Monster

Horror ricocheted down Rastaban’s spine when he saw Shanka standing in the corner, holding her sword.

“I am Shanka and he is Old Master,” she said.

Rastaban closed his eyes. “I’m dead, and this is hell.”

“Open your eyes and watch. I’m only going to do this once,” Shanka said.

“It’s important, lad,” the old man said.


Rastaban opened one eye. Shanka drove a her blade into her own hand. She flinched only slightly, then held out her hand. As Rastaban watched, the wound closed.

Rastaban sat bolt upright. “I knew I’d shot you!” Then he recoiled. “You’re a monster.”