Chains of Vengeance

Chapter 187: A Beautiful Lie

Narinder wiped his eyes with the cloth of his robe and looked down at the ground. He didn't have the courage to continue looking at Ramael. He felt like he was exposing himself too much by crying in front of him, as if he were letting go of one of his last defenses. Until now, only Lambert and Goliath had seen that side of him. It was a vulnerability he didn't like to show.

Ramael watched him in silence for a few moments. Then, calmly and unhurriedly, he approached and wrapped his arms around him in a firm but comforting hug.

"In my world... I discovered many things," Ramael murmured softly. "Among my most... 'curious' discoveries was a very particular lie Shamura told about you. A lie so well constructed, so meticulously told, that even Shamura ended up believing it as if it were the truth." He talked about how he found you... a very sweet story about a little cat by a river... Although I never knew what the true story was, I know there were genuine feelings in it.

Narinder knew that lie well. It was one of his earliest memories, a story that had marked the beginning of his existence. Hearing it from Ramael's lips, he felt something stir inside him, as if an old wound were gently opened. He closed his eyes and tightened his embrace, seeking to anchor himself in the present.

He felt Ramael's body against his: his wool was fluffy, more spongy than soft, with a curiously comforting texture. His scent was a mix of mutton and freshly cut grass, a fresh smell that somehow helped calm him.

"If you'd like, I can tell you more about your brothers another time..." Ramael continued, patting him gently on the back. "Well, even though they're from another world, I'd like to think they'll have their... similarities."

Narinder took a deep breath before loosening the embrace. He composed himself, straightened his back, and adjusted the red crown on his head.

"That... would be nice," he said, his voice calmer.

Ramael looked at him with silent understanding.

"I know how difficult it must be for you to forgive your brothers... but you said it yourself: you want them free." He paused briefly, searching for his words. "And I know that, deep down, you want to forgive them. Believe me... I know forgiveness is the hardest thing to give."

Narinder lowered his gaze, studying Ramael's beautiful hooves with a somber expression.

"But I don't think I can..." he murmured.

Ramael smiled softly.

"Well, freeing them all at once would be too much... how about you do it one by one?"

Narinder held his relic in his hands and began slowly stroking the chains that surrounded it. He remained silent for a long moment, contemplating the idea. Finally, in a barely audible whisper, he replied:

"I... I'll think about it..."

Ramael bid Narinder farewell with a slight nod and left, walking with a suspicious calmness.

Narinder was left alone. He wandered aimlessly around the church for a while, letting his thoughts guide him. His steps led him to a clearing where the silvery moonlight illuminated everything with an ethereal glow. He looked up and found the full moon, radiant high in the sky, so large and bright that it seemed to hang above him like a watchful eye.

"It's still the same moon..." he murmured to himself, with a mixture of melancholy and resignation.

The cool early morning air caressed his face, and he knew it must be around three or four in the morning. He wasn't surprised he'd gotten lost in conversation with Ramael; Talking to the ram had a curious way of devouring time without his even realizing it.