Chapter 26: The Trap of Shadows and a Silent Cry
Diari's Stance: Real Pain and the Pain of Conscience
Diari opened his eyes; color returned to his face, and his breathing became normal. But as soon as he looked at Rina, who had fallen to her knees in weakness, his whole body trembled. He realized that Rina's power, which was her shield, had been sacrificed for him. Diari firmly grabbed Rina's hands, looked into her eyes, and cried. "Rina, why? Why did you do this? You brought me back to life without defending yourself. If something had happened to you, how could I ever forgive myself? I can't live without you; I love you more than my own soul. By whose word did you save me? Let me die as long as you are okay, I want nothing else." Diari's tears fell onto Rina's hand; he felt an inner burning, not from his wound, but because of Rina's massive decision to sacrifice herself for him. In his heart, Diari swore not just as a friend, but to be Rina's shadow and never let anyone touch her.
Chasing the Stranger
Although Rina was weak, she was still amazed by the mark on the stranger's hand. Rina said, "Father, Brother Diari, the man who saved us had a mark just like mine on his hand. We must find out who he is; he is the key to our salvation." Her father was very reluctant and said to himself, "Oh my daughter, this is also a trap, but you are as stubborn as ever. May God help us." After much persistence, Rina forced her father and Diari to follow. Diari rose with strength, and the father followed unwillingly. The man quickly left the cave and headed into the depths of the Black Forest. Rina, Diari, and her father followed his footsteps, unaware they were walking into the heart of the enemy.
Liva and His Mother's Great Trap
When they reached the middle of the forest, the stranger disappeared. A deadly silence filled the place. Rina shouted, "Who are you? Reveal yourself to us! Why did you save us? I'm talking to you!" At that moment, a familiar and mocking voice came from behind the trees: "Hey, naive girl, do you think the world is full of unknown saviors who come and go, saving people for free?" Liva suddenly appeared from the shadows, and beside him was the stranger, who had now removed his disguise. He was only a shadow wizard created by Liva's mother to temporarily silence Rina's mark. Liva said with a laugh, "You are just my prey inside my cage."
The Siege and Rina's Weakness
Liva's mother also appeared, looking at Rina with cold eyes, and said, "I told you that you would kneel. I thank Diari for making you sacrifice yourself for him; you didn't realize that by doing so, you were tying your own hands and feet." Suddenly, the ground shook beneath their feet, and black walls of shadow formed around Rina, her father, and Diari. They had fallen into a trap with no way out.
The End of the Chapter: Confrontation in Despair
Despite his pain, Diari drew his dagger and put Rina behind him. He said, "As long as I exist, you have no right to hurt even a single hair of Rina's head!" Liva stepped forward with arrogance and said, "Diari, you still don't understand, do you, failed man? Protect yourself first before you try to protect Rina. Wasn't it because of you that the mark on Rina's neck disappeared for a while? You are just the piece of meat I used to hunt Rina." Rina looked at the mark on her neck; it was gone. She shed tears, feeling that everything was over, but Liva's eyes held something else.
Written by: Dlin_myth