The Heir and the Humble

Full moon again!

As the full moon rose high in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over the kingdom, Devraj prepared for the sacred ritual that lay ahead. The air was thick with anticipation, but he felt a weight on his heart. He knew that this ceremony would require another sacrifice that was deeply personal, and he was determined to keep Anika away from it.

In the quiet of the palace, Anika approached him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Devraj garu, it's full moon night again! Can I come with you this time?"

Devraj hesitated, his heart aching at the thought of denying her. "Anika, I... I can't let you come with me this time," he said gently, trying to soften the blow.

Her expression shifted from excitement to confusion. "Why not? I want to be there with you. It's important to you, so does to me!"

He took a deep breath, searching for the right words. "This ritual is different. It requires deep concentration and... and sacrifices. I can't perform it with you there. It would distract me."

Anika's brow furrowed in concern. "But I want to support you! You shouldn't have to do this alone. What if something goes wrong?"

Devraj stepped closer, taking her hands in his. "I promise I'll be back safe and sound. I'll sleep in your arms tonight, just like always. But I need to do this alone. It's for the best."

Tears welled in Anika's eyes as she searched his face for reassurance. "Devraj garu, please. I don't want to be left out. I want to share this with you, whatever it is."

He shook his head, his resolve firm. "You don't understand. This isn't just a simple ritual. It's a matter of life and death for our family. I can't risk being distracted. I need to focus completely."

Anika's voice trembled as she pleaded, "But what if you need me? What if something happens?"

Devraj cupped her face in his hands, looking deep into her eyes. "I need you to trust me. I will do everything in my power to protect us. Just stay here and pray for me, and I promise I'll return. You'll be the first person I see when I come back."

With a heavy heart, Anika nodded, though uncertainty lingered in her gaze. "Okay, Just... please be careful."

"I will," he assured her, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. "I'll be back before you know it."

As he turned to leave, Devraj felt a pang of guilt for keeping her in the dark about the true nature of the ritual. But he knew that this was a burden he had to bear alone. With Yuvi by his side, he stepped into the night, the full moon illuminating their path as they ventured into the depths of the sacred garden, ready to face the challenges that awaited them.

As Devraj approached the ancient temple, the air grew thick with the scent of incense and the sound of chanting filled his ears. The moon hung high above, casting a silvery light that illuminated the stone structure, making it appear almost ethereal. Yuvi stood at the entrance, his expression serious but supportive.

"Dev, you made it," Yuvi said, his voice low. "Are you ready for this?"

Devraj nodded, though a knot of anxiety twisted in his stomach. "I have to be. Let's get this over with."

They entered the temple, where a circle of priests awaited them, their robes flowing like shadows in the moonlight. The high priest, an imposing figure with a long white beard, stepped forward and began to chant ancient mantras, his voice resonating through the sacred space. Devraj took his rightful place at the center of the circle, feeling the weight of the moment settle upon him.

As the chanting intensified, Devraj closed his eyes, focusing on the rhythm of the words and the energy surrounding him. He felt a connection to the moon goddess, a pull that urged him to surrender to the ritual. After several minutes, the high priest raised his hands, signaling for silence.

"The moon goddess has spoken," he declared, his voice echoing in the stillness. "She demands a sacrifice, but this time, it is not blood that she seeks. Instead, she asks for a deep memory, one that holds great significance to you."

Devraj closed his eyes, contemplating the memories that flooded his mind. He thought of his childhood, the laughter shared with Anika, the lessons learned from his mother, and the moments of joy that had shaped him. But one memory stood out above the rest: the day he had first held his late Father's hand, feeling his warmth and love. It was a moment of pure connection, one that had given him strength throughout his life.

"I will sacrifice that memory," Devraj finally declared, his voice firm. "The day I held my father's hand and felt his love. It is a memory that has guided me, but I will release it for the sake of our family and the kingdom."

The high priest's eyes filled with tears. "Dev, are you sure? If you do this, you'll never be able to remember the moments you have with your father."

"I know," he replied, his heart heavy. "But I believe this is what the goddess requires. It is time for me to let go."

Devraj's heart raced. A memory? He had prepared himself for a blood sacrifice, but this was different. He thought of his beloved late father, the man who had shaped him into the person he was today. The memories of his father's laughter, his guidance, and the lessons he had imparted flooded his mind.

With a heavy heart, Devraj knew what he had to do. "I will sacrifice the memories of my father," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "His love and wisdom have guided me, but I will release them for the sake of our family and the kingdom."

The high priest nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the sacrifice. "Very well. Focus on that memory, Devraj. Visualize it clearly, and when you are ready, release it into the moonlight."

Devraj closed his eyes tightly, conjuring the image of his father. He remembered the warmth of his embrace, the way his eyes sparkled with pride, and the sound of his voice encouraging him to be brave. It was a memory that had always brought him strength, but now, he felt a bittersweet ache as he prepared to let it go.

"I release this memory to you, O Moon Goddess," he whispered, his voice trembling. "May it bring strength and protection to my family."

As he spoke, a gentle breeze swept through the temple, and the moonlight seemed to shimmer brighter, enveloping him in its glow. Devraj felt the memory begin to fade, replaced by a profound emptiness. It was as if a part of his soul was being drawn away, leaving behind a bittersweet ache.

The high priest raised his arms to the sky, invoking the blessings of the goddess. "May your sacrifice be honored, Devraj. May the moon goddess protect you and your family, and may your love for her guide you in the days to come."

As the ritual concluded, Devraj opened his eyes, feeling a mix of sorrow and strength. He had given up a piece of himself, but he also felt a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges ahead would be daunting, but he was ready to face them, knowing that his family stood beside him, united in love and sacrifice.

With Yuvi by his side, Devraj stepped out of the temple, the full moon illuminating their path as they ventured back into the night, ready to embrace whatever lay ahead.