Shivani: Of Power And Strength

Chapter 2: The Greatest Sacrifice

Before Alaric could say or do anything, he suddenly found himself inside a huge bubble. It was floating as far away from the crowd.

“Stop them! Don't let that thing escape!”

“Don't you dare touch my family!”

For what felt like hours, Alaric stayed rooted in his spot. He can also feel his daughter stirring on his arms, but he was too overwhelmed by the unexpected turn of events. He just stood there as he watched his brave wife fight to her last breath.

They were already a distance away when Alaric heard his wife's words.

Forgive me. I love you.

Blinking a few times, the vision of his beloved sacrificing herself for them invaded his mind like a tsunami.

Falling on his knees, he screamed as loud as he can. “Miriella!” It echoed until the depths of the abyss. He wanted to go back, but he knew that it was already too late. Their strong bond that kept his heart beating was utterly severed.

Alaric's mind lingered on the notion of hope that has now become useless. His heart shattered into millions of pieces as he continued to whisper her name. Just then, a single tear slid down from his eyes, followed by another one. Before he knew it, a steady stream of salty water flowed down his pale cheek.

His eyes were burning as his chest felt heavy as if it was filled with water. He could no longer see clearly. All he knew was that she was gone. Forever.

Thinking back, he already prepared himself for this day, however, he did notexpect a wicked trick playing with his plans. The result was as cruel as any deserted mirage.

He was only snapped out of his daze when he felt slight movements. Glancing down on his sleeping daughter, Alaric couldn't help, but marvel on how her birth caused so much pain, destruction and mystery.

Tracing her face carefully, he couldn't help, but smiled. She was perfect in every way. Time seemed to stop, and he somehow forgot all the recent events as he held his tiny girl in his arms. Her small body is very delicate, like a fragile doll. She also feels so light and smells divine.

“Don't worry, little one. I will be your protector for as long as I live, and my love for you will last for a lifetime.” Alaric carefully kissed her forehead. He was afraid of hurting her.

When he felt her tiny movements, he smiled even more, but it soon disappeared on his face. His eyes almost bulged out of its sockets. He even felt his blood draining from his face. His body was temporarily incapacitated, and he was rendered speechless as he stood there with an incredulous expression.

Alaric couldn't believe what he was seeing. He had never seen anything like this even in his worst nightmares. The adrenaline flew through his veins, but he can't even move a muscle. In front of him, his child's right eye was like a flame of burning inferno. However, her left eye was a black flame that formed a brilliant star. Soon enough, he saw the formation of a crown that slowly appeared on her forehead.

“How?” Alaric's brain stuttered for a moment as every part of his body tried to catch up. His face was already white as chalk, while his mouth was frozen wide open.

Before Alaric could do anything, a sudden flash filled the bubble. As soon as it was gone, he witnessed how her eyes morphed into a shade of dark blue. Upon seeing the familiar color, he sighed like a slight spring breeze. They were exactly like his wife's.

His beloved. It was like a punch to his guts. How could he forget her! Just then, a sense of resolve suddenly returned to him as he hugged his daughter. He loved her more than himself, and he would do everything to protect her. He wouldn't let his wife's sacrifice to go in vain. “We love you so much, little one.”