CHAPTER 9 Vengeance

Her quest for vengeance hadn't begun after the death of her son, it had begun eons ago. As the man slowly opened his eyes, he found himself engulfed in a vibrant, lush environment. Towering trees with leaves as green as emeralds swayed gently in the breeze. The air was filled with the sweet scent of cicada and citrus, intermingling with the fragrance of orchards in bloom. Various birds twittered and fluttered around him, their colorful plumage adding to the surreal scene. His gaze wandered, taking in the sight of strange beasts roaming the landscape, some larger than him, others smaller. Yet, despite the unfamiliarity of his surroundings, he felt no fear, only a sense of wonder. Feeling a gentle nudge of curiosity, he rose from where he lay, near the edge of a babbling brook. As he stood, caked sand fell away from his skin, leaving him feeling refreshed. With each step towards the brook, he shed more of the sand, until he felt cleansed and renewed. As he approached the water's edge