The Heir and the Humble

Final Full moon Ritual

As the final full moon approached, Devraj felt a mix of anticipation and dread. He had already made significant sacrifices: his blood, the memory of his father, and a cherished family heirloom, a vow to serve his people with unwavering dedication until his last breath and his sword that has been a symbol of his strength, but he understand that true leadership comes from the heart and at any cost he should never declare any wars like the past kings does.

Each ritual had tested his spirit, but he knew that the last ritual would demand even more from him. The weight of his family's legacy rested heavily on his shoulders, and he was determined to see it through.

As the first light of dawn broke through the horizon, Devraj stood before the mirror, adjusting the ceremonial attire that felt heavier than usual. Today was the day of the last ritual, a culmination of sacrifices made in the name of his family's legacy. He could feel the weight of expectation pressing down on him, but it was the thought of Anika that filled his heart with both warmth and worry.

Just then, Anika entered the room, her face etched with concern. "Devraj garu," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Are you sure you have to go through with this? What if something happens to you?"

He turned to her, his heart aching at the sight of her worry. "I promise you, Anika, I will come back safe and sound. This is the last step we need to take. I need you to believe in me."

But as he looked into her eyes, he noticed the fatigue that lingered there, the way her smile didn't quite reach her lips. "You haven't been feeling well lately. Please, tell me what's wrong."

She shook her head, forcing a smile that didn't quite convince him. "I don't want to worry you more. Just focus on the ritual and comeback safe. I'll be fine."

Devraj felt a pang of concern but chose to respect her wishes. He leaned down and kissed her gently, pouring all his love and reassurance into that moment. "Rest, my love. I'll be back before you know it."

With a heavy heart, he made his way to the temple, the air thick with anticipation. As he entered the sacred space, the scent of incense filled his lungs, and the sound of mantras being chanted enveloped him. He took his rightful position before the altar, feeling the energy of the place pulse around him.

The high priest, draped in ceremonial robes, began the incantations, his voice resonating through the chamber. Devraj closed his eyes, focusing on the warmth of the flames and the rhythm of the chants. But then, the high priest spoke a name that shattered his world.

"The sacrifice demanded is Devraj's son."

Devraj's heart plummeted. "What? I don't have a son!" Panic surged through him, confusion clouding his mind. How could this be?

The high priest continued, his voice steady yet grave. "You are to become a father soon."

Devraj's thoughts raced to Anika. "Is she... pregnant?" Joy surged within him, tears of happiness welling in his eyes. But that joy was short-lived as the high priest's next words struck him like a dagger.

"The heir must not have Devraj's sight, shadow, or breath near him until he turns 25 years old. If you cross this boundary, all the sacrifices you have made will be in vain. The purity of your family begins with your son."

Devraj felt the ground beneath him crumble. He collapsed near the fire homam, his heart heavy with despair. "Haven't you taken enough for a mistake I didn't commit? Why must you punish me with the distance of my unborn son? Is this the price for my family's past and the untimely deaths? To be robbed of the joy of fatherhood before it even begins?"

His voice broke, tears streaming down his face. "How can I starve my child from the warmth and love of his father? How can I keep my child deprived of the love that both parents should give? Did I make a mistake by agreeing to this ritual? I would give anything, anything at all, to protect my child. Why must I be forced to choose between my love for Anika and the life of my son? This isn't fair!"