[1st POV - Reynolds Leywin]
I couldn't believe it. No, I refused to believe it. Both of my sons, Arthur and Cain... gone?
"NO! NOO! NO, NO, NO, NO!"
This couldn't be happening!
As I struggled to get up from the ground, desperate to jump off the cliff and save my sons, Durden firmly held me back, preventing me from taking that fatal leap.
I knew deep down that it was too late. Whatever had happened, had already happened. But I couldn't bear the thought of just standing there, helpless and idle.
"Let go of me! My sons! They're still alive! I have to save them! Please..."
Durden remained resolute, unmoving, as Adam rushed to his aid, joining forces to restrain me, ensuring I wouldn't make that fateful jump.
"Please, Rey. You have to hold yourself together. There's no easy way to say this, but... it's impossible for them to have survived that fall, not even for an adult mage, let alone a child," Adam's usually playful and relaxed demeanor gave way to a solemn expression, avoiding direct eye contact.
"Adam is right. You need to gather yourself. Alice needs you now, especially because she is pregnant," Durden muttered, his voice filled with concern.
They were right, of course. Deep down, I knew it too. But why? Why was my body failing me now, preventing me from comforting my wife in her time of need?
"AAAAHHHHH!!!" I broke down into tears, my emotions overwhelming me, and darkness consumed my consciousness.
~=~=~=~=~
As I regained consciousness, I noticed Helen by my side, holding a wet towel against my forehead.
"You're finally awake," she said, her smile forced and sympathetic, lacking the usual confidence she exuded.
I ignored Helen's presence and sat up, my face buried in my hands.
"This can't be real, can it? Please, tell me it's just a nightmare. I'll wake up and see Art and Cain playing with Jasmine and Adam," I whispered, my voice filled with desperation.
...
"I'm so sorry..." Helen managed to utter, her voice choked with tears as she too succumbed to the overwhelming grief.
The tent flap rustled, and Durden entered, his eyes bloodshot from crying.
"Reynolds, I can't even begin to comprehend the pain you're feeling right now... Alice needs you. She blames herself, Rey. She thinks you blame her for the loss of your children," Durden spoke, his voice trembling with his own sorrow.
...
I was rendered speechless, turning away from him without uttering a word.
Suddenly, a sharp jerk on my face snapped my attention back to the present. I felt the sting of Durden's large hand connecting with my cheek, causing a jolt of pain to surge through me.
"Reynolds! We had to stop Alice from taking her own life! This is not the time to wallow in self-pity! Get up and take care of the only family member you have left!" he growled, his voice filled with anger.
It was the first time I had witnessed Durden, who was usually composed, so infuriated.
In a daze, I managed to nod, my mind still reeling from the impact of his strike. With unsteady steps, I made my way toward my wife's tent.
I spotted my wife curled up in a ball under a blanket, with Angela comforting her by her side.
I exchanged a meaningful glance with Angela, and she understood my intention. She nodded and quietly left the tent.
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TBATE: Shadows Of The Past
FanfictionA soul finds itself in a new world, reincarnated in the body of a new born. He soon finds out that his world isn't as simple as it is. With the help of magic, will he be able to grow to overcome any and all his challenges? Or will he ultimately end...
