A Paladin's Survival (Explicit Abuse)

"Here is good enough. Release her," the commander's voice rang with distaste. 

The holy warriors pulled Vulpine from the wagon. She didn't even struggle against them as they released their chains and pushed her to the dirt. Her dull eyes glanced around as the commander placed his boot on her face.

"This is where you will die, Vulpine. May the sun have mercy." 

A rebellious noise of annoyance managed to escape her dry throat. The man's boot collided with her cheek, and she spat up blood. The man motioned for the rest to continue moving. She lay on the dirt floor, watching as they disappeared into the forest. Only once she could no longer see them did she find the strength to stand. Her dead eyes examined the trees around her, and she lifelessly chuckled. So this was their plan? Instead of letting her disgrace Salarios's name any further, they would have her disappear into the jaws of the natural world. Thunder rumbled in the distance, so Vulpine started to wander aimlessly.

How did she survive the days in the woods? Even Vulpine couldn't quite recall as it all blurred together. It was nothing short of a miracle. In fact, there were many times that she wished for it to end. Yet something inside her refused to die. Something inside her kindled and burned slowly; she fought the animals that tried to kill her and, in that way, saved the life of a blue squirrel. Weirdly enough, rescuing such a small and helpless creature, in turn, saved her life. 

Vulpine could no longer go on as the strange forest creature followed after her. Her body crashed against a large tree. The woman's chapped lips frowning as she stared at the squirrel. He sat on a rock before her with a curious tilted head.

"Why do you follow me? I did not save you out of the kindness of my heart. I was in the right place at the right time. This is how this world works," Vulpine managed to choke out the lines; the black rings under her eyes grew heavy. "I have no more strength; seeking me for protection now is useless. I couldn't even save the woman I loved." 

The woman closed her eyes, a few tears slipping down her face. She heard the squirrel's chirp and then his scurrying into the brush. Her fists tightened. Was this really where she was going to die? Did the moon goddess free her only for her to die here, alone? Vulpine's whole life had been a lie. All the lives she had taken in the name of their lady... why had she done so? The murder was still murder, no matter the name they slaughtered for. Was this her punishment? Maybe she did deserve it.

Vulpine didn't know how much time had passed or if she had actually fallen asleep or fought with death. Yet water against her lips had brought her back to the world. Her body subconsciously swallowed it down greedily as her eyes fluttered open. At first, her heart skipped a beat as she was still dreaming, and she imagined her beautiful blonde alfar. She bolted up, grabbing her face, but it shattered her dream. 

"Laedia, please, don't leave!" Her desperate eyes turned empty at the realization. Black Horns, long purple hair, and purple skin? This wasn't what she had just seen. No, this being was utterly different.

"Laedia... no... a devil?" Vulpine's words are barely a whisper. She stares into the red eyes of the purple demon in front of her. 

"Can't say I have ever had a squirrel play charades with me before. It was an amusing game, and the prize is even more interesting." 

Vulpine sluggishly released her hold on his face, her eyes still stuck on his—red, like blood. The man held out water to her, and she took it, breaking eye contact as she gulped it down. Though her eyes kept wandering back to him, caution filled her eyes, as did her distrust.