The Last Moon Keeper (Great Eclipse #1)

Chapter 58: After Dark

Chapter 58: After Dark

I was thrust into complete pitch-black darkness. All the noise abruptly cuts off and all is silent.

As if I was erased from existence with my eyes open and I could see nothing at all. The only evidence of my being is the pounding of my heart and the cool air in my lungs.

However, for some reason, this claustrophobic feeling of darkness is so familiar.

I just entered a world where Emperor Lideon is absolute. Where he could attack me anytime. He probably knows that I'm already here.

Napahawak ako sa Einmaraw at dahan-dahan itong hinugot. I let the blade graze my skin, enough to make a small cut.

When I felt the stinging pain, my dungan thrummed into my veins, and I could feel my surroundings more clearly despite the lack of sight.

Good. No one is near me.

Tinandaan ko kaagad kung nasaan ang hilaga ko nang sa gayon kahit saan ako umikot ay hindi ako maliligaw sa dilim. Saka ako nagsimulang maglakad habang pinapakiramdaman ang paligid.

For a moment, the winds howled across the place like a forlorn beast.

Kailangan kong makarating sa palasyo at mahanap si Bakunawa kaagad.

Ilang minuto rin akong naglalakad sa dilim. Ni kaluskos ay wala akong marinig. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang magdalawang isip kung talaga bang nasa kapitolyo ako.

I wonder if Lawin arrived and met up with Raksasa by now. Sana ayos lang silang lahat.

Natigil ako sa pag-iisip nang bigla akong may maamoy. The stink became overpowering as I approached. It's a sickly stench of feces and metallic tang of blood.

Sunod nito'y may naapakan akong malambot na bagay. Humigpit kaagad ang hawak ko sa Einmaraw at pinakiramdaman ng mabuti ang paligid ko.

My brows furrowed when I sensed no signs of danger and movement.

Napapalunok akong lumuhod at sinubukang hawakan kung ano iyong naapakan ko. Ice frosted over my skin in a cold sweat when I realized what it is. A hand.

Don't tell me it's one from Prince Reigo's army? Or a Capitol knight?

I immediately checked its pulse and sighed when it was it was no longer there.

Tumayo na lang muli ako at ipinagpatuloy ang paglalakad. Kahit wala akong makita, I could feel the bodies that I'm stepping on and it made the hairs on my body stand at their ends.

Hindi ko maiwasang maisip uli ang Manululsul.

This was clearly an another battlefield. A massive graveyard.

Naikuyom ko ang mga palad ko at nagsimula ng tumakbo habang lumilingon sa paligid. Kahit papaano'y nasasanay na rin ang mga mata ko sa dilim.

I crossed over short, arched bridges and ran through abandoned streets. Ang tanging maririnig lamang ay ang mga yapak ko.

The Imperial Palace is near the place where Bakunawa's public execution was held. Right now I'm sure I'm already close.

Pero nakapagtataka na tila hindi umaatake si Emperador Lideon. What is he planning?

I was about to turn to a corner when suddenly a sound catches my ear. A trickle of water.

My feet immediately halted and looked over the direction it was coming from as I catch my breath.

"Tiyak akong walang kahit na anong ilaw ang makakapasok sa loob ng kapitolyo," ani Lawin sa akin, "Kaya sundan mo ang pinanggagalingan ng tubig. Sa paraang iyon mo lamang mahahanap si Bakunawa."