Chapter 14 – The Song in the Silence
The sun had long since descended behind the white peaks.
For the first time in many years, the Draeven clan had claimed vengeance on one who had slaughtered their former head.
But victory left scars.
Rigorus lay bedridden, his body pale beneath the dim lamplight.
He had bled more than any man should survive; had it been anyone else, they would have died long before the battle's end. His breathing was shallow. Sweat clung to his skin. And though his body was still, his hands twitched every so often — as if some unseen battle raged within him.
His mind refused to rest.
Rigorus's Inner Thoughts
What did he mean… "Father, look at your nieces"?
The words gnawed at him like a slow poison. Even in unconsciousness, the phrase echoed, shaking him more than Dreadmaul's blows ever had.
For a week, he lay in that state. His wounds healed, but the trembling never ceased. His mind refused to quiet.
The physicians tried every method — herbs, ointments, energy restoration pills — but nothing worked.
At last, Celestia dismissed them. Standing over her son, she studied his expression, the way he twisted in his sleep. It was not the pain of the body she saw… it was the pain of the soul.
Celestia's Thoughts:This is not a wound medicine can heal. He needs someone his spirit trusts… someone who can call him back.
And so, she sent for Naelira.
Naelira entered the chamber with quiet steps.
When she saw him trembling, his skin hot beneath the covers, her heart felt as though a dagger had pierced it.
She sat by his side, brushing the damp strands of hair from his forehead. For a moment she felt helpless — until she remembered something.
When she was little, and her mother was still alive, she would sing her to sleep whenever nightmares came. Her mother's voice had been a balm that could soften even the sharpest fears.
And now, Naelira would give Rigorus the same.
Her voice rose in the stillness, warm and steady.
Naelira's Song:
"Through the ash and through the rain,
Your heart will find its home again.
Beyond the pain, beyond the fight,
My light will guard you through the night."
Her song drifted through the halls.
Those who passed stopped to listen, struck silent by the melody. Word would spread across the clan that any man who heard Naelira's voice that night would fall in love before the last note faded.
Rigorus's Dream State
He wandered in a dark place — a field of snow under a sky without stars. Shapes shifted in the mist: the children of Saint's Hollow, their faces pale, eyes wide. Among them was his sister Liora. They pointed into the fog, and there he saw a figure — faceless, yet its presence was suffocating. He knew, somehow, that this was the one Dreadmaul meant. The "father" he spoke of. The blood behind every tragedy.
Liora's voice whispered: Wake up, brother… before he finds you sleeping.
The song began to thread into the darkness. He turned toward it. It was warm. Familiar. Like a door back to life.
His trembling eased. The fever faded. And in the days that followed, Naelira returned every night after closing her shop to sing to him.
A month passed before Rigorus's eyes finally opened.
The first thing he saw was Naelira, sitting by his bed, half-asleep with her head resting on her hand.
"Naelira… long has it been," he murmured.
She smiled faintly, though her eyes glistened. "A month… and a few days."
Rigorus's lips curved. "I didn't know you could sing."
Naelira's face turned crimson. "Well… well… I should have one or two things up my sleeve for days like this."
He chuckled softly, then his tone deepened. "I'm sorry for stressing you. I should be more careful in the future." His smile vanished for a moment, replaced by a cold, steel edge. "This is the last time. The last time you'll see me like this."
Naelira tried to keep the mood light. "Oh… I don't really mind looking at your face while you're sleeping."
Her eyes widened — she realized what she had just said and immediately hid her face. Oh no… I hope I didn't sound like a creep…
Rigorus pulled her gently against his chest. His voice dropped low, close to her ear.
"I love you."
The chamber doors opened, and Celestia stepped inside with Maazra and the other clan elders.
Celestia's eyes softened at the sight. "Oh my… I guess we're late."
Maazra smirked. "Tomorrow we have a meeting. Let them have the night."
The doors closed, leaving the two of them in peace.
Rigorus and Naelira sat up, looking at each other — and burst out laughing.
"We almost got caught," Naelira whispered.