Night of Waterfalls (Venom Series 2)

Chapter 75

Dedicated to: Mherybeth Acaylar Esatam

Hello, angels, thank you for making it this far! I am a bit emotional writing this chapter. Happy reading! I might post the epilogue on Friday. Medyo mahaba. Huhu. I have recommended music to enjoy reading this chapter. Thank you!

Chapter 75: Night of Waterfalls

I came back.

I might have regained all my strength with Claret's blessing, but my knees buckled the moment I stepped inside the mirror. I collapsed onto my stomach with Astrid's weight behind my back. This time, I buried my face in the dried land of the mirror, shouting and crying out all my frustrations as I continuously hit my fist on it as if that could channel all my emotions.

I thought that was it. I managed to take Astrid outside— I saved her and fulfilled my promise, but in the end, I caused too much pain, not just for Rosh but also for my mate.

Paulit-ulit bumabalik sa alaala ko kung paano magmakaawa sa akin si Rosh, kung paano nagtutulong-tulong ang lahat para pigilan siya, at maging ang paraan ng pagtitig sa akin ni Tobias.

Rosh was begging with his words, but my mate was begging with his eyes. I knew how he longed for me the first time his arms held me when I came out of the mirror—but it was the same arms embracing Rosh, holding his brother with eyes that couldn't fathom to witness his suffering.

I almost lost it when I saw how they forced him to close his eyes . . . just because I had made a terrible mistake.

Unti-unti akong bumangon at hinarap si Astrid. I held her in my arms. I embraced her just like Rosh embraced her. "I am sorry . . ."

My shoulders started to shake as I continuously whispered sorry to her.

As much as I wanted to listen to Rosh and give Astrid to him, I had to do something about my mistake. I didn't know. It was all my fault. I should have known better than to hurt someone who was already suffering. I promised him, but it wasn't my plan to give him this pain— way painful on what he had endured for years.

"I am sorry... buong akala ko ay maaari na kitang ilabas. Buong akala ko ay iyon ang tulong na nais na iparating ng asul na apoy. I got overwhelmed with the fact that for the first time... in my whole life as someone living in the dark, I can help— not just Rosh, but you— the woman in the pictures. You were my only constant in the field of darkness, Astrid, and saving you, bringing you to the place where I could see colors would make my heart light. Gusto kong bumawi sa 'yo— gusto kong tumulong. I wanted you to wake up because you deserve to experience the love waiting for you . . ."

I bit my lower lip, feeling the soreness in my throat as I forced myself to stop my sobs. My tears were wetting Astrid's hair as I buried my face in it.

"B-but I've caused your mate too much pain...I am an idiot! Rosh will hate me, Tobias will hate me, the Le'Vamueivos, Claret will be disappointed, and the princes of the prophecy . . . I failed everyone."

I kept hugging Astrid. I allowed myself to cry and talk to her. Hindi ko alam kung naririnig niya ako o kung nakikita niya ako sa ibang dimensyon, o 'di kaya'y naririnig niya ako sa panaginip, ngunit ang tanging nais ko lang maramdaman niya sa mga oras na ito ay ang mainit na yakap ko.

"Believe me, I don't want to cause anyone trouble. I don't want to cause pain. I just wanted to help."

Iniyak ko nang iniyak ang lahat ng nararamdaman ko hanggang sa makaramdam ako ng pagod. Dahan-dahan kong ibinaba si Astrid sa lupa. Huminga ako nang malalim at ganoon din ang ginawa ko. Ihiniga ko ang sarili ko sa lupa.

When I looked around, the place was the same as I had left it. There were no bright colors, only withered plants and flowers. Everyone was weakly bowing at us, and at any moment one might collapse or turn into dust. There was no wind again, but it was so hot that I felt I was melting.