Upon accepting Roba and Hoba's invitation, Armis, Lyco, and Alan entered an expansive room labeled "Guest Room, Men." As they stepped inside, they were greeted by a sight that surpassed their expectations. The room was even more spacious than the Food Hall at the academy, with a long table adorned with a lavish feast. Lined chairs flanked each side of the table, and the spread looked ample enough to feed twenty people.
Alan couldn't help but express his surprise at the extravagant display of hospitality. Turning to Hoba and Roba, he asked with a hint of disbelief, "Is all of this just for the three of us?"
In response to Alan's inquiry, Hoba and Roba moved forward with their typical comedic flair, preparing to unveil the surprise waiting behind the other gate of the hall. They replied in tandem, their voices overlapping in excitement:
"No, no, certainly not!"
"It's a feast!"
"To welcome the brave!"
"You and the great—"
"Crimson Army!"
Alan and Lyco exchanged surprised glances even before Hoba and Roba swung open the gate to reveal the members of the Crimson Army waiting on the other side. Longisues entered first, his expression a mix of sternness and forced cordiality. Behind him, Father Zeneth followed closely, flanked by Bretren and Leotrus, their proud demeanor unchanged. Bringing up the rear were Arian and Orioros.
Upon joining Alan, Lyco, and Armis at the table, the members of the Crimson Army settled in. Roba and Hoba, along with their sisters, gracefully exited the room after a courteous farewell:
"Please... Enjoy the food."
Left behind, Alan and Lyco exchanged surprised glances at the unexpected reunion, while Armis gritted his teeth in irritation over the unwelcome company of the Crimson Army.
"Guys... Alan? Can you be a little more considerate?" Lyco's voice was barely above a whisper, trying not to draw the attention of the esteemed members of the Crimson Army.
Alan and Armis, however, had already started devouring the food like starved animals, oblivious to the presence of their seniors. Lyco, already embarrassed and anxious, felt his face flush with even more shame at his friends' inconsiderate behavior. Desperately trying to salvage whatever dignity he had left in his in-laws' house, he added, "It's been a disaster since we got here, and now you're tearing apart whatever respect we have left in front of our guests."
Armis paid no attention and kept gorging on the food. Catching sight of Lyco's pained expression, Alan snapped back to reality. He noticed that none of the Crimson Army members had even touched their food, instead watching him and Armis with a mix of disgust and amusement. Even Father Zeneth looked perplexed. Sheepishly, Alan offered an explanation, trying to mask his embarrassment with logic.
"I... I'm sorry, Lyco. I just—remember I told you I need as many nutrients as I can get to get back in shape? When I saw the food, I lost my composure. I apologize for my rude behavior."
"I understand, dude, but the food isn't going anywhere. And Armis, do you want me to stab you?!" Lyco replied to Alan's reasoning, then turned to threaten Armis, who continued to binge without a care.
"I guess you can't expect much from a low-class brute. They see fancy food and forget their manners," Orioros remarked mockingly from across the table, seated beside Longisues. He took a deliberate bite of his food, scrutinizing Armis with disdain.
"Huh?!" Armis snapped, not in response to his friends' logical pleading, but to Orioros's insulting remark. The instant flare in Armis's eyes was unmistakable as he stopped eating and glared at Orioros. "Wanna say that to my face?"
"Oh sure, I have no problem pointing out mannerless freaks, even low-class ones, who take advantage of the graciousness of good hosts," Orioros continued, undeterred, meeting Armis's challenge head-on.
"Come on, Master Orioros, there was no need for the 'low class' part," Alan interjected, understanding Orioros's frustration but feeling compelled to call out the unnecessary attack on Armis's social status. "Oh yeah? At least we aren't uninvited bitches like you lot!" Armis roared, his rage undiminished despite Alan's attempt at calming things down. He stomped on the table, nearly leaping at Orioros.
Orioros, unfazed, stood up to meet Armis's fiery glare with equal intensity. "Keep that tongue in check if you don't want it on the floor, you animal!" he retorted, his voice dripping with contempt.
