Chains of Vengeance

Chapter 156: External Smiles

Narinder stood, letting his emotions slowly subside. His divine regeneration had healed the swelling in his eyes, erasing all visible traces of his crying, but the vulnerability in his gaze remained as he stared into Lambert's face. The lamb looked at him with a mix of tenderness and pride, as if Narinder's strength, even in his darkest moments, was something to be admired.

"How do you feel now?" Lambert asked softly, his voice filled with patience and love.

Narinder looked down at his own hands, turning them slowly as if examining them.

"Better..." he replied in a distant tone. "It is not like a god to break down like this."

Lambert moved a little closer, raising a hand to caress Narinder's cheek with a gentleness that made him shiver.

"I love you despite everything," Lambert said, a smile that seemed to light up even the old tent. I know you won't outgrow your brothers anytime soon, but we have the rest of eternity to deal with it.

Lambert's warm touch and accepting words made Narinder feel a slight blush on his cheeks. Without saying anything, he took the lamb's hand and brought it to his lips, leaving a soft kiss on it.

"I think... I think I would have done this same scene with the goat if I hadn't found you first," Narinder confessed, looking at Lambert with some embarrassment and a hint of humor in his words.

Lambert laughed lightly, his tone warm and free of judgment.

"What's wrong with that? I think Goliath is a very valid emotional pillar for you too."

Narinder, now more aware of his blush, looked away.

"I didn't want to bother him like this before our wedding... I want to start off right, without so many problems." He sighed with a hint of resignation. "I'll have all eternity to share my mind with him anyway."

Lambert couldn't help but smile tenderly at Narinder's words. He approached and wrapped him in a warm hug, holding him firmly against him.

"Of course, just remember: it's not bad not to be happy all the time. Knowing how to recognize that you have problems and that you need help is not bad either. You have me... and Goliath."

Narinder closed his eyes for a moment, allowing himself to enjoy the hug and the tranquility it gave him. Although his mind was still a whirlwind, in that instant he found a brief respite in Lambert's arms.

Finally, Lambert released the hug, but not before giving him a smile that seemed to contain the weight of his infinite patience.

"Well, although I'm not obliged to work, I have many duties to continue doing for the ceremony." He winked playfully and left the tent lightly.

Narinder was left alone, the echo of Lambert's footsteps slowly fading away. He took a deep breath and let out a huge sigh, the weight on his chest lightened but not completely gone.

"I'm just crazy, after all..." he muttered to himself, letting out a bitter, yet slightly wry smile. Then his eyes shone with a faint determination as he prepared to face whatever the day had in store for him.

Narinder stepped out of the old tent, a new determination reflected in his steps. The fresh air of the cult enveloped him, accompanied by the daily bustle of the cultists working with joy. He walked towards the hut where the twins Aym and Baal had been staying since their recent ascension as gods. The building, although simple, emanated a special energy, as if reflecting the presence of the two young gods within.

Upon arriving, he gently pushed open the door and found Aym and Baal awake, both proudly wearing their crowns. Although they were still new to their divinity, their bearing and attitude reflected that they were quickly adapting. They were both sitting on their beds, chatting and laughing with each other, with a relaxation that indicated they had enjoyed the rest.