The air heavy with anxiety, the winds howling as the troop made their way across the precarious mountain pass. The odd, unearthly energy crackling in the sky above them told them that they were getting close to their next destination, the Temple of Hou Yi. But much more deadly than the physical obstacles they faced were the emotional currents within the group.
With her gaze fixed on the trail ahead, Eira led the way, but her thoughts were elsewhere. Even though she kept her distance from Alaric, her heart raced every time his heavy boots crunched through the snow behind her. Since their first meeting, Alaric has served as both her confidant and guardian. But as their relationship grew, her dread of losing him also did. He was a guy burdened with guilt, afflicted with a curse that would never go away unless he made amends for a transgression he would not discuss.
Alaric sensed the increasing tension between them as well. His emotions towards Eira had developed beyond a simple obligation. She was the reason he had any chance left of being saved, not merely the child he had pledged to protect. But with the shadow of his history hanging over him, he felt he had no claim to her heart.
The only sound that broke the agonizing silence between them was the occasional sharp wind. Ever the observer of tension, Lysandra approached Eira with a knowing smile. You realize that holding things within is detrimental to your health. Particularly with concerns of the heart?
Eira gave her a stern look. "I'm not sure what you're discussing."
Lysandra mocked, "Oh please, you're practically radiating with longing and confusion." You know, Alaric's not the only one with a curse. Although it's clear that you two care for one another, you're both too prideful to acknowledge it.
Eira's cheeks became red. "It's not really that easy."
With a softer tone, Lysandra said, "Nothing ever is." "But you might not get another chance if you don't act on how you're feeling right now."
Biting her lip, Eira averted her gaze. Although Lysandra's statements were true, how could she love someone as shattered as Alaric? Given that the prophecy could require her, how could she possibly risk losing his life before this voyage was completed?
There appeared to be unsaid whispers humming in the air between Eira and Alaric that night as they tented at the foot of the mountain. Their faces were covered in lengthy shadows as the fire flared between them. While Eira attempted to concentrate on the map in front of her, Alaric silently sharpened his sword, his eyes locked on the edge.
She finally reached her breaking point. "We need to talk, Alaric."
While his hand was still honing, he did not raise an eyebrow. "Relative to what?"
"You understand what?"
He remained silent for an extended while. He sighed, put down his sword, and looked directly into her eyes. His glance had an immense weight, including all the things he was unable to express. "Eira, I'm unable to—
"Why not?" Even when her voice faltered, she continued. "Why are you putting distance between us? Although I know you love me, you cut me off whenever we get close.
Alaric's eyes darkened and his jaw tensed. "Because, Eira, I don't deserve you. I'm a guy cursed and here to stay. I've committed some horrible acts. If you were aware of—
Her wrath erupted as she interrupted, saying, "I don't care about your past!" "We've all made mistakes that we regret. However, we cannot continually evade it. We must confront it as a team.
With a start, Alaric jumped up, his large form enveloping her in a lengthy shadow. You're not understanding. The scourge It's more than simply a penalty. It carries a death penalty. Every day I have is a day that was taken from another. How could I expect you to love someone who is similar to me?
Eira stood up, her rage matching his now. "You failed to inquire. I'm presenting. I'm expressing my love for you right now, but you're too scared to take it.
Alaric appeared as like he would give way under the pressure of her statements for a brief period. However, he instantly turned aside, balling his fists at his sides. "Better is what you deserve."
A loud crack shook the tent before Eira could reply. Lysandra was standing with her dagger drawn, the blade glistening in the firelight, when she turned around. Her customary sly smile had vanished, giving way to a stern determination.
Alaric, you're correct. Lysandra remarked that her tone seemed oddly serene. "She is deserving of better."
Eira felt her heart sink. "What are you doing, Sandra?"
Lysandra's countenance was inscrutable as her eyes shifted between them. "I've been deceiving you all along. I'm more than simply a cunning thief with fast reflexes. I work for the deities. With her blade aimed at Eira, she took a step forward. "And no matter the cost, it is my mission to see that the prophecy comes to pass."
With his sword drawn, Alaric moved between them right away. "You're not going to touch her."
Lysandra squinted her eyes. "Alaric, I don't want to injure her. The world will perish if she doesn't carry out the prophesy, though. You believe that keeping her alive would protect her, but in reality, all you're doing is bringing death to ourselves.
Heart racing, treachery piercing through Eira through her as a sharp object. "You've been observing us from a distance all along? Was all you accomplished a lie?
For a brief second, Lysandra's expression softened. Not all of them. Eira, I had no intention of becoming friends with you. But there's nothing I can do. I have a mission from the gods, and I must complete it.
With a harsh snarl in his throat, Alaric clenched his sword hold. "You must first go through me."
Lysandra let out a sigh. "I thought you might say that."
She sprang at him in a flash, sending the camp into complete turmoil. As Alaric and Lysandra swung blades at each other, sending sparks and crackles into the darkness. Seeing with dread, she divided between the two individuals she had grown to believe.
But now the reality was evident. There was a tremendous weight in the air since Lysandra had betrayed them.
Alaric and Lysandra continued to combat, the earth giving way beneath their feet as their blows weighed down. Despite Lysandra's unparalleled speed, Alaric managed to stay upright because to his unwavering strength and perseverance. Alaric disarmed her with a final, strong swipe that sent her knife skittering across the camp.
With his eyes flaming with rage, Alaric brought his blade to Lysandra's throat while gasping deeply. "Please give me one reason not to end this now."
Panting and injured, Lysandra looked up at him with a dejected expression. "Because you recognize my accuracy."
Stepping forward, Eira's voice quivered with a blend of resolution and agony. "Lysandra... Is there no other option?
Shaking her head, Lysandra said. "I wish there was." However, our desires are meaningless to the gods. The prophesy is all that matters to them.
Eira's heart hurt. It was indisputable that the person she thought of as a friend had deceived her. It appeared that she would be the one to make the sacrifice required by the prophesy.
But something struck her as she watched Alaric, standing there, sword still ready to attack. She was not yet prepared to give up. She was not prepared to allow fate to decide her fate.
With a stern voice, Eira stated, "We'll find another way." "I refuse to give up. Not on us, not on this earth.
Alaric's gleam of optimism emerged for the first time that night as eyes relaxed. Even Lysandra's eyes twitched with regret, as if she was taken aback by Eira's persistence.
The night appeared to hold its breath, anticipating the next move, while the fire blazed and the stars winked overhead.