Chereads / Ariel's demons / Chapter 19 - Embers of Hope

Chapter 19 - Embers of Hope

As Henry and Solomon rode back to Emberhaven, the silence between them grew thick with unspoken concerns. Solomon's mind wandered back to Nahar, his thoughts consumed by the weight of his decision.

"I do not feel well, brother," Solomon said, breaking the silence.

Henry turned to him, eyes narrowed. "What troubles you, Solomon?"

Solomon's gaze drifted toward the horizon. "Nahar. I fear I've made a grave mistake."

Henry's expression remained skeptical. "You did what was necessary, Solomon. She's a Persian prisoner."

Solomon's unease intensified. "But what if we've sentenced her to death?"

Henry's brow furrowed. "You're thinking with your heart, Solomon. Nahar's fate is no longer our concern."

Solomon's grip on the reins tightened. "I feel it, Henry. A sense of dread. As if Nahar's in trouble."

Henry's skepticism began to waver. "What are you suggesting?"

Solomon's voice took on a sense of urgency. "We must turn back. We have to ensure Nahar's safety."

Henry's eyes widened. "You can't be serious. We can't risk war with Persia."

Solomon's jaw clenched. "If she was sent by the Persian army to attack us then we are already at war."

Henry hesitated, then nodded. "Very well, brother. We'll return to Persia."

Together, they turned their horses around, racing against time to reach Nahar.

As they galloped, Solomon's connection to Nahar grew stronger. He sensed her fear, her desperation.

"We must hurry, Henry," Solomon urged.

Henry's face set in determination. "We'll get to her, Solomon."

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the landscape in a golden glow. Solomon's anxiety intensified, his heart pounding in his chest.

They had to reach Nahar before it was too late.

With every passing moment, Solomon's conviction grew: he would not abandon Nahar to her fate.

The Persian borders loomed ahead, and Solomon's resolve hardened. They would rescue Nahar, no matter the cost.

Nahar's frantic breaths echoed through the palace corridors as General Nikos closed in. Her lead dwindled, and desperation clawed at her heart. A narrow window beckoned, and she leapt toward freedom.

Time slowed as Nahar plummeted toward the ground. Her ankle twisted, snapping beneath her weight. Agony exploded through her leg, and a scream tore from her lips.

Before she could gather her wits, General Nikos grasped her hair, yanking her backward. Nahar's vision blurred, pain searing her scalp.

"You'll pay for your treachery," Nikos snarled.

Miles away, Solomon's chest convulsed with a sudden, searing pain. His patience snapped, and he leapt from his horse. Energy surged through his veins, propelling him forward.

Henry's concerned voice faded into the background as Solomon vanished into the horizon.

Nahar's world narrowed to the agony and General Nikos's merciless grip. When all hope was lost, she had accepted her fate and was ready to, a flicker of hope – a familiar presence stirred within her.

Solomon.

His energy resonated with hers, growing stronger by the second.

Outside the Persian camp, Nahar's torturers reveled in her suffering. But she felt it – Solomon's approach.

A fierce determination burned within her.

And then, a flash of light illuminated the darkening landscape. Solomon emerged, his flames blazing like a comet.

Nahar's eyes locked onto his, and for an instant, their connection silenced the chaos.

Solomon's gaze incinerated the distance between them. His flames danced with fury, ready to consume all in their path.

The Persian soldiers froze, transfixed by the inferno raging toward them.

With a battle cry, Solomon charged into the fray, his flames scorching the earth.

Nahar's captors fled, abandoning her broken form.

As Solomon reached her side, his flames died, replaced by an anguish that rivaled the stars.

"Nahar," he whispered, gathering her gently into his arms.

Tears streamed down Nahar's face, mingling with the dirt and blood.

Solomon's touch ignited a warmth that spread through her shattered body. For the first time in years, Nahar felt safe.

In that moment, Solomon knew he'd move mountains to protect her. Their bond, forged in fire and blood, would never be broken.