Chains of Vengeance

Chapter 102: Asking for Courage

Narinder walked back to the cult with slow steps, feeling a slight knot of anxiety in his chest. As he walked forward, he noticed how the cool breeze carried away some of his worries, but a restlessness remained latent within him. Upon reaching the large statue that represented his essence, he extended a hand towards it, collecting the devotion that his followers had deposited with such fervor. The energy he absorbed gave him momentary calm, although uncertainty still stirred his thoughts.

He was a god, the god of death, and he had never feared disappearing, not even in the darkest moments of his past. The idea of ​​a permanent end for him seemed absurd, impossible, but now, in his mind, something unknown and uncomfortable began to germinate. His thoughts led him to the lamb, Narinder felt an urgency to talk to him, to share that weight that oppressed his soul.

Without waiting any longer, Narinder approached Lambert, who was organizing some followers with his characteristic calm. Seeing him approach, the lamb looked up, and before he could say a word, Narinder enveloped him in a deep hug, burying his face in the fluffy, warm wool of his partner. Narinder closed his eyes and breathed deeply, letting the soft scent of pure lamb fill him. That warmth and familiarity made him feel a relief he rarely experienced.

"I needed this... more than I imagined," Narinder whispered, not turning away from Lambert. He didn't have to be the imposing god in that moment. With Lambert, he allowed himself to be vulnerable, to let the weight of his worries fall.

The lamb, patient and perceptive, stroked Narinder's fur tenderly, understanding that he didn't need words at that moment, but simply someone to lean on.

The whispers of the cultists filled the air, a soft murmur of emotion and tenderness as they watched the scene between Lambert and Narinder. Respect and admiration could be perceived in their gazes, some barely containing the smiles that formed on their faces as they saw their god of death appear so vulnerable, so human.

Lambert, for his part, was a little uneasy; he felt the weight of the gazes, but at the same time he could not help but blush as he felt Narinder's face buried in his wool, as if he found a warm and safe refuge there.

Finally, gently and with a slight tremor in his voice, Lambert touched Narinder's shoulder and whispered: "Do you want to talk about it at home? Alone?"

Narinder raised his gaze slightly, his expression still tinged with a slight trace of melancholy, but he nodded, searching Lambert's eyes for the comfort that only he could offer him. Without another word, he stood up straight and took Lambert's hand, interlacing their fingers in a silent gesture of mutual support.

The two began to walk towards their shared home, each step measured and careful, as if they did not want to break the delicate atmosphere that surrounded them. Behind them, the whispers continued, but with each step they took away, the noise faded away, leaving only the sound of their own footsteps on the soft grass of the ground.

Arriving at the door, Lambert carefully opened it and let Narinder through first. Inside the house, silence enveloped them, an intimate and comforting silence that invited them to let themselves be carried away by their pent-up emotions. Lambert looked at Narinder, who seemed willing to open up more than ever, and, without letting go of his hand, gave him a soft smile, inviting him to share everything he had kept in his heart.

Narinder lowered his gaze, feeling the weight of the uncertainty that had invaded him. He took a deep breath, trying to gather the courage to put into words what he felt. Without his robes, every part of him was exposed, both on the outside and on the inside. It was strange; vulnerability was foreign to him, and yet, at that moment, it was all he had.

Lambert, sensing his tension, sat down beside him with a serious expression, one he rarely showed. His hand slid tenderly over Narinder's black fur, stroking him silently. It was a small, but comforting gesture, calming the swirl of emotions Narinder had repressed until then.