On my way to hell

chapter 11

Christopher Barone

Walking beside her, back to the castle, was the first time I truly felt like I was returning home—like home wasn't a place, but the feeling of being with her.

Her beauty was unlike anything I had ever seen—a quiet, ethereal grace that shone even in the dim light of dusk. As we walked across the field, her eyes were wide with wonder, absorbing the world like a child seeing it for the first time. She wandered slowly, her fingers occasionally brushing against the tall grass, as if the simple act of touching the earth brought her comfort. It was then that I realized—she had always seen darkness as something to be feared, as a place where dangers lurked. But there was so much more to it, a beauty hidden within, just like her. A depth she had yet to fully grasp.

"You know," I said, breaking the comfortable silence, "when the light shines here, it becomes even more beautiful."

She glanced at me, her expression curious. "How so?"

I looked up at the sky, where heavy clouds obscured the three suns that usually illuminated our land. "Right now, the suns are hidden, but when they break through, the world lights up like something out of a dream. Each sun casts a different color—one golden, one crimson, and the last a deep, calming blue. When they're all shining together, it's like the entire land comes to life. The trees shimmer as if they're made of gold, the flowers bloom in shades you can't even name, and the air sparkles with magic."

I paused, watching her as she turned her gaze back to the field, her expression softening. "But even now, in the shadow of those clouds, there's still beauty here. It's quieter, subtler, but it's there—just like you."

Her lips parted, a small smile forming as she looked at me, her eyes reflecting the fading light. "I've always known about the three suns," she said, her voice thoughtful. "But I never really stopped to appreciate them. I was always too distracted, too caught up in everything else."

I nodded, understanding. "It's easy to miss when you're constantly running. But darkness isn't just danger—it holds its own kind of beauty. You just need to take a moment to see it."

She paused for a moment, looking up at the darkened sky as if seeing it in a new way. "I suppose I never gave myself the chance to notice. It was always about survival, about keeping my guard up."

Her vulnerability in that moment struck me, and I felt an overwhelming need to protect her from the very shadows she had once feared. "You don't have to keep running," I said quietly. "There's more to this world than the dangers you've faced. There's light, there's magic, and there's a place for you in it."

She looked at me, her eyes searching mine as if weighing the truth of my words. Then, with a gentle sigh, she nodded. "I think I'm starting to see that now."

I knew she still had her guard up, but I was determined to help her break those walls down, bit by bit. She deserved to feel safe, to know she had a place here, even if she wasn't ready to see it yet. My mind wandered, filled with thoughts of how I could ease her fears, make her feel at home.

"Bro, leave my sister-in-law alone and let her meet her friend!" Rian's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I looked down, realizing I was still holding her hand. I hadn't even noticed we'd reached the castle. Embarrassed, I quickly let go, feeling caught. Rian stood there with a teasing grin, clearly enjoying the moment.

"You were so lost in her, you didn't even realize where you were," Rian quipped, smirking as he folded his arms.

I shot him a look, trying to play it cool. "I wasn't that lost. Just... thinking."