"Both of you, silence!" Longiseus's voice cut through the tension in the hall, his gaze stern as he addressed Armis and Orioros. "May I need to remind you both of basic table manners? Orioros, how one eats is their own choice; judging them should be limited to your inner voice. And Armis, I'm sure you're unaware, but keep your assumptions to yourself. The Silverforths have graciously offered their hospitality to the Crimson Army in support of our mission towards Floor 50. So yes, we are as much invited to this hospitality as you all."
On Longiseus's command, Orioros quickly dissipated his glare and bowed down towards Longiseus in apology before he sat back down on his seat. Alan swiftly grabbed Armis's arm, signaling for him to retreat as well. Armis complied and sat back down, but not before arrogantly muttering, "Tch... whatever."
"Thank you. Now let's all focus on the meal," Longiseus said after diffusing the argument, prompting everyone to resume eating.
"So, Lyco, are you going to have the Nodum Alligare ceremony?" Arian suddenly stopped eating, breaking the recently maintained silence. His question earned puzzled looks from everyone except Lyco, who was surprised by Arian's sudden inquiry and turned to face him, meeting Arian's expectant side-eye glare.
Lyco, surprised by his brother's sudden question, pondered for a moment in a low voice, still dealing with anxiety from sitting among the superiors of the academy. He began moving his lips to form an answer but before the words could come out, Armis finally finished with his meal but not with arrogance, put his one feet on table, leaning back on his chair, blurted out-
"The heck is that? Sounds interesting?"
"This is a ceremony mostly exclusive to the Preparena Lineage, where the brothers of the groom help him shop for his wedding, prepare him for the upcoming relationship, and all that. They also celebrate in an event held one night before the wedding. But the wedding is the day after tomorrow, and none of our brothers are here except you and me. How can we do that?" Lyco replied to the abrupt question from Armis, looking at his brother with another question, his voice still tinged with disappointment and sadness.
Alan, sensing Lyco's sadness, saw an opportunity and decided to lift his friend's spirits. "So what, Lyco? We're here! And I think we're like brothers, don't you? If you don't mind, that is?" Alan said, draping his arm around Lyco's neck.
Hearing that, Lyco's face instantly lit up. He turned towards Alan, his enthusiasm rising. "Really? Would you do that? Are you guys really going to help me pick out a wedding attire, help me choose the food for the wedding, decide on the decorations, shave and clean my body to be wedding-ready, tell me all about the consummation, and plan a party for my last day as a free man?"
As Lyco blurted out all the activities and responsibilities related to the ceremony, which Alan had offered to help with without much thought, Alan's humble smile began to waver. He knew that backing out now would only add to Lyco's grief, so he transformed his smile into a determined frown and nodded, saying, "Sure, buddy. We'll help you out…with all that."
"You can leave the consummation part to me," Armis said, putting his feet back down and creeping up towards Lyco with a proud smile. "I'll tell you all the secrets to a woman's nether regions."
Lyco's face lit up even more, thrilled by his friends' support.
Alan, still processing all the activities Lyco had mentioned, noticed a chuckle escaping from Longiseus's lips. Interpreting it as a jab at his lack of knowledge, Alan quickly decided to enlist Longiseus's help as well. With a scheming glint in his eye, he said, "Well, you know what, Lyco? Maybe we should invite the Crimson Army too. I'm sure Master Longiseus here has some wise knowledge to impart to us amateurs, considering he's a happily married man and all."
Longiseus's chuckling face snapped into sternness as soon as Lyco turned his expectant gaze towards him. Arian, hearing this, tried to intervene. "Hey! We can't bring the commander into this. We don't want him to feel uncomfortable. Don't worry, commander, feel no obligation to—"
"No, I think that is a very good proposition!" Longiseus cut Arian off, standing up from his seat as he finished his meal. Surprising even Alan, who watched with wide eyes as Longiseus decided to play into Alan's offer. "We do have some hectic struggles to face in the future, and a bit of enjoyment would help us clear our minds and prepare better. So, what I'm trying to say is…" Longiseus looked down into Lyco's expectant gaze and continued, "We would be honoured to help you celebrate Nodum Alligare."
Seeing Longiseus's feigned expression of humility sent waves of irritation through Alan, prompting him to retort, "Well, what about the rest of the masters? I'm sure they have plans of their own."
