[Hollow Town] [9] [Ritual]

In front of me stood a living Redom...

...With no skin on its body.

I drew in a deep breath as the Redom let out a painful cry.

Its body distorted, blood dripping down from its form to the ground below.

I turned as I heard Arianell gasp, walking closer to me.

The distinct smell of blood suppressed every other scent in the forest.

"Why didn't we see it?" Arianell whispered softly, grabbing onto my wrist.

I didn't reply but looked at the beast closely.

Around its hind legs, it was bound by the branches of the surrounding trees, hovering just above the ground.

The dripping blood was collected in a small incline carved into the ground, slowly sliding deeper into the forest.

I glanced at the pitiful beast one last time before I turned around.

"A-Azariah?" Arianell quietly called, grabbing my hand.

"We can't do anything about it," I replied, looking at her seriously. "There's no point in saving it."