away, his gaze distant as he told Ellie the whole story. He shuddered, recalling the twisted, towering figure. "I barely made it out alive."
"Azad, don't tell me you dug straight down," Ellie's tone shifted, a hint of anger mixed with worry. Her eyes narrowed, and Choco let out a low growl from his spot on the floor as if backing her up.
"Well… yeah, I did." Azad's voice trailed off. "It was the fastest way…"
Ellie shook her head, her voice rising. "Azad, digging straight down is the one rule we never break! What if you'd fallen straight to your death, or worse, been crushed in a collapse?"
Azad tried to sit up straighter but winced at the sharp pain tearing through him. "I know, I know… it was reckless. But, Ellie… that creature—I've never seen anything like it."
Ellie's expression turned serious, her worry deepening. "What creature? Azad, what did you see?"
Azad's face paled, his voice dropping to a whisper. "It was like something out of a nightmare… huge, blind, yet somehow aware of every single sound around it. Even without eyes, it could sense me—my heartbeat, even. And if it catches you… one strike, Ellie, and you're done for. It's like death itself lurking in the dark, ready to destroy anyone daring to come near."
Ellie's face went pale, her eyes widening with a realization that turned her gaze somber. "Azad… that's the Warden. I've heard about it in ancient tales—stories whispered to scare us, to keep us away from the dark places. I always thought it was a legend."
She took a deep, shuddering breath, her voice firm. "If it's really down there… then as soon as you're strong enough to walk, we're leaving. We don't tempt fate with the Warden."
Azad's eyes widened in alarm. "What if it comes after us? What if it breaks free somehow?"
Ellie shook her head, though her expression was uneasy. "No. According to legend, it's bound to that dark place, unable to leave the depths. But still, it's too close for comfort. We need to put distance between us and that thing."
Azad sighed in relief, though a sliver of doubt lingered. "I can't believe I survived that. It chased me through those tunnels like it knew every step I'd make." He let out a tired laugh, though he was still visibly shaken. "Guess that's the test of strength, right? Coming back from the dead."
Ellie's eyes softened a bit, though she still looked exasperated. "If only your brain was as sharp as your luck, Azad, you'd have thought twice before digging down like that. But… you're still here, somehow."
Choco hopped onto the bed, curling up beside Azad, who patted his loyal companion with a tired smile. "Yeah, somehow," he muttered, glancing from Choco to Ellie. "But I'm done with those trials. My life is worth more than any prize. Once I'm healed, we're out of here."
"Good," Ellie agreed, a small smile breaking through her stern expression. "And next time, let's hope you're not dragging yourself home with one foot in the grave."
Azad managed a smirk. "You're welcome to stop me next time."
For the first time, Azad felt true gratitude that he was back in the safety of their home, away from the darkness. The warmth of the room and the reassuring sounds of Choco and Ellie nearby calmed him, though he knew he'd never forget the horror of that place below.