Dododex

ARK: Survival Evolved & Ascended Companion

Night-Mare

Chapter 7

Steven tried to run, only to be jerked back immediately. He turned his head, expecting to see the teeth of the great horse holding him back, but instead found Leo's hand gripping the back of his shirt, holding him in place. Leo didn't turn his head, but he looked at Steven out of the corner of his eye and shook his head slowly. The four of them stood there, frozen before the Night-Mare.

Steven couldn't help but wondering why she hadn't trampled one of them yet, but before he could come up with a theory, a figure dressed in a cloak like Leo's appeared out of the shadows, running one of it's gray hands along the Mare's flank. In it's left hand, it held a lantern.

"Surely," the figure said in a voice that sounded like that of a creature that could breathe fire, "you didn't think looking the part would convince her you were her master."

Though it was hard to tell because the figure's head was completely shadowed by his hood, it seemed like he was speaking to Leo. Leo didn't respond.

"You gave up that role long ago. She heeds you no longer."

The Mare brayed, stomping a hoof towards Leo. He didn't flinch, but held out a hand towards her muzzle. She shook her head before settling again. The figure lifted his head, allowing the torches to illuminate his horrific face. His skin was gray and his face was sunken. His eyes were pitch black, save for a light ring around them that glowed like the Mare's. His mouth was stretched into an unsettling smile, each tooth looked built to rip flesh from bone.

"My," he cackled. "Perhaps you still hold some power over her after all…" The smile fell slowly. "But not enough to hold her back from them," he growled. He threw a pointed finger towards Steven, Roman, and the other survivor. Immediately, the Night-Mare threw herself at the survivor, stomping him into the ground.

"Go!" Leo shouted. His feet were planted where they were.

"Come on!" Steven shouted back.

"Follow Roman!" Leo responded. He refused to move. Before Steven could run back for him, Roman pushed him forward. "Go!" Roman screamed. The Mare was still finishing off the other survivor.

They dashed through the forest, bursting from the tree line onto the sand of the beach. Steven looked back. He could only see the hooded figure staring at him from the forest before it turned and walked away. The flame of the lantern disappeared.

~CL1