Chapter 4: Grief and the Road Ahead

Chapter 4: Grief and the Road Ahead Riya, her body drenched in blood, her legs broken, her face pale, crawled slowly toward Aamir. Her trembling fingers reached for him, her voice barely a whisper, filled with pain. "Save me, Aamir..." Chaos reigned around him. The battlefield was painted crimson, corpses of humans and beasts strewn across the ground. The metallic scent of blood thickened the air. The sky itself seemed to weep, bathed in a deep red hue, as if mourning the destruction below. Aamir stood frozen, his mind unable to process the sheer horror surrounding him. His mother, Rajasvi—the only family he had left since his father's passing—had been taken by the beasts. His heart pounded as he searched desperately for her. Then, amid the lurking creatures, he glimpsed a shadowy figure. Before he could react, the ground beneath him trembled violently. Cracks spread across the land like veins, the very earth splitting open. A deafening roar echoed through the realm, signaling impending destruction. And then—darkness. —------ Aamir jolted awake with a scream. His breath came in ragged gasps, his heart hammering against his chest. Sweat clung to his skin, his mind still trapped in the vivid nightmare. His hands trembled as he gripped the bedsheet beneath him. "Aamir," a gentle voice called. He turned sharply, his wild gaze meeting the warm, worried eyes of his mother. Rajasvi sat beside him, her face full of concern. Without a second thought, she pulled him into a tight embrace. "It's all right, my son," she whispered soothingly. "I'm here. Everyone is safe." Gradually, Aamir's breathing slowed, his heartbeat settling. His surroundings became clearer—a small, simple room, dimly lit by the soft glow of lanterns. The comforting scent of medicinal herbs filled the air. A faint movement caught his attention. Nearby, Riya sat on a wooden stool, her normally vibrant aura dulled by exhaustion. Though she was awake, her body appeared frail, her skin pale from blood loss and fatigue. "Where are we?" Aamir asked, his voice hoarse. "And... what about the beasts?" Riya gave him a small, reassuring smile. "You've been unconscious for five days, Aamir," she said gently. "The beasts were driven from the city just in time, and help arrived for us." Before Aamir could fully process her words, the door creaked open. A tall man entered, his presence commanding yet calm. His perfectly muscular frame radiated the aura of a seasoned warrior. Dressed in a simple white shirt and brown pants, he carried himself with effortless strength. A leather belt secured a sheathed sword at his waist. His long black hair was tied into a loose ponytail, though a few strands had escaped, falling over his forehead. Aamir instantly recognized him—Navin, his uncle. Navin's sharp gaze swept across the room before settling on Rajasvi. A small smile played on his lips. "Your son, Rajasvi, has a brave heart," he said with quiet admiration. His eyes then shifted to Riya. "And this girl... she fought to protect Aamir even after she had already sustained grave injuries. These two have great potential. With proper training, they could become exceptional warriors." He took a step forward, his expression firm yet encouraging. "That's why I want to take them to the capital—to enroll them in Nalanda University of Wizardry and Warfare." A Silent Grief Aamir, still trying to piece together everything, looked at him thoughtfully. "Uncle Navin, my mother should decide... but what about Riya's father? Shouldn't he have a say?" At his words, Riya's expression shifted. Her fingers clenched into fists, her shoulders trembling slightly. A shadow passed over her face, her lips pressing together as if trying to hold back an emotion too painful to express. Aamir hesitated, wanting to ask her directly but fearing the answer. Instead, he turned to his mother. "Ma... what happened here? What about Riya's father?" Rajasvi's gaze darkened with sorrow. She looked at Riya briefly before sighing. "Her father has been missing since the day of the Beast Invasion," she said softly. "He wasn't among the survivors, but we're still looking for him—" "I know he's alive," Riya interrupted, her voice firm yet fragile. A smile trembled on her lips, but her eyes betrayed her. They shimmered with unshed tears, and her fingers curled tightly against the fabric of her dress. Aamir watched her closely. She was trying so hard to believe, to hope—but the cracks in her composure were obvious. Before anyone could speak further, heavy footsteps rushed toward them. The door burst open, and two men entered, their expressions grim. "Commander!" one of them addressed Navin, panting. "We found more bodies in the city ruins. You need to see this." A chilling silence fell over the room. Riya's breath quickened, her chest rising and falling unevenly. Aamir instinctively reached for her, gripping her shoulders gently. "Don't worry," he said, his voice calm despite the unease gnawing at his heart. "Let's go check." But deep inside, they all felt it—that ominous, gut-wrenching fear that something was terribly wrong. The group made their way to the ruins, where the bodies had been placed. The scent of decay clung to the air, mixing with the dried blood and burnt remains. And then—Riya saw him. Her steps faltered. Her eyes widened in horror. Her father lay among the dead, a gaping hole in his chest—a brutal wound that had stolen his life in an instant. Time seemed to stop. No... this isn't real. This can't be real. A strangled sob escaped Riya's lips. Her legs gave out, and she collapsed to her knees beside his lifeless body. Tears streamed down her cheeks, her breath coming in short, broken gasps. "Aamir..." she whispered, her voice cracking. "He's gone... my father is gone..." Aamir knelt beside her, holding her as she trembled uncontrollably. He had no words—only silent grief as he watched his friend shatter before him. Memories flooded Riya's mind. The day her father learned she had a magical affinity, how he danced with joy the entire day. The day of her magic baptism, when she received the blessings of the deities. The ring and staff he had gifted her—her mother's treasured belongings. And now... he was gone. A warm hand rested on her head. Rajasvi knelt beside her, pulling Riya into a tight embrace. Her voice was gentle yet firm, filled with a mother's unwavering love. "Don't cry, dear," she murmured, stroking her hair. "I will take care of you. I will never let you feel alone." Riya sobbed in her arms, grief pouring out like an unrelenting storm. Aamir clenched his fists. This war—this invasion—had taken too much from them. But he swore to himself... he would not let Riya bear this pain alone. This content is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.com