Chains of Vengeance

Chapter 72: Proposal

The following morning, Narinder was awakened by the distant but clear crowing of a rooster, breaking the silence of dawn. He rose slowly, adjusting his robe with precise movements and brushing his fur, ensuring every strand was in place, just as he did every morning. As he stepped outside, the sun barely peeked over the horizon, casting a soft golden light across the cult grounds.

Before resuming his daily duties, a pig rushed toward him, visibly nervous, cheeks flushed, and hands trembling. "My lord," the pig began, his voice full of devotion. "Since you came to this cult, you've been an endless source of greatness. Like the sun that lights our lives, like the storm that fills us with fear and admiration. Every step you take echoes in our hearts; every word you speak is law inscribed upon our souls. You are the beacon that guides our fates, the god whose shadow we seek... I have admired you since the first day, and now I can no longer contain this feeling in my heart."

Narinder, stunned by such an effusive declaration, could only stare, his brow slightly furrowed, unsure of how to respond. Oblivious to Narinder's confusion, the pig knelt before him, eyes filled with hope. "I love you. Please, marry me."

Narinder narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. *"If I reject him,"* he considered, *"I'll lose faith, and the cult's devotion may waver. The Lamb had spouses throughout his leadership... Perhaps I could try love."* He weighed the implications coldly, while the pig remained motionless, waiting with a mix of anxiety and adoration.

*"A leader's bed is made for various... kinds of life. It might not be bad to share some vulnerability,"* he mused, though the word "vulnerability" tasted bitter. *"But I am not vulnerable. My heart holds only vengeance against my brothers."* Rage flickered in his mind, reminding him of his purpose, but his expression remained neutral.

Finally, he smiled gently but with authority. "I accept. But keep it secret—tell no one until the wedding."

The pig, overjoyed and filled with renewed faith, bounded away gleefully, his eyes shining with happiness. Narinder, his gaze serious, watched him leave. *"At least I avoided losing faith with that answer,"* he thought, his calculating mind already plotting his next steps.

He walked toward the cult's exit and approached the sealed portal of Silk Cradle. Placing his hand on the door, he snapped his fingers. The little pig appeared immediately, confused but obedient.

"My lord? What's going on?" the pig asked timidly.

Narinder regarded him calmly and replied, "I'm sorry. Don't take it personally... but I am not someone worthy of anyone's love. Goodbye."

The pig barely had time to react, letting out a soft gasp of surprise before the portal absorbed him, leaving no trace behind. With the Silk Cradle now open, Narinder, his emotions hardened once more, stepped through the gate.

Freed from the uncomfortable commitment he had accepted, a wave of relief washed over him, though his face betrayed nothing. With steady steps, he returned to the cult and went straight to the prison. There, the only guard—a border collie—stood watch, vigilant and devoted.

Narinder looked at him and said firmly, "From now on, you'll handle my errands."

The dog, unable to contain his excitement, bowed deeply before his god. "Your orders are mine to follow, my lord!"

Narinder, impassive, added, "Go to the pig's house. All his belongings are now yours. Continue his duties from now on."

The little dog, eyes gleaming with joy and a heart brimming with happiness, ran off eagerly toward the houses to fulfill his new role.

Once the guard was gone, Narinder approached Sozo, who remained locked in stocks, lost in a cloud of confusion and addiction. Narinder studied him intently and decided it was time to free him from his mental captivity. In a low but penetrating voice, he began to speak:

"Sozo, you've lived under an illusion, trapped by the darkness of mushrooms that have consumed you. They have twisted your mind, deceiving you into thinking they gave you power, but all they've done is steal your will. I am the true god, the only one you must serve. In my faith, there is no room for weakness, no submission to substances that lead you away from your purpose. Abandon the mushrooms, Sozo, and embrace the truth I offer. The clarity you seek lies in your devotion to me, not in the shadows of a false promise."

As Narinder spoke, the tension in the air grew heavy. The mushroom crowning Sozo's head—symbol of his enslavement to a clouded mind—began to wither, crumbling into dust. Sozo, now with a look of bewilderment, seemed to awaken from a long dream. The light in his eyes brightened as if he could see clearly for the first time in ages.

Narinder unlocked the stocks and gestured for Sozo to step forward.

Sozo—or rather, Dr. Sozonius—looked around, disoriented. "Where am I...? Where is my family...?"

His voice, no longer erratic, was steady and clear. "My name is Dr. Sozonius. I was researching the Mushroomos that inhabit Anura... strange beings, neither animal nor plant..." He paused, rubbing his head. "They gave me mind-killing mushrooms, and then... that's the last thing I remember."

He turned to Narinder, a mix of gratitude and confusion on his face. "I feel I owe you something. You have my loyalty. I'll stay here and serve you."

Narinder was surprised. Sozo—no, Dr. Sozonius—now spoke with a clarity that had never shown before. The transformation was undeniable, and for a moment, Narinder stood speechless. He had expected to gain a follower but had awakened a brilliant mind trapped by darkness.

Finally, Narinder nodded. "Your loyalty will be rewarded, Dr. Sozonius. There is much for you to do here. Now that your mind is clear..."

Narinder, weariness clouding his eyes yet keeping his composure, watched as Dr. Sozonius slowly walked off to rest. He knew the ant's mind had been trapped for far too long, and now, free, it needed time to recover. With a soft but firm gesture, Narinder sent him away. "Go and restore your strength. The path ahead will demand all your power."

After ensuring that Sozonius went to rest, Narinder made his way to where Jalala slept. He walked with determination, his footsteps echoing through the quiet cult. Upon arrival, he woke her from her restless slumber.

"Are you ready to join my faith?" Narinder asked coldly, leaning slightly toward her.

Jalala's eyes blazed with fury, and with contempt, she spat, "You're a false idol! The Lamb was the only pure being in this world, and you will never measure up to him!"

Narinder stared at her with disdain and replied with a bored tone, "Haven't you said that before? You're getting repetitive."

With a swift motion, he pulled several ripe, red tomatoes from his crown. Without hesitation, he hurled one directly at Jalala's chin.

"YOU ARE A—!" she tried to shout, but another tomato smashed into her face, cutting off her words.

Her rage burned brighter with every hit, but each attempt to curse him was silenced by another tomato striking her cheek. Narinder's expression remained calm, almost indifferent, as if this punishment were nothing more than a routine.

Finally, after some time, Narinder stopped throwing tomatoes. With a theatrical sigh, he dusted off his hands and said, "We've had enough for today. Perhaps next time, you'll reconsider my offer—or perhaps not. But by then, you'll be covered in more than just empty words."

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