Blood Sacrifice
Argus awoke with a start, his mind immediately buzzing with thoughts about the hint he had received in his inner mind.
"A sacrifice must be equal to the value of the desired result," the words echoed in his mind.
He sat up in bed, his heart pounding with the feeling of urgency.
"42 hours, but you have to account for sleep so…"
"About 32 hours left," Argus muttered to himself, his brow furrowed in concentration.
What was the desired result he sought? And what sacrifice would be equal to it?
As Argus contemplated these questions, a chilling realization gradually engulfed him. The desired outcome, he concluded, could only be his own life preserved.
To achieve such a result, however, he would need to make a sacrifice, to relinquish the life of another living being.
"Perhaps destroying a plant would suffice?"
A fleeting notion, promptly dismissed. Plants, devoid of emotions, could never equate to the value of a human life.
"What about an animal..."
The possibility lingered, tantalizingly within reach.
Pondering further, Argus's thoughts converged on a final option...
"Sacrificing a human life."
As the words escaped his lips, a shudder cascaded down his spine, and he promptly banished the idea. No, he could not, would not, bring himself to harm another person in his relentless pursuit of survival.
Deciding that an animal's life would suffice for his purposes, Argus made up his mind to go shopping for an animal that he could kill. As he descended the winding stairs of the mansion, he couldn't help but feel conflicted. The image of a defenseless creature suffering for his sake weighed heavily on his conscience.
Exiting through the front door and stepping out into the bustling daytime city, Argus shielded his eyes from the bright sunlight. The warm rays pierced through the spaces between his fingers as he took a moment to adjust to the vibrant world outside. The city streets thrived with activity, a symphony of honking cars, chattering pedestrians, and the occasional street performer adding their melodic touch to the bustling ambiance.
With determined steps, Argus navigated through the crowded streets. He meandered past shops adorned with colorful displays, their windows offering glimpses of enticing merchandise. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted from the nearby cafes, mingling with the fragrant scents of flowers and pastries. Though tempted by the allure of the other establishments, Argus remained resolute in his mission.
Sometime later, Argus entered a pet shop, the tinkling chime of the doorbell announcing his arrival. As he stepped inside, a symphony of sounds engulfed him, the melodic chirping of colorful birds blending harmoniously with the excited barks of energetic dogs. The air hummed with anticipation and warmth, infused with the distinct scent of hay, fur, and a hint of freshly brewed coffee.
Argus stood still for a moment, taking in the lively scene before him. His gaze swept across the shop, absorbing the kaleidoscope of colors and the captivating array of life contained within the rows of cages that stretched from floor to ceiling. Each enclosure housed a unique creature, some delicate and small, others robust and boisterous, all vying for attention.
His attention was momentarily captured by a trio of kittens frolicking with a ball of yarn, their mischievous eyes gleaming with playfulness. However, it was the display of adorable puppies just a few steps away that truly tugged at his heart. Their tiny bodies wiggled with enthusiasm, tails wagging with unbridled joy as they clumsily explored their confined space. Argus found himself drawn to their irresistible charm and infectious energy.
As he approached the display, a friendly shop assistant noticed his interest and made her way towards him. With a warm smile on her face, she approached Argus and asked, "Hello there! Are you looking for a furry companion today? These little ones are quite popular. Can I help you with anything?"
As he was about to respond in the affirmative, a chilling thought struck him.
Could he bring himself to kill a dog?
The idea of taking the life of a loyal and loving companion left a bitter taste in his mouth. No, it was too much. He couldn't bear the guilt and sorrow that would accompany such an act. He needed to find a smaller animal, one that would be easier for him to handle.
"Thank you, but I'll be fine on my own," he responded, mustering a small smile.
As he continued to walk around the quaint shop, his eyes fell upon a glass tank, inside of which sat a vibrant lizard the size of his palm. Its scales shimmered under the fluorescent lights, capturing his attention. Just as he was considering the creature as a potential sacrifice, the same shop worker approached him.
"Would you like to hold it?" the worker asked with a friendly smile, noticing Argus' interest.
Argus hesitated for a moment before nodding. The worker carefully lifted the lizard from the tank and placed it into Argus's hand. He felt the tiny creature's delicate weight and observed its curious movements. A wave of guilt washed over him as he considered the imminent fate he had planned for this innocent creature.
Making up his mind, Argus thanked the worker with a shaky voice and walked to the cash register.
He had decided to purchase it, accepting the responsibility of its sacrifice.
Walking up to the cash register, he paid for the lizard, and prepared to leave the shop.
"Would you like to buy a cage for your new pet?" the lady at the register inquired, eyeing the lizard in his hand.
Argus hesitated for a moment, his mind racing for an excuse to respond with a no. "No, thank you," he replied softly, trying to suppress the guilt that threatened to consume him. "I already have one."
The lady's eyes narrowed slightly as she processed Argus's response. "Oh, I see," she said, her tone tinged with curiosity. "You must already have one."
Argus nodded, feeling a twinge of guilt for deceiving her. He hurriedly gathered his purchase, concealing his conflicted emotions behind a mask of composure. With a brief nod of farewell, he left the store, the small lizard now nestled securely in his hand.
As Argus walked home, the weight of his impending sacrifice bore down on him. Every step felt heavier than the last, his mind consumed by the guilt of planning to end a life. The sun cast long shadows across the pavement, mirroring the darkness that enveloped his thoughts.
Lost in his troubled contemplations, Argus caught sight of three familiar figures in the distance. They were young men, their silhouettes etched against the bright backdrop of the city. Normally, he would have acknowledged their presence, but his mind was too preoccupied to pay them any attention. Ignoring their presence, he quickened his pace, eager to reach the solitude of his apartment.
Finally, Argus arrived home, his heart pounding as he crossed the threshold. The familiar surroundings offered little comfort, the air heavy with anticipation and unease. He quickly made his way to the kitchen, the lizard still nestled in his hand, and prepared to carry out the fateful act.
Rummaging through the cupboards, Argus muttered to himself, "Cutting board, cutting board, where are you?" His desperate search led him to the drawers, where he repeated the mantra, "Knife, knife, I need a knife." Finally, he found what he was looking for and placed the cutting board and knife on the kitchen counter.
Setting the lizard down on the cutting board, Argus watched as it scurried across the surface, a futile attempt to escape its imminent fate. Determination mingled with sorrow as he steeled himself to continue with his reprehensible actions.
With a deep breath, he set aside his guilty conscience. Holding the lizard's tail tightly with his left hand, he summoned all his strength and swung the knife down swiftly. The blade sliced through the air, meeting its mark with a sickening thud.
Blood splattered across Argus's face, a gruesome testament to the sacrifice he had just made. The lizard, now severed in two, writhed briefly before succumbing to its fate.
As the room filled with the eerie silence that followed the gruesome act, a sound caught Argus's attention. The distinct jingle of keys echoed through the house, followed by the unmistakable creaking of the front door. His eyes darted towards the entrance, his heart skipping a beat.
"...Argus?"