Chains of Vengeance

Chapter 138: Shadow Under the Bloody Moon Part 2

The afternoon passed slowly as Narinder, despite his fatigue, continued his task of sending souls to the world of the dead. Each ghost that absorbed his book was a small relief for the cultists, who watched with reverence the work of their god. Although it was a simple task in essence, the physical exhaustion of having infused energy into the white crown weighed on him more and more, and with each soul sent out he felt his body demand rest.

Twilight finally gave way to night, and Narinder decided he had done enough. He walked to his house with slow steps, his shoulders slumped and his mind already half asleep from fatigue. Upon entering, he let out a deep sigh that echoed in the silent abode, his hunched figure evidencing his exhaustion.

Without wasting time, he took off his robe with clumsy movements, letting it fall carelessly to the floor. Staring at his bed, he crossed the room and dropped onto it with a bang, settling face down into the blankets as if the weight of the day had crushed him. He closed his eyes, enjoying for a moment the simple pleasure of being home.

It wasn't long before dinner ended at the service. Goliath, tired after a hard day, burst into the house with a slam that echoed throughout the room. Narinder opened one eye in annoyance, but he was too exhausted to complain, besides, deep down, he loved the goat and his straightforward manner.

"I don't want to talk about the day! It was tiring, and I just want Nari!" Goliath exclaimed in his raspy voice, as he threw off his cloak and bell. Without another word, he approached the bed, settled on Narinder's left side, and snuggled up to him. The roughness that normally characterized the goat gave way to a gesture of pure emotional need. He rubbed his face against the god's neck, seeking comfort in his warmth.

Narinder, though barely conscious, slid a lazy arm to embrace Goliath, letting him know he felt him near. The contact was enough to reassure them both, and Goliath soon felt more relaxed, his breathing becoming slower as he enjoyed the scent of Narinder's fur.

A while later, the door softly opened and Lambert entered, radiating an energy opposite to that of the other two. He wore a bright smile on his face. "Today was a very nice day! Seeing so many familiar souls is always nice," he commented enthusiastically, although the sleepy complaints of Narinder and Goliath made it clear to him that his loves did not share the same spirit.

Lambert simply ignored their protests, calmly shedding his cloak and bell. With light steps, he approached the right side of the bed and snuggled up next to Narinder, placing his face against the god's chest. Lambert, warm and sweet as ever, said, "Good night."

Narinder, caught between Goliath's relaxed energy and Lambert's tenderness, couldn't help but feel surrounded by peace. Within minutes, the three of them were fast asleep, their breaths intertwined in a harmonious rhythm, holding each other as if there weren't a care in the world. So the night passed, under the protective shadow of the red moon, in the home they had together.

In the dream world, Narinder found himself on a vast plain of soft, green grass that stretched as far as the eye could see. The air was filled with a warm, soothing warmth, and a light breeze caressed his fur with the gentleness of a whisper. The sky was a sea of ​​serene blue, dotted with cottony clouds that floated lazily, as if they were in no hurry.

Beside him, under the diffuse shadow of a cloud, were the goat and the lamb. Goliath and Lambert slept soundly on the grass, their expressions completely peaceful. Lambert, with his perfectly fluffy wool, was curled up, occasionally making soft sounds, as if he were dreaming of something pleasant. Goliath, for his part, had his arms crossed over his chest and a relaxed grimace that he rarely showed in the waking world.

Narinder stopped to contemplate them, a warm feeling filling his chest. He did not want to interrupt his rest. For the first time in a long time, everything around him seemed perfect, as if there were no duties, responsibilities, or worries. He didn't know he was in a dream; to him, this was simply a moment of peace that fate had gifted him.