Aramora

Chapter 34: Die Tomorrow

Warning: This chapter contains themes of abuse.

____________________________________________________

They hear the roars and shouting, and the sound of rocks crumbling. The scent of smoke clings to the air and the compound begins to feel noticeably warmer. Standing leaned against a stone wall of the chamber, Nisha looks around at the ceiling with wide eyes, fear and panic filling her heart.

She turns to look at Val'Ceraan and sees that he doesn't look afraid. More annoyed than anything at having yet another interruption today.

"What's going on?" Nisha asks timidly.

Val'Ceraan growls and looks around as well. "He is not sure..."

Both of their attention is pulled to the door of the chamber as one of the spies wearing blue leather armor rushes up to Val'Ceraan.

"What is the meaning of this?" Val'Ceraan snaps.

The lower-ranked spy looks up at him. Judging by the look in his eyes, Nisha can tell that he is growing intimidated by Val'Ceraan's height. His name doesn't have 'Val' for nothing. That's a prefix given to those who are known for their strength, which there is no question about when it comes to this man.

The spy points towards the door. "The winged beast is here! It's attacking the compound, sir!" he exclaims breathlessly.

Nisha gasps and covers her mouth. "The Drynthar is here?!"

Val'Ceraan holds up his hand and she shuts her mouth. He keeps his attention on the spy. "So what are you doing here? Get out there and gather all the Tus'Felnis you can! Val'Ceraan wants everybody at arms against the beast!" he demands.

His commanding voice makes the spy shiver and nod shakily. "O—Of course, sir! Shino will get to it right away!" and he scurries back out the door to obey.

Val'Ceraan groans and turns around with his hands holding the back of his neck, his tail flicks irritably across the stone floor of the chamber.

Nisha stares at the door for a moment before turning towards him. "Hu'Nisha could help, if you let her," she says and takes a small step towards him.

His tail ceases its flicking and he slowly turns back to face her. "What?" he says.

Nisha's ears slightly lower and she clears her throat. "I—She knows how to fight... And she has Life Magic, so she would be able to heal wounded soldiers. If you just let her—"

"No!" Val'Ceraan barks. She takes a step back. "You have far too important a role in our mission to risk dying out there to this beast. You are to remain with him until the time comes," he states and crosses his arms over his chest.

Nisha sighs and looks at him pleadingly. "Please, Ceraan... She knows that you do not wish to do this, either... We are just slaves to the Orcs. Please, just let her go so she can end this..." she quietly begs.

Val'Ceraan's face hardens and anger flares up in his eyes. "You think he doesn't already know that? Of course we are their slaves. But it doesn't matter anymore. We all have jobs to do, and Val'Ceraan's is making sure that you do yours. So do not ruin this for him," he hisses.

Nisha shakes her head. She feels her own anger swell her heart. She supposes she's got nothing left to lose. "Well, what if I don't want to do my job?" she accidentally lets her accent slip back into what she's grown so used to.

Val'Ceraan pauses for a moment and just stares at her through eyes narrowed in contemplation and rage. She sees that look on his face, and suddenly feels her anger quickly be replaced by fear.