INCENSE

Chapter 38

I slowly walk towards the altar. Hindi maitago ni Rupert ang saya nito. His expression if ful of joy and excitement. I smirk at the thought. Papunta pa lang tayo sa exciting part. I finally stood in front of the altar. Rupert lends his hand to me. Hindi na ako nagdalawang-isip na hindi kunin ang kamay nito. I quickly grab hold of his hand when it meets his palms, pulling him closer to me as I thrust the dagger into his face, but he reacted quickly and started to slide. Natamaan ko siya sa kanang pisngi nito. He wipes the blood on his cheeks. Nagulat siya sa ginawa ko at umatras ito sa akin. Natakot ang pari at akmang tatakbo na ito nang biglang paslangin siya ni Rupert. I didn’t move a single muscle. Lumabas din ang totoong kulay mo.

“Adel, what the hell did you do? Ah, you've ruined everything already. If you'll apologize to me, I'll accept it. You're so stubborn Adel. Just be obedient and do what I say. We don't need to be in a state like this. I'll forget all you did.”  He said.

“Wala kang karapatang sabihin yan sa akin. You’re a psycho!”

“How did it happen? Impossible! The drug is to strong?!” he screamed in surprise. He finally realized na nawala na ang epekto ng amnesia na ipinainom niya sa akin.
“Do you think you can have everything you want Rupert? No, hinding-hindi kita mamahalin at mas lalong hindi ako magpapakasal sayo. Kung mamamatay man ako ngayon, sisiguraduhin kong mauuna ka sa akin.” I started to attack him. He never fights back and instead his avoiding my strikes. Magkahalong takot at galit ang naghahari sa katawan ko. I never hesitated in this moment. Kahit hindi ako magaling sa pakikipaglaban, I’ll do everything to win this my own way. Hindi nagtagal ay hinampas niya ang kamay kong may hawak na patalim at dahil doon ay tumapon ito. He then grabs me forcefully and grip may arms at my back. He is now holding me tightly.

“Stop this Adel or you will suffer.” He whispered.

“Just kill me already.” I said.

Biglang tumunog ang gong. It served as a countdown indication for the execution, which will begin when the three gongs have sounded and the criminal will be beheaded. No it can’t be.

“Did you hear that? Any minute, he will be beheaded. Poor thing but he deserves that. Right Adel?”

“Noo! Let go of me!” pagpupumiglas ko.
Time is running. I need to get there at the plaza to save the king. Bigla kong tinapakan ang paa niya at agad naman akong nakawala sa pagkakahawak nito sa akin. I saw a cup of candle on the side corner of the altar table and throw it onto his face making the glass broke and hit his right eye and making his skin burn with the melted candle. Napaupo ito sa sahig sa sobrang sakit. The second gong sounded. Oh no! I need to hurry! What should I do? Hindi ako makakaabot nito. Then I remember what the stone said, ‘call when in need.’ Kinuha ko ang bato at I started to chant to call for help. I hold on to it as I close my eyes.

"I Melishanti, the mother, the savior, and the guardian of heaven and earth. I hereby summon my descendants, commanding them to judge the wicked and grant the righteous light and pure.”

Suddenly, the stone floats up in the air and began to crack and breaks until it was vanish. The ground began to shake. The daylight turns dark and the rumbling and thunderclouds appears. The ancient dragon's cry could be heard as a magic circle appeared on top of the clock tower and it then emerged from the circle. Along with several other dragons, Dinara emerged from the magical circle. I was shocked by what I had just witnessed. I never expected how big a force the stone may have.

“H-how could it be? T-he dragons…” Rupert forces his self to talk despite of his state. He was clutching his body on the ground while holding his right eye.

Kinuha ko ang tumilapong patalim at linapitan ko siya. Agad naman itong umatras. I throw the dagger behind him.

“You are a coward Rupert but I’m not like you, I’ll spare you. You’ll have to atone for what you did as long as you live till you die.”

I saw Dinara outside the clock tower. I ripped the end of my gown. Umatras ako ng kaunti at tamakbo papunta sa labas kung saan si Dinara. Natatakot man sa sobrang taas ng lokasyon ko at hindi ako sigurado kung masasalo ako ng dragon. I don't waste time thinking; instead, I dash towards the window, breaking the glass as I jump from the back of the dragon, crossing my arms over my face and squeezing my eyes shut. Nang makasampa na sa dragon ay sinabihan ko ito.

“Dinara, Bring me to the plaza.” I ordered.  I saw the people in chaos and the stage with the chained king engulfed in flames. I’m on my way, please hold on.