Chapter 124: The Evening of Death and the Silent Prayers of Love
The Philosophy of Shadows:
In this universe, when a day filled with such tidings as Rina's pregnancy passes, one might think they have finally reached the shores of serenity. But do you know that when the light grows brighter, the shadows become deeper too? Tonight is the night when the air smells of blood, the night when candles flicker out without a breeze, and the night when Diari's heart beats like the drum of war.
Lina's Shadow in the Cave of Sorcery:
Within the darkness, Lina was busy pouring the venom of her magic. The red mark on her abdomen now glowed like fire. She sought to do only one thing: to sever the cord of love that bound Diari, Rina, and their unborn child together.
Lina (with a demonic voice): "Sleep... let this be your last peaceful slumber. That child in Rina's womb shall never see the rays of the sun. That child is my death, and before it enters this world, I will make a sacrifice of its mother."
The Silent Room and Diari's Trembling Heart:
In the house, a strange silence had draped itself over everything. Everyone slept after the immense joy they had shared. But Diari... Diari could not sleep. His crimson eyes glowed in the darkness of the room like two vibrant embers. He felt something—a premonition that by morning, the world would be in ruins.
Rina slept peacefully beside him, one hand resting on her stomach with a faint smile on her lips. Diari gently ran his hand through her hair, counting the strands one by one, as if trying to etch this image into the fabric of his soul.
Diari (in a whisper full of pain): "Rina... why do I feel that this is our last night of peace? Why did that old man tell me to watch over you? I have strength; I can crumble mountains, but why am I so weak before this silence of yours? Rina... if something happens tomorrow, I swear, even if I have to give my soul to the devil, I will not let a single drop of blood leave your body."
Rina moved slightly in her sleep, as if sensing his anxiety. She opened her eyes halfway and said in a sleepy voice:
Rina: "Diari... why aren't you sleeping? Are you daydreaming again? Come... come sleep, our baby says its father is very annoying for staying awake."
Diari (with a pained smile): "No, my soul, I was just watching you. Don't you think tonight is too quiet? It's as if the world has held its breath."
Rina (taking Diari's hand and kissing it): "Diari, you exaggerate everything. We are happy; Lina is gone, the problems have vanished. Now it's just me, you, and this little one inside me. Now, close your eyes... I am here."
A Deep Dialogue at Dawn:
Diari rested his head on Rina's chest, listening to the beating of two hearts. Rina's heart, and the tiny heart within her.
Diari: "Rina, if one day I am not here, or if my power takes me to a far-off place, promise me that you will always protect this child. Promise me your eyes will never fill with tears."
Rina (startled, sitting up): "Diari! What are these words? Why do you speak like this? You will always be here. You are our protector. Do you think I could take a single breath without you? Diari, if you leave, me and this child will die too. You are our entire existence. Please, do not speak of leaving; my heart trembles."
Diari: "No, my soul, I didn't mean that... it's just a strange feeling. I feel something in my veins calling to me. Rina, you are the only one who can keep me human. Without you, I would become that red monster the whole world fears."
Rina embraced him, resting her head on his shoulder. "You are no monster; you are just my Diari. You are the man who wipes away all my sorrows with a single glance. Let's only talk of joy tonight... let's talk about the names we will give our child."
Diari's Intuition and the Approaching Danger:
To soothe Rina, Diari began to speak, but his mind was on the black shadow he sensed lurking by the window.
Diari: "Fine... if it's a girl, we must name her 'Jiyan' (Life), because she brought life back to me. If it's a boy, he must be strong like me but have a heart like yours."
Rina (laughing): "No! If it's a girl, we must name her 'Nza' (Prayer), because she was the prayer of all those nights I spent crying for you."
They laughed together for a moment, but deep down, Diari knew that morning would bring something terrible. He felt Rina slipping away, as if their connection were held by a single thread. Until dawn, Diari did not close his eyes. He watched her, he inhaled her scent, and in his heart, he said: "Lina... if you stretch your hand toward them, you have written your own death with your own hands."
As morning began to break, a crimson light—the color of blood—filled the sky. Diari stood and looked at the horizon. The time had come. The war was about to begin.
Written by: Dlin_myth