Narra

Chapter 5

It's been a few days since Adelfa found Severino in the woods, and the village is on edge. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting shadows over the land, the villagers gather once more for an urgent council meeting. candlelight flickers across worried faces etched with fear over what Narra's wrath may unleash next.

"Another villager has been found dead by the river—his heart torn out!" a villager shouts, slamming his fist on the table. "We can't let this go on. The village was safe when Severino was gone. If he's what Narra wants, then maybe we should just... sacrifice him to save us all!"

Gasps echo around the room, the tension thick and electric. Adelfa stands at the edge of the gathering, clutching Severino's arm, her heart racing. "No! You cannot be serious! You can't just sacrifice him!"

"Adelfa, we understand, but one life to save the village..." says another villager, her voice stern yet sympathetic. "Severino is the only one who can calm her. He's all she wants."

Severino's brow furrows, the weight of their words pressing on him. He feels Adelfa's grip tighten, her fear and protectiveness surrounding him. "They're right, Adelfa," he says softly. "Thanks to the Babaylan's aid, I remember Narra now—I've faced her before. I have to go to her. This has to end."

"No!" she protests, her voice rising with desperation. "You can't just hand yourself over! There must be another way!"

A villager shakes his head. "Fighting her is pointless. We've already lost too many. Severino, you understand the sacrifice. You need to go. For the sake of us all."

Severino looks at Adelfa, seeing fear etched in her eyes, and steels himself. "Fine... I'll go. But I'll find a way to stop her and come back."

Tears form in Adelfa's eyes. "Then let me come with you!"

Before Severino can respond, another villager interrupts. "Adelfa, you're the Alcalde's daughter—we cannot risk you too. The council has spoken. Severino alone must go."

The weight of the decision hangs in the air. Severino draws a deep breath, fighting the turmoil inside him. "I'll find a way to end her reign once and for all," he promises. "and I will come back."

"But Severino," Adelfa pleads, "I can't let you go. I've already lost you once for years, and I can't bear to lose you again. I trust your strength, but I don't trust that goddess. For all we know, she's planning something even more sinister! She's already taken the lives of innocents, ripping out their hearts as if mocking us—what makes you think she'll leave you unharmed?"

He faces her, heart heavy. "Adelfa, don't be selfish. I promise, I will find a way to defeat her and come back to you. If you trust me, you'll let me handle this."

"I trust you, but I fear what she'll do to you," she says, her voice breaking. "You're not just a sacrifice; you're my love. Let me go with you! I may not have a third eye, but I know how to fight. You taught me, didn't you?"

The villagers exchange glances, conflicted. "We can't afford more losses," one finally says. "Severino, if you wish to confront her, then do it. But we must prepare for the worst. The village cannot be left unguarded."

"I understand," Severino replies, a sense of finality in his tone. "But I'll face Narra on my own terms."

Adelfa reaches for him, her determination blazing. "Then I'll find a way to help you. I won't let you walk into that darkness alone!"

"Adelfa..." he begins, but she stops him.

"Severino... I don't want us to be separated again. What if she ensnares you once more? Please, don't go alone!" Her voice trembles. "Let me come with you—if we die, then we die together!"