Narra

Chapter 6

Clutching the dagger—a sharp, heavy weight against his hip—Severino recalls the days spent in the Babaylans' sanctuary, their chants echoing in his mind. They helped him complete this weapon, an extension of his will and determination, imbued with magic and purpose. It was the same dagger he had begun to forge in secret under Narra's watch, its creation shrouded in memories of her seductive power.

He takes a deep breath, the crisp night air filling his lungs, and sets off toward the forest where Narra resides. Each step follows the familiar path beneath his feet, leading him back into the heart of his past. Shadows loom around him, the trees bending like watchful guardians, but he feels steady, driven by a resolve that surges within.

The memory of Adelfa's warm smile fills him with both comfort and a pang of dread. What if he fails again? What if he loses everything he holds dear? What if he can't protect that radiant smile?

"Focus," he murmurs, tightening his grip on the dagger's hilt. The Babaylans' teachings flood back to him, reminding him of the strength that comes from unity and love. He cannot let Narra's chaos claim more lives.

As he reaches the heart of the forest, the trees close in, the air thick with anticipation. Severino pauses, taking a moment to gather himself. He could still turn back, return to the warmth and safety of Adelfa. But the faces of those lost to Narra's wrath flash through his mind, urging him forward.

"For all of us," he whispers into the night, the weight of his promise settling over him.

With that, he steps into the shadowed depths of the forest. The dagger at his side emits a faint glow, casting just enough light as he moves deeper into the darkness, ready to confront the goddess who haunts his past and threatens his future. The night hums with the rustling of leaves and distant calls of nocturnal creatures, reminding him he is not entirely alone, even as he ventures into the unknown.

As he reaches the clearing, Severino's heart races. There she stands, Narra, illuminated by a soft, ethereal glow. Her long hair flows with the wind, and her piercing gaze seems to cut through the night, reaching straight to him. A mix of dread and anticipation rises within him; she has always been dangerously unpredictable.

"Narra," he calls softly, concealing the tension in his voice. "I've come back."

"Severino," she replies, her tone languid and inviting, laced with a subtle edge.

As he kneels before her, the anger once blazing in her eyes begins to soften. His words hang in the air like a spell, weaving into her heart as he gently presses his lips to her hands. She senses the hint of deceit beneath his pledge, yet the storm of her own fury has left her weary. She allows herself to be drawn into his touch.

Severino knows exactly what he's doing; even the enigmatic god he encountered urged him to exploit Narra's feelings for him, and now he's doing just that. The act repulses him, but he has no choice. For all his strength, he is still only mortal.

"Severino," she murmurs, her voice tinged with fragility. "Do you mean it? Will you stay with me, truly stay?"

He gazes up at her, his eyes pleading, his tone honeyed. "I swear it, Narra. I was a fool to resist you. I should never have left your side. I will be yours, forever—I will stay with you, and together, we can find happiness."

A glimmer of hope stirs within her heart, breaking through her bitterness. She has desired him since the moment he first entered her life—a mortal bold enough to stand before a diwata, the very same mortal who once saved her. And now, finally, he offers himself fully, promising the love she has yearned for.

Narra kneels beside him, gently cupping his face as her gaze softens. "And what about your lover? Would you truly give her up for me?"

Severino nods, his expression steady. "Adelfa... she's gone. Married to another. I have nothing left but you."