Lost souls

5 ☾ Promise

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Raor

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I feel the exhaustion wash over me, a cascade of energy accumulated from the tension of the previous moments, during which I can seriously say I saw death in the face.

If I had a shred of mental vigor, I would make a list of the absurdities I've witnessed.

Shall we talk about Zandeimath and her statement? "Going against you is certain death." From the way she looked at me, she understood something about me.

I think it's an exaggeration to believe I'm that strong, and I can't conceive having frightened her. What did she really mean?

"She's gone..." The prince exhales the air accumulated in his lungs. "I've made a mess, no one will be able to forgive me," he murmurs, speaking into the void.

"I've never seen a prince willing to promise his life," I point out to him, but with a hard tone, not wanting to be friendly or open.

Bell remembers it's better to talk to me, as the void won't answer him. His face is full of shadows, torments encrusted on his conscience.

"In short, you don't seem terrible," I say bluntly. It's unclear whether he or I am more awkward. "I saved you because I have vested interests. Try not to waste this opportunity."

From the window, the sun fights for its place in the sky and dissipates the fog: Zandeimath can't return in broad daylight, the danger is averted. She has definitely withdrawn.

All's well that ends well... more or less. Will it be enough for the Confessor? In the worst-case scenario, my battle in Ocleodathe only served to make me lose more health and to sacrifice Gazazhel's life needlessly... Gazazhel! Right! What happened to him?

"Why do I always forget important things?"

I go from zero to a thousand in a desperate run, leaving the prince alone, who weeps for his regrets.

The path is marked by new curses. I don't know which road is the right one to lead me out of the castle, and I spend a good half-hour fumbling through wrong corridors, empty rooms, misleading paths, and royal gardens.

"Where the fuck is the exit?" I shout, and I think they heard me on the other side of the world.

On the way in, I simply followed Vorax, so I couldn't memorize the correct way. I thank the dead Dragons when I breathe the fresh air outside and can head back onto the drawbridge.

I have no specific expectations, except one: to find Gazazhel's corpse somewhere, left voluntarily alone amidst a tumult of monsters.

I'm ready to search for his remains, a torn and bitten leg, or a body avidly drained of blood by demonic jaws...

"I was coming to find you, illustrious knight."

Caught off guard, a surprised groan escapes me: the road is blocked by the corpses of Lesser Demons, and I find Gazazhel alive and well, emerging from the trunk of a nearby tree.

He enjoys his moment of glory, grabs a corner of his white cloak, and makes a deep bow. "And here is the beautiful hero in shining armor, in perfect health! Were you worried?"

"...You misunderstood, I wasn't looking for you. I was just passing by," I joke, letting a slight smile escape.

My facial muscles relax. For once, I can sleep without thinking about the weight of another death.