Chereads / (Narrator's Archive) Trilogy Of The Damned / Chapter 12 - Chapter 12-Changes within

Chapter 12 - Chapter 12-Changes within

Luke walks through the central plaza of the Flame Kingdom, holding the amulet designated for Nashi. He inspects the back of the amulet, trying to find whatever engraving the Narrator made on it. "It wouldn't surprise me if he cursed this one, too." Luke mutters to himself. He walks up to the doors of the main castle and prepares to enter.

Luke makes his way down to the throne room, where he hears muttering happening near the throne of the Flame Lord. He slowly approaches, trying not to be seen. When he's close enough, he ducks behind a pillar.

"I'm worried about him," a female voice says, "He's been gone for a while now."

"He'll be back, I'm sure," another feminine voice responds.

"Do you think they actually brought him back with them?"

"I have faith…"

Luke hears some indistinct mummering before the voices become audible again.

"I fear he's going to do something," the first voice says.

"I've been worried, too. He's been talking with Dad for a while about something, and I bet that meetup was a ploy of some sort."

"Nashi…" Luke says quietly to himself.

"Who said that?" the first voice asks.

Luke hides further behind the pillar upon the first voice mentioning him.

"I'll go check," Nashi says.

Luke puts on a calm demeanor before stepping out from the pillar. "It's just me."

When Luke makes himself known, Nashi stops walking toward him.

Luke glances over to the left and notices the other person talking was Alice. Alice looks shocked to see Luke, and Nashi is dumbfounded at the sight of Luke appearing from behind the pillar.

"Luke… We weren't expecting you," Nashi says, slowly.

Luke's confidence and calmness return to him as he continues to approach Nashi. "It's only your little brother. What's there to worry about?"

Nashi is a little apprehensive toward Luke as he walks forward.

"I want to… apologize for my actions toward you. I wasn't in the right place of mind." Luke says with a smile.

Nashi is a little nervous at Luke's statement.

Luke is reveling in the moment. "There's nothing to be afraid of, Nashi. It's only your little brother."

Nashi walks up to Luke. "What do you want?"

"I want to give you something."

"No, Luke, it's fine."

"I insist."

"You don't need to. Your words are enough."

"Please, take it." Luke holds out the dark amulet, matching the one around his neck.

"No, no, Luke, you really don't have to."

Luke's expression changes to that of annoyance, "I insist."

Nashi, nervous, approaches the amulet.

"No!" Alice yells, unable to stay silent any longer.

"Be quiet, mother," Luke barks at Alice, "I'm trying to make amends with my dear big sister."

Alice slinks back, feeling defeated.

"Take it," Luke demands, looking back at Nashi.

Nashi slowly looks over toward the amulet, glistening in the light through the castle's stained glass windows. She approaches carefully, with each step, Luke's smile broadens. Nashi reaches over and touches the amulet, and then wears a face of surprise.

"Is there something wrong?" Luke asks?

Nashi's face relaxes. "Oh, little brother, I'm perfectly fine."

Luke's smile broadens. "Perfect."

Luke exits the throne room, and Nashi stays behind with Alice.

"Nashi?" Alice asks.

Nashi gives no response.