The Obsidian Veil

Prologue

She heard her name spoken with urgency. She raised her head and looked intently into the eyes of the one who whispered—fiery balls of blue to green. Everything had been planned and she had been firmed from the start. But at this moment, she is beyond terrified. She thought having a strong will and focused heart would bring them to victory. She felt that their 'two against the world' plot would realize their desires. But they are now at the crossroads and her heart is fainting.

"...you need to decide now," said the young man in front of her. She could not see him clearly because of the warm liquid forming in her eyes. Her emotions were overwhelming her, showing her weakness to the young man whom she considers her brother, confidant, and protector.

Silent sobs echoed in the small cottage, drowning the sound of the crackling fire beside them. She is unsure of what to do, but she understands she must choose now and move forward with her decision. She knows that everyone here and beyond will suffer if she stays.

"I ... I can't do it. They will surely find out. Let's just stop this and let them be. That's what I'm choosing now. We will still win regardless!" she cried with agony. She is not ready to be submissive but the young man's plan will bring more harm. But she has a better option in mind.

"Or we could just go together," she whispered.

She saw her friend's eyes twinkle for a moment. She thought she saw herself with him having that sweet laugh again as eyes glistened while they shared their adventure stories. She wished she could go back to when they were still dreamers before they knew that chasing their dreams would bring nightmares. But her thoughts were lost when she saw this person's baffled face; the earlier twinkling eyes were replaced by pain..

"Being together from here forward means abandoning our responsibilities, my responsibilities. It will bring more pain than being separated from you", he whispered again.

She heard the doubts in his voice but she did not reply. The pain has started to creep within her. Thinking that he can let her go, that he still chooses his duty despite what is coming, is admirable but very painful.

The young man walked and looked out the window. The sun would rise soon, and she knew that he would take action, with or without permission. Again, he spoke with urgency.

"More than anyone, you know that to redeem yourself, you need to do this. You are going to be swallowed and be killed bit by bit. I know you. Though your heart is strong, it will soon be absorbed by the darkness. This is the only way," he whispered hastily.

"I know. But I don't want to. I don't want to leave you. We had so many plans to end this. But to start again, we don't have one," she answered with a small and raspy voice. All she hopes is to have more time to think about a new plan that will still work.

She felt him moving towards her. She looked at him again and she felt more terrified when she saw the strength and determination coming back to him, doubts and pain were all gone. Then, he spoke the truth.

"Whatever you do, you will still leave this place. Whatever you choose, you couldn't run from these. They will make you do it. But let me just ease the pain. Maybe I can give you more time. I know this place needs you, but you need to be saved too." The young man continued to convince her. Despite everything happening, their minds seemed in sync. Yes, they need more time. But the heavens won't give it to them for free.

She did not move but she already stopped crying. She knew he was waiting for her to speak and change her mind, but she dared not answer back. She knew what should be done. And she knew that she should continue what they had started. She should finish this in her own way.

The sound of a carriage and people talking broke the silence. Her heart raced, already aware that he would go on with his plan. The pain and the panic showed on both of their faces, but he gathered his strength. He needed to rush before their chance was missed.

The young man pulled her and saw her face once again. Her fears reflected his own. But it didn't stop him from doing his plan. He raised his hand, and put it on her eyes, covering them.

"I ask for forgiveness for what I will do today. But please, use this time to heal, to fight, and to build yourself again until you are ready. I won't be by your side, but I promise, I will be with you. And I will find you, I swear it to you with everything I have. I will fight with you. Until we meet again, Ildri."