"Eclipse"

CHAPTER 28: RUSHFORD KINSTON POV

I sneaked out of the palace quietly. This had now become a routine for me. I needed to meet Nicole today. Since the timings of our meetings were never fixed, it would be troublesome if I wasn't already there when he arrived.

The sun was quite bright today. As I looked up to admire the clouds adorning the sky, I noticed the sun slowly hiding behind them and the winds picking up speed.

"It's going to rain," I mumbled to myself. "No, please."

I started running toward my shop. It was quite far from the palace, which made me more anxious. I looked down and saw that small drops of water had already started falling. I increased my pace, but it felt like the rain was trying to compete with me.

In a moment, the sunny weather transformed into heavy rain.

Eclipse was near. "I can do it."

Suddenly, I tripped and  fell to the ground. The rain was at its peak. I tried to get up, but my legs had given up. I could see the shop from where I was, but I couldn't reach it.

No.

My heart felt like it was going to explode. My lips started quivering, and my hands trembled. I tried to hug myself, bringing my knees closer to my chest to lessen the impact of the rain, but the cruel downpour wouldn't let me find peace.

I felt uneasy. Flashes of images invaded my mind. I felt so weak. My neck felt like it was tied, and no sound could escape.

The sound of thunder scared me. It scared me out of my wits.

Death seemed easier than being in this moment.

I started hallucinating, hearing someone calling me.

"Ruki!"

It felt too real. I couldn't let my demons get the best of me.

"No, it's not real," I consoled myself.

"Ruki!"

I heard it again, closer this time. My ears were betraying me. I sensed someone approaching.

I tried to stop myself from false hope by covering my ears when I felt a warm touch around my hands.

I slowly looked up to see Nicole holding my hands. His face was a relief to my scarred soul.

"Please," I begged him.

He hugged me and whispered in my ear, "I'm here, don't worry."

He caressed my back and helped me up⁹. I couldn't understand what was happening. The only thing I felt was calmness.

My memory from there was blurry. The next thing I knew, I was inside Eclipse, wrapped in his coat. I felt safe.

I looked up to see Nicole brewing tea.

"Oh, do you feel better now?" His eyes filled with concern.

I nodded.

He handed me a cup. "Drink it. I don't know how to make it, but I tried my best."

I took a sip. "Is it good?" he asked.

"It's the worst," I said with a chuckle.

He frowned. "If you don't want it, just give it back to me."

"It's mine, and I won't give it to you," I told him.

"Anyway, thank you," I said.

"You didn't even like the tea," he said with a pout.

"For this, and also for outside," I said.

"It was nothing. Just drink it quickly and get some rest.”