TW - death/blood It was near midnight. The forest was silent. In a small clearing, an owl call sounded. As if on cue, shadows emerged from the trees. Everyone was wearing black cloaks with the hoods pulled over their heads, faces shadowed. The tallest one stepped forward. “Are we all here?” He asked in a dark raspy voice. A murmur of agreement went through the crowd. “Good.” The figure raised his voice. “After conferring with the Elder Flames, we have come to a conclusion. It is almost time for the plan to take place. We will attack soon” A sick smile spread across his face. “They won’t know what hit them.” Anxious talking broke off in the crowd. A small, nervous voice spoke. “Wait, we’re attacking the towns?” The tall figure's head snapped up. “Who said that?” He asked slowly. He turned in the direction of the voice. “Show yourself!” A squat man stepped forward shaking. He pulled off his hood to reveal his dark green eyes. Even though he was nervous, he still looked at the tall figure's shadowed face. “I, I did.” The tall figure slowly stalked towards the man. Something silver glittered underneath his cloak. He towered over him. “How dare you,” The figure hissed. “How dare you question me?” The man was frozen stiff and his eyes stared at the ground. “Apologies, Commander.” “I’m afraid it’s too late for that,” Said the figure smoothly. He reached a long boney hand into his cloak and pulled out a silver dagger. He admired it in his hand. The man’s eyes widened. “No, please!” He said, stumbling backwards. “I have a family! I’m sorry!” The tall figure gripped the dagger. It started to glow. “You should have thought of that before you joined the flame.” In one swift movement, he flung the dagger at the man, and it landed in his stomach. The man choked and fell to his knees. “Please,” he coughed. The figure knelt down and pulled out the dagger. The man coughed one more time and fell still. His green eyes were glazed over and a small trickle of blood was pouring from the stab wound. The figure stood again. He faced the now silent crowd. “We will strike at dawn!” Then he slowly walked out of the clearing and into the forest. Many followed. Those who were left cautiously looked at one another, before they too exited the clearing. Just as suddenly the clearing was filled, it was empty.
