Eclipsed

Chapter 26

The night was eerily quiet except for the faint murmurs of conversation outside the small home. Ren stirred in his sleep, a sharp ache in his ribs waking him. As his senses sharpened, he heard raised voices, one belonging to Arisa. He pushed himself up slowly, his body protesting every movement, and limped toward the window.

Peering outside, he saw a man towering over Arisa, his voice harsh and threatening.

"Listen," the man barked, his words sharp with anger. "You don’t pay me enough. Now, you’re gonna have to pay another way."

"Please," Arisa pleaded, her voice trembling. "I’m sorry, sir. Don’t—"

Before she could finish, the man raised his hand, ready to strike her.

Ren’s instincts took over. Ignoring the pain that racked his body, he moved with incredible speed. In a flash, he was outside, his hooded figure appearing like a shadow in the dim light. Without hesitation, he delivered a precise strike, knocking the man unconscious. The attacker crumpled to the ground, unmoving.

Ren turned to Arisa, his voice filled with concern. "Hey, hey, are you alright?"

Arisa took a step back, her eyes wide with fear. "Why… why did you do that? Did you just—"

Ren shook his head, raising his hands defensively. "No, he’s just unconscious. I’m sorry. I thought he was trying to hurt you."

Arisa’s fear twisted into anger. "What gives you the right to do that to one of our villagers? You’re an outsider. He was just angry because I haven’t paid my dues!"

Ren hesitated, guilt washing over him. "I’m sorry, I just thought—"

"Maybe an orphan like you wouldn’t understand!" Arisa spat, the words cutting deep.

Ren’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t respond. He looked away, his silver hair hiding the pain in his eyes.

Realizing the impact of her words, Arisa’s expression softened with regret. "Ren, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to—"

Before she could finish, Ren’s body betrayed him. A sharp, searing pain shot through his chest, and blood spilled from his mouth. He staggered, clutching his side, his vision blurring.

"Ren!" Arisa cried, rushing to his side. She caught him as he began to collapse. "You’re in no condition to be out here. We need to get you back inside!"

With effort, she helped him back into the small home and laid him on the bed. As she adjusted the blanket over him, tears welled up in her eyes.

"That man," she said, her voice trembling, "he’s been abusing me and my daughter for years now. Ever since my husband died, he’s taken advantage of us. I tried calling for help, but no one in this village will listen."

Ren, barely awake, managed to whisper, "You should… call for help again. Someone will listen."

Arisa wiped her tears away and shook her head. "I’ve tried everything, but it doesn’t work. I’m so sorry for what I said to you earlier, Ren. I was wrong."

Ren smiled faintly, though his strength was fading fast. "No… it’s fine. I understand."

Arisa placed a hand on his, her tears falling freely now. "You risked yourself to protect me. I’ll never forget that. But please, you need to rest. Don’t push yourself anymore."

Ren’s eyelids grew heavy, and as the pain began to dull, he drifted into unconsciousness. Arisa sat beside him, her resolve hardening. For the first time in years, she felt a flicker of hope.

Morning sunlight streamed through the small window, painting the room in soft hues of gold. Ren stirred, groaning softly as his aching body protested. He sat up slowly, blinking to adjust to the light. Though his ribs still throbbed, the night’s rest had done him some good.