Chains of Vengeance

Chapter 116: Softness or Stiffness

Goliath continued his walk through the cult, his umbrella shielding him from the rain that was falling heavily. His steps echoed softly in the puddles, and although his hooves were stained with mud, he didn't seem to care. Unlike his previous world, where each step was a step towards dominance or a defense of his cult, this walk was an act without purpose, a walk for the sake of it. This free time made him uneasy deep down; however, he felt a strange calm in the midst of the storm.

He finally arrived at the cult's cemetery, a silent and secluded place, where the tombstones stood in the shadows and the raindrops slid on the cold stone. Clouds covered the sky, enveloping the site in a gray and melancholic atmosphere. Goliath looked at the graves, wondering how many of those souls had served Narinder or Lambert in life. He sighed, feeling a pang of remorse as he remembered how he himself had killed his "Narinder" back in his world.

"I should have at least given my Narinder a funeral, I suppose..." he murmured with some sadness in his tone. It was not common for him to admit regrets, but the tranquility of his new life made him reflect in ways he had not allowed himself before.

Meanwhile, at Narinder's house, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Lit candles filled the room with a soft golden light, their flickering illuminating the shadows on the walls and the breeze of the rain that filtered through the barely open window. Amidst the calm, Narinder lay in bed, with Lambert leaning over him, their eyes locked in a gaze full of complicity and tenderness. Narinder gently stroked the side of Lambert's right horn, each movement slow and loving, as if that caress reminded him of how precious the lamb at his side was.

Narinder's chest rose and fell in a calm rhythm, and Lambert, enjoying the closeness, rested his chin on it, rubbing it lightly. He felt Sure, calm, while the sound of the rain surrounded them like a distant whisper.

Narinder broke the silence, with a shadow of doubt in his voice: "Was it right to bring Goliath to this place? I feel like... maybe I'm just letting myself be carried away by my emotions..."

Lambert sketched a light smile and brushed Narinder's chest with his snout. "You brought him back to life and he won't be mistreated here. He will live like a king," he said in a carefree tone, seeking to ease his beloved's uneasiness.

Narinder continued to tenderly caress Lambert's soft wool, as if each caress helped him find answers inside himself. "I know..." he replied in a whisper. "But... I feel like I want to get closer to him, to know who he is now. There's something about Goliath... something that calls my attention."

Lambert, always understanding, nodded. "Then talk to him, let him decide if he wants to come closer too. There's no rush, but I trust that everything will work out."

Narinder continued to stroke Lambert's side, grateful for his lamb's patience and understanding. The doubt in his chest lightened, as the sound of the rain enveloped them, creating a perfect refuge for their thoughts and their shared love.

Then Narinder sighed, letting his fingers continue to trace small circles on Lambert's wool. "I guess I'll give him his space... that goat needs time. At least I know he doesn't hate me for defeating him in the Great Test."

Lambert looked at him with a confident smile and stroked his chest. "Don't worry, when you least expect it, Goliath will be here, lying next to us. This bed is made for several more."

Narinder let out a soft laugh and kissed Lambert's forehead tenderly. "I don't deserve you, my dear lamb..."

"Still, I won't force it," Narinder added softly, his gaze reflecting a mixture of respect and affection for the goat.

Suddenly, a chilly air filled the room, cutting through the warmth they had built up. The door opened, and there stood Goliath, staring at them with a mix of surprise and a hint of jealousy. He watched the scene in silence, his eyes shifting from Narinder to Lambert and back again, as if trying to understand the intimacy they shared. Still with a trace of annoyance in his expression, Goliath snorted and let out a mocking comment, "Are you two always so mushy?"