Chains of Vengeance

Chapter 142: Scar on the Soul

Lambert and Goliath came running, the former with labored breathing and wide eyes, while Goliath maintained his typical tough facade, though the worried glint in his eyes gave it away.

"What was that noise?!" they exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with alarm, each reflecting their concern in their own way.

There, in the center of the room, stood Narinder. His silhouette was partially illuminated by the residual glow of the white crown, now calm on his lap. He was finishing the last crumbs of his dish, his calm demeanor in stark contrast to the energy that had filled the space minutes before.

When he looked up and saw them, a tired but genuine smile spread across his face. "I've done it," he announced, his voice soft but filled with satisfaction.

Lambert and Goliath exchanged confused glances, clearly not understanding what their beloved god had done, but relieved to see that he was safe and sound. Lambert was the first to approach, kneeling beside the bed and placing a hand on Narinder's, while Goliath crossed his arms, trying to keep his demeanor even though his eyes continued to scan the room.

"What does that mean, Narinder?" Lambert asked curiously and sweetly.

Narinder set the crown down on the bed and looked at them with a gleam of pride in his golden eyes. "Tomorrow morning I will tell you of my great fantasy, a plan I have longed for since my imprisonment in the Veil."

Lambert tilted his head, intrigued, while Goliath frowned skeptically, though he couldn't help but feel intrigued as well.

Narinder lifted his chin with an air of confidence, the weight of centuries and his aspirations culminating in that moment. He didn't say it out loud, but in his heart he knew he had finally taken a giant step toward his dream: he now had two functional crowns to give away, and with them, the promise of a future that would change the course of the world.

Narinder was visibly exhausted. His slumped shoulders and deep dark circles under his eyes were proof of the monumental effort he had made. His breathing, though serene, revealed a weariness that went beyond the physical; it was the weight of centuries of longing culminating in a night of internal, divine struggle.

Still, Narinder, proud as ever, shook his head slightly and said with a tired smile, "Well, I won't be staying in bed all day either. It's past dinnertime, but I could take a walk..."

Before he could even move a foot out of bed, a considerable weight tackled him back to the mattress. Startled, he blinked rapidly, thinking it was Lambert who had stopped him, but soon he felt the strong and familiar embrace of Goliath, who kept him firmly pinned to the mattress.

The goat, with a firm but tender tone, said to him as he hugged him tighter: "And I tell you that you are not leaving this bed until you are in better condition."

Before Narinder could protest, Lambert, with a playful laugh, joined the scene. With one leap, he threw himself on top of Goliath, sinking Narinder even further into the mattress with their combined weight.

"You will obey and be a good patient," Lambert declared with a mischievous tone, although his expression was tinged with loving concern.

Narinder tried to resist, but the warmth of both of them was a balm for his exhaustion. Surrounded by the weight of their love and concern, he let out a resigned sigh, although deep down he was grateful to have them both watching over him.

After a while, the weight of the night and tiredness gave way to a moment of tenderness. Lambert and Goliath, after making sure that Narinder would not try to escape from their care, settled on either side of him, each finding their ideal space next to their beloved god. Lambert, with his soft, fluffy wool, snuggled into Narinder's chest, his breathing calm and rhythmic like a lullaby. Goliath, on the other hand, rested his head against Narinder's shoulder, his strong arms surrounding him with a protective but loving firmness.