A sacrifice

Ever since K'nksh first appeared in Amaarion, people tried various ways to escape their raids. No one could foresee their next target or understand why they abducted only certain women. One day, Kyedri nomads proposed a solution – a sacrifice. Fingers pointed at Caiya. Not for her poor temperament, or for being despised by others. But simply for being unremarkable. She had no family or close friends, no skill she excelled at, thus her loss would have gone unnoticed.

The Kyedris bound their sacrifice near the settlement border, turning a deaf ear to her pleas. Some looked ashamed, others deemed it necessary and those who wished to object were silenced by terrified relatives.

Crackle….Cracke….Crackle…

The bone-chilling noises spread through Kyedr, petrifying inhabitants in anticipation. K’nksh limbs writhed and squirmed as they approached the settlement. One k’nksh man noticed Caiya, bent his body with distinct cracks and stared at the woman. There was no emotion behind his eyes. No malice, no excitement, no pity. His four orbs darted back and forth, purple irises shining under sunlight. The man shot up and twisted his arm, flesh and joints creaking on every movement. Other k’nksh glanced at him as they entered the settlement.

Caiya watched as they massacred each Kyedri man and took every woman, leaving only children and her behind. K’nksh had raided her home before, yet they killed only those who fought back and abducted some women. This level of onslaught was unprecedented.

Caiya travelled from settlement to settlement, warning of Kyedr’s mistake.

“Never bargain with K’nksh.”