NIGHTMARE : Lie Lies In Eyes

14. Fifty Strokes

I knew what she would choose, and I braced myself for the inevitable. Closing my eyes, I prepared to face the chilling embrace of the icy water below.

In the depths of my mind, a haunting realization took hold - once submerged, I would be at the mercy of the freezing depths, unable to extricate myself from the perilous situation. With Ashley's absence, I knew that there would be no one to come to my aid, no one to pull me from the brink.

As Morgan's decision echoed through the hall, choosing herself, the rope of the pulley lurched downward with a jolt, dragging me inexorably towards the icy depths below. Yet, as I descended into the depths, suddenly I felt as if earth halted rotating. I realized that I was suspended just inches above the surface, the blue flames dancing tantalizingly close to my fingertips.
I looked up to find Morgan, her determined gaze locking with mine as she gripped my hand firmly.

A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I gazed up at Morgan. "What are you doing?" I asked, my voice tinged with a mixture of amusement and gratitude.

Morgan's response was matter-of-fact, her tone laced with a hint of teasing concern,"Aren't you scared of that fuming water?"

I couldn't help but smirk in response.

Denevier came rushing in to lend a helping hand. Together, they worked tirelessly to hoist me from the brink.

In the aftermath of our ordeal, I reached out to pull Morgan into an embrace, claiming my gratitude. However, her composure remaining steadfast as she shrugged me off.

As the dust settled and the results of the game were announced, Felipe emerged victorious.

How?

He chose to risk his own well-being to ensure the safety of his fellow teammate, as he's skilled enough to save himself.
After ensuring that his comrade was safe and sound, he found himself perched upon the rocks.

The game concluded that a leader should always be skilled enough to protect himself but saving his comrades must be his first priority.

As I scanned the notice posted on the bulletin board about Heaven, my eyes fell upon the ominous words detailing Ashley's impending punishment - Fifty Strokes.
A sense of dread washed over me as I pondered the severity of the punishment.
However, my curiosity turned to guilt as Morgan revealed the punishment. It was my fault - my actions had inadvertently led to Ashley's predicament.

With a heavy heart, I watched as Ashley was summoned to The Hall of Demon God.

In the heart of the room, Ashley stood poised upon a small pedestal, her gaze fixed upon the ominous dice at its center. Surrounding her were four imposing dragon statues.

As Lucifer approached a lever near the door, a palpable tension filled the air, anticipation mingling with dread as the dragons' crimson eyes ignited with a fiery glow. With a single pull of the lever, the statues sprang to life, their serpentine tongues unfurling into long, spiked lashes that lashed out with merciless precision.

With each strike, Ashley flinched in pain, her stoic facade crumbling beneath the relentless assault. The room echoed with her moan as each blow placed.

For fifty agonizing strokes, she must endure the punishment, her resilience tested to its limits as she braved the onslaught with unwavering resolve.

This was fifty strokes.

I stood witness to Ashley's ordeal, a surge of anguish washed over me, each strike inflicting a fresh pang of guilt upon my conscience. She had been my pillar of support, extending a hand of friendship when I needed it most, and now, she bore the bruises she never deserved.

As the strokes intensified, I reached my breaking point. The anguish of watching my friend endure such punishment became unbearable.
A hand gently covered my eyes, and a voice whispered, "It's hard to witness your friend's suffering. Let me help you through this."

Gaia dragged me to a quiet corner of the corridor, where we stood face to face near a window. The chill of the wind cut through the air, adding to the somber atmosphere.

Emma:. It's all your fault. (Tears streamed down my cheeks).

Gaia:. (Wiping away my tears teasingly). Oh, darling. Nethers don't shed tears. You wouldn't want the school to uncover your secret, would you? You did well today.

Emma:. I want to quit. I can't listen to you anymore.

Gaia:. Giving up already? Have you made up your mind? Are you sure?

(She grabbed my hair).

Gaia:. Listen here, you. Did you enjoy watching your friend suffer? Do you want to experience it too? Think about it. Liars are betrayers, and betrayers never escape punishment. You can't bear to witness these petty penalties, yet you dare to consider enduring them. You can't even fathom the torment awaiting those like you who deceive, mock the school, Father, and everyone else. You want to know what it's like? It's a hellish existence, where you'd wish for death but find no release. Even if you try to end your physical suffering, your soul will remain trapped within, tormented by endless despair.

I guessed how it felt like.

As she loosened her grip, her touch softened, caressing my hair. "Good," she said. "Listen to my advice, and I'll protect you. Stay in my shadow, and I'll never let you burn."
With a smile, she turned and walked away.

Ashley staggered into the dormitory, her energy depleted and her body trembling. With faltering steps, she struggled to maintain her balance until Morgan reached out to steady her. Sensing her distress, I hurried over to offer my support. Leader Eden barged into the room, without hesitation, he beckoned us to follow him along with Ashley.

We trailed after him, made our way to a chamber The Eminent Healer.
The air was thick with the scent of medicinal potions, their colorful hues shimmering in the dim light. He flicked his wrist holding harp and asked us to retrieve Ashley's harp.

"The harp and Ashley's soul are linked," he explained, his voice carrying a solemn tone. "Each soul is connected to its shield, in other words, its weapons. The weapon is the soul's protector or healer."

He cast a spell upon Ashley's harp, and the harp began to glow with a soft, ethereal light, mirroring the rejuvenation that washed over Ashley's weary form. Though scars remained as reminders of her ordeal, she regained her strength and senses.

In a heartfelt gesture, Ashley embraced us, her words filled with sincerity as she expressed her gratitude to Leader Eden.

Ashley:. Don't worry about me. I'm all good now.

Emma:. You know which is the most difficult time I have encountered till date? Now. I wanted to apologise and admit that it's all my fault. But I can't. I want to hug you tightly and ask if you are really okay. But I can't. I deadly want to cry my eyes out, but I can't. Just because I'm a Nether. Take care. Cause if I stay a little longer, I'll lose my control.

__________________________

Fortunately, I arrived at home. I was confused how I was feeling. Was it fear or guilt?
Tossing and turning on bed, I remembered that Summer Festival was around the corner, a brief distraction from my turmoil.

Never had I imagined that such a lively celebration would take place within the confines of The Grandiose. Stepping into the fairgrounds, I was captivated by the enchanting decorations that adorned every corner. Vibrant flowers bloomed, lanterns cast a soft glow, and bags of fireflies illuminated the atmosphere, casting a magical aura over the surroundings. Thousands of pretty smiles were glowing even in the morning sky.

In the blink of an eye, the morning sky turned into a mourning doom.