Curse of the Fallen Deity (Zarsothian Tales #1 | Volume 1 & 2)

Chapter 41: Sin's Mansion

KASABAY ng pagyakap ni Milka sa akin ay ang pagbuhos ng malakas na ulan. The loud music stopped, replaced with the screams of people running from one place to another, desperately trying to find a shade. Everyone was in panic as the sky roared in rage, thundering like drums whilst I stood rooted on my spot, soaking wet and frigid.

Nabalik lamang ako sa reyalidad nang may humila sa kamay ko. Carwell was holding my hand in a tight grip as we ran towards the nearest shade. Nang makasilong kami ay binawi ko ang kamay ko sa kaniya.

"Forthill's weather is shit," he murmured under his breath. Kung alam niya lang.

"I really wasn't expecting you, Ara! There was no sign of your arrival!" Kahit pareho kaming mukhang basang sisiw at nilalamig ay muli akong niyakap ni Milka. "Na-miss kita!"

Napaangat ang tingin ko kay Carwell. Pain and confusion were evident in his eyes. Na kahit pilit niya mang itago ay nakikita ko pa rin.

Milka pulled herself off me and introduced the man beside her, "This is Sin, my boyfriend. Sin, this is Ara. Siya 'yung sinabi ko sa 'yo na nag-save sa 'kin sa forest dati." Then she rounded on Carwell. "And you are?"

"Hindi mo 'ko kilala?" Carwell asked, swallowing real hard as though he's suppressing his emotions.

"Uh, ngayon lang tayo nagkakilala. What do you mean?" Milka asked, looking as baffled as Carwell.

The latter broke their eye contact. I forced a smile, trying to divert the topic.

"Pleasure, Sin."

"It's nice to finally meet you, miss," Sin greeted back in a gentle voice. He forwarded his hand but I only stared at it.

Milka let out an awkward chuckle. "She doesn't do handshakes."

Tumango lamang sa Sin. He offered that we should stay in his house for the meantime, dahil mukhang wala pang balak tumila ang ulan. His house is also the nearest place that can accomodate us for tonight. Carwell and I can't go back to my cave in this weather. So, wala kaming nagawa kung 'di sumang-ayon na lang.

"Follow me!" ani Sin at sumulong sa ulan. Followed by Milka, and followed by me.

Pero napahinto ako nang mapansing hindi gumalaw si Carwell. I went back to his spot.

"You don't want to come?" tanong ko habang pinupunasan ang mukha. "We have no other choice... unless you use your magic."

Which is impossible. I doubt that he knows how to control the weather or even wield something that we can use. So far, apoy pa lang ang nakita kong na-master niya.

Saglit siyang tumingin sa 'kin pero hindi ito nagsalita. Saka siya sumulong sa ulan at iniwan ako roon. Nalukot ang mukha ko habang tinitignan ang likuran niyang papalayo na. Walang hiya talaga ang lalaking 'to.

I followed them and not long have passed, we stopped in front of a familiar three-storey mansion. So, this is Sin's house?

If I remember it correctly, I tried to break into this mansion pero hindi natuloy dahil masyadong mataas ang security. And I find that strange for a Mortis. Idagdag pa na isa ito sa mga pinakamayamang mansion sa buong Forthill, of course the house of the officials are exception.

"We're here," Sin stated while guiding Milka towards the entrance. A gentleman, I see.

Pumasok na kami rito and all I can say is that, sana tinuloy ko na lang ang pagnakaw rito dati. I could've get enough money and left sooner.

"Kori, I need four towels, please!"

Ilang minuto lang ay dumating sa harap namin ang isang babae na medyo may kaedaran na. She handed the each of us towels.