A woman was yelling, "Tovan… boy, wake up!"
The boy opened his eyes and saw the sun shining into his room. He sat up, confused. "Wait—am I late already?"
The woman barged in. "Yes, you're late! Why did you wake up late on such a big day? Come on, stand up already! The Ceremony will begin!"
"Yes, Mother, I'm sorry!"
Tovan hurried out of his room and saw his little sister.
"Tovan, Tovan! Carry me!" the child said.
"But you're already big. Are you still scared?" Tovan asked gently.
"Yes! Carry me," she repeated.
"Eli, your brother can't do that. He's going to do a lot of work today," the mother said. "And Eli, what are you afraid of? This is for our god."
Suddenly, a loud bang came from the door, and it swung open. A boy stood there, covered in blood.
The little girl screamed.
"Heyy, Saev! Don't scare my little sister like that!" Tovan shouted.
The boy laughed. "I'm so sorry, Eli. I didn't mean it," Saev said while laughing.
"Hey, Saev, are you going to join the ceremony like that? You really enjoy peeling animals."
"All right, friend, don't be serious all of a sudden! I'll change quickly. The Opening Ceremony will begin soon!"
Moments later, people from the village gathered. Each family had a sheep. Tovan's father, Luther, carried the sheep for their family.
Tovan stood near the village elders and the Chief, away from his family. Saev, with his mother Helen, carried their sheep.
The Ceremony began.
The people walked toward the silver sheep statue—Ehlor, their god. Families formed a circle and began slaughtering their sheep. The cries of the animals made Eli cover her ears and close her eyes.
After shearing the wool, the Chief walked to the center and kneeled before the statue. He painted his wool white, symbolizing peace, and placed it at the statue's feet.
One by one, the eldest men of each family kneeled, painted their wool—red for protection, gold for wealth—and placed it before Ehlor. They bowed, then returned to their families.
Everyone kneeled and stayed silent for four hours.
Because they believed Ehlor was speaking to their hearts.
When time passed, the Chief stood in front of the people.
"My people, once again, we celebrate the birth of our god, Ehlor, and the blessings and protection he has given us. Tonight, the Sacred Fire will begin."
The people clapped.
They left to prepare.
Eli ran toward her brother and hugged him.
"It's okay now, it's already done. Don't worry. Later, we'll have fun and eat your favorite food, okay?" Tovan said gently.
"Okay," Eli replied, hugging him tightly.
Later, the women prepared food. The men cut trees for firewood.
Saev walked closer to Tovan. "Is your sister okay?"
"Yes, she's getting better now," Tovan replied, still cutting.
Then he asked, "So what are you going to offer tonight? Or are you going to give some random thing again?"
"Yes, I'll do that again," Saev said proudly.
"Friend, we're supposed to burn things we value. It shows how loyal we are to our god, Ehlor. That's the ritual. If you keep doing that, Ehlor will surely punish you. What if, to apologize, you sacrifice the lion tooth necklace your mother gave you?"
"No! Why would I? Besides, I'm not the only one who does it. Even Elder Dura's been doing it since he was a kid and nothing happened to him. Come on, friend. Don't take it so seriously."
Tovan sighed and continued cutting.
Hours passed.
The food was prepared and placed on a long table before Ehlor's statue. Firewood was piled before the offering.
The Sacred Fire began.
The Chief silently lit the fire and burned a bracelet. One by one, villagers burned their precious items.
Eli burned her favorite toy. Beside her, Tovan burned a toy his father made for him as a child.
Saev burned a random piece of wood.
After the offerings, the Chief raised his voice.
"My people, let us celebrate and have fun!"
The villagers cheered. Some danced with their friends and family.
Tovan brought his sister her favorite food and sat beside her.
"Are you crying because your favorite toy is gone? Don't worry, okay? I'll make you a new one—better than before. Look, here's your favorite food. You've been waiting for this since yesterday."
Eli wiped her tears and smiled, eating with her brother.
Then she asked, "Brother, do you think there are people like us outside?"
Tovan was shocked.
He had never wondered what was beyond their village.
Eli continued, "Do you think they also worship Ehlor? Or do they have a different god?"
Tovan took a breath. "Eli, there's no such thing. We're the only ones. Ehlor is our only great god."
"But… what if there is?"
"If there is, I'll protect you from them. They can't be trusted. They're strangers."
"Really? You will?"
"Yes, I will."
Tovan smiled. Eli smiled brightly too—
Then her head exploded.
Blood splattered on Tovan's face.
His mind went blank.
People screamed. Heads exploded, one after another—as if invisible arrows were shooting them.
Saev searched for his mother. "Mother! Mother!"
He found her, crying. He grabbed her hand. "Mother, we need to hide! Hurry!"
She stood up, still in tears. They ran together.
Tovan didn't move. Blood covered his face. Screams, chaos… he stood frozen.
Tears spilled from his eyes.
Then his father appeared. "Son! What are you doing?! Where is your sister?!"
He saw the blood.
He looked down—there was the headless body of his daughter, wearing her favorite dress.
A tear fell from the father's eye.
Then he snapped out of it.
He grabbed Tovan, still crying, and ran with him into the dark.