The Wolf Of Virelia

The sound of steel against stone filled the air. Tiny little feet ran around, and some teenagers chased a fat pig in circles, but they couldn't manage to catch it. Today's event was important; little Bobbie had been born after years of barrenness, and the celebration knew no bounds. I examined the tip of each knife I had just sharpened for the last time. Different sets and sizes. Humming softly, I placed them down one at a time. It's time to s*******r a fat pig. I adjusted my shirt sleeve and raised the curtain at the entrance as I stepped outside the kitchen. I watched in admiration, a gentle smile playing on my lips. The mood in the air was infectious. Everyone was beaming with smiles and unspeakable joy on their faces. With gentle steps, I descended the stairs and walked toward the teens trying to capture the pig. They stopped the chase when they saw me. It was a fat, brown-colored pig with little legs, perfect for meat dough. Such a fat pig, yet it still leaped around with such speed? That's good! Keeping a close eye on it, I walked toward the pile of cabbages in a corner, picked one up, and retraced my steps to my prey. My movements were gentle and light, like a predator's. I stretched my hands out, and the pig sniffed the cabbage. It instantly bit down on it. Got you! I moved swiftly and carried the pig in one attempt. I could hear soft gasps. The pig almost slipped off my shoulder. Damn thing, it felt like I was carrying a sack filled with stones! I placed it on the butcher's table in the kitchen, and pah! In just one move, the pig was knocked out with the side of my right palm. Then I got to work, dissecting the parts and separating the insides. Elena. Mrs. Bobbie appeared behind me, her voice soft and calm. "The pork—I want to give some raw meat to the neighbors. Keep the backside and the ribs aside. The intestines should be properly washed. I don't like them tasting bitter because of leftover dung. Thank you." "Alright, Mrs. Bobbie." I carried some parts outside to the cooks around the kitchen corner. Returning to the kitchen, I heard low murmurs. Then my name. "Hasn't the Vale family been in a mourning period? What's Elena doing here?" Sigh. Can't these people just find something else to discuss? Bunch of idiots! I brought the remaining raw pork outside, and the gossip grew louder. It felt deliberate. "She's a jinx, I tell you. Totally cursed. Her parents died because of her bad luck, and her little sister falls ill all the time with sickle cell. Even the Hale family cancelled the engagement because a priest told them she had a bad star. Don't you think she's got incredible strength and looks for a young lady?" "That poor man, I pity him," another voice spoke up. "He was too greedy. I am sure he married a p********e. That explains Elena's looks!" "Yes. Yes. Yes." Others agreed. The old woman raised her voice even louder now, noticing I was listening. "But she's so brave and strong, running a household alone at such a young age," a woman said pitifully, staring in my direction. The gossip went on. My jaw tightened. It's not new. The gossip and rumors just keep getting worse daily, especially now that I am an orphan. But not today. I won't let this slide! I clenched my fists by my sides and took a deep breath, then stomped into the kitchen. I carried a big basin of dirty, bloodied water I had used to clean the pig's insides and went to meet the gossipers. Without hesitation, I emptied the basin over the granny's body. "You think I am cursed? That's pig's blood to ward off your bad luck. Is that enough, or do you need more, vile old woman?" That said, I walked back. I could hear her shouting and cursing at me, and a wicked smile played on my lips. That serves her right. I finished up the remaining tasks and waited outside for my pay. "Thank you for today, Elena," Mrs. Bobbie said. "No, thank you, Mrs. Bobbie, for this opportunity. You gave me the job despite my present situation." "Come on, Elena. I know you are capable, and you also need money to take care of yourself. This meat is for you. Take it home." "No, you paid me already," I declined. "I insist," she replied. "Okay. Thanks, Mrs. Bobbie. I will be on my way." I collected the meat. "Be careful. The Kingdom is not safe with the war going on." "Don't worry. I checked my horoscope before coming here today," I assured her. It's winter, and everywhere is covered with snow. It has snowed heavily these past few days. "Oh, oh, can you see the snow out there..." I hummed quietly as I brought out the envelope Mrs. Bobbie had handed me and started counting my money. One, two, three, four, five, six... Arrgh! I bumped my foot, and I fell face-first into the deep snow. What the hell? Slowly, I stood up and looked around. What's that? I went closer and saw a... Is that a foot? I stared at the black boot sticking out of the snow. I stepped closer and touched it. It was really a foot. My fingers stiffened. If this is a foot, then a human body is buried here in the snow. I recovered from the shock and traced the foot to what seemed like the upper body. A part of me did not like this, but my curiosity got the better of me. I bent down and used my hands to clear the snow from the ground. Right there, a human face stared at me. Oh s**t! I lost my balance. My eyes almost bugged out of their sockets, and my mouth hung open. This is my first time seeing a body in the woods. Forgive me. I didn't mean to expose you. Oh dear God. I rambled as I quickly put the snow back, covering his face, but a movement stopped me. His hand grabbed my arm. "Motherrrr," he mumbled twice. My eyes widened, and a chill spread down my spine. Oh no! My lips trembled. He's not dead yet. I pushed myself off the ground and hurriedly backed away from him. I can't do this. No. I gripped the envelope tighter. I thought of Sophia's medication. The cost of a doctor was expensive. Tears swelled in my eyes, and my heart ached. I took another step, and my jaw tightened. This money is for my family. I can't afford to save a d ying man. I convinced myself as I moved away from him. I forced myself to look away, my heart aching. Do I have the heart to watch someone die knowing I could save him?