Cradle

The forest was as quiet as ever, the only sounds coming from the clinking bones of the skeletons and the odd snapping of a twig.

Jay was still being carried on his throne above the forest floor and the plants below, each hiding different tics, insects and other parasites under their leaves, waiting to jump on a passerby to suck their blood or eat their flesh.

Most bugs and parasites lacked red blood and were therefore spared from the blood-vine bear - though they lacked creatures to feed on as well.

Jay looked at the boil with the little green things still in his arm.

Ironically these little invasive creatures had saved him. Thankfully, they were still in their dormant state, and so he let his thoughts drift elsewhere.

“My seal has healed... Forgiveness comes at a price?” Jay continued to think, looking thoughtful.