"No, I'm fine as long as the commander's in," Bretren's deep voice broke Alan's presumption. He, too, stood up after finishing his meal, following Longiseus.
One by one, the members leaned in on Longiseus's acceptance of Alan's proposal. Alan felt the pressure mount as his eyes bounced from one member to another. They all finished their meals and began to rise from their seats, following Longiseus out of the door.
"Well, I guess we are planning this thing, so I'm going to need one of your friends, Lyco. I have things I need to acquire before tomorrow, and we can't leave you alone. So I guess, A—"
"Armis! You should go," Alan cut Arian off before he could finish, volunteering Armis as he noticed Father Zeneth leaving the table.
"Huh? Why me? You go!" Armis retorted, glaring at Arian, showing his resistance.
Arian, equally resistant, snapped back, "Yeah! I don't want this brute to help me out. I'd rather do it alone."
Alan ignored their retorts and noticed Lyco's puzzled gaze. Understanding the unsaid questions quickly, Alan gestured towards Father Zeneth, who was almost at the door. Despite not understanding Alan's gesture, Lyco decided to help out as he jumped on the table, halting the retort.
"That is enough!" Lyco exclaimed. "Alan is right. I want Alan by my side, I feel safe with him. And Arian, remember I defeated you in the duel, hence the deal."
"But that was—" Arian attempted to retort, but Lyco cut him off.
"Buh..buh buh buh! I am your older brother now, and I am ordering you to take Armis for whatever help you need. And Armis!" Lyco turned his gaze into a glare toward Armis, who was beginning to retort but halted as Lyco continued, "I am still mad at you. But if you want to make it right, please go help my brother like the good friend you are. And Father Zeneth!" Lyco moved to intercept Father Zeneth, halting his exit, and continued in a softer voice, "I need some advice on a religious matter, if I could just get some moments of your time."
"Oh sure, Lyco," Father Zeneth responded, returning to the table. Arian and Armis gritted their teeth in irritation but gave in to Lyco's wish while simultaneously showing their frustration before leaving.
"Sure… whatever. Older Brother!!"
"Tch…whatever..c'mon, pisshead!!"
"Hey, what did you say, you low class brute!" Arian slung back as he and Armis left the food hall, still bantering with each other.
As their voices began fading through the hallway, Alan and Lyco's eyes confirmed their departure. Alan quickly turned his gaze towards Father Zeneth, surprising him with their sudden change in demeanor, prompting him to ask, "Is everything alright? What did you want to ask me, Lyco?"
"Not Lyco, me. I have some questions for you, Father Zeneth," Alan instantly replied, making Father Zeneth tense from the sternness seeping from Alan's tone and expression.
"Yes, Alan?" Father Zeneth responded, a bit taken aback.
Even Lyco, listening intently, anticipated Alan's questions, which surprised both of them, sending shivers down their spines as Alan formed his question into words.
"Forgive me as we didn't have any time to catch up after I woke up, but now that we have time, I won't waste any beating around the bush. Just answer me straight: How did Augustus die? How did Armis kill him?"
Alan's gaze turned into a glare, piercing through Father Zeneth, who started becoming anxious, fidgeting around under Alan's intense scrutiny. Looking at Lyco, who was equally shocked by Alan's sudden question, drops of sweat appeared on both of their temples. Lyco tried to intervene.
"I already told you, A—"
"I am asking you, Father Zeneth! Don't look at Lyco, look at me," Alan interrupted, his voice sharp and demanding. "I know you all are hiding something from me, and that is also the reason for Armis's changed behavior that you all are bearing despite the audacity. So please tell me now, what happened after I broke Augustus's rapier?"
Alan's glare didn't waver for a moment as he put pressure on Father Zeneth. The tension in the atmosphere even halted Lyco from interfering as Father Zeneth finally cracked.
"He ate him," Father Zeneth whispered, his words barely audible, his gaze downcast in disappointment and visible guilt. Alan couldn't believe what he heard at first, but the sense of shock already began to grip his body and mind as he asked,
"What?!! He did what?"
"Me and Armis were outside, following your instructions, waiting for you to come out, even when the time you decided had already slipped past. Armis insisted on keep waiting. I tried to force him, making him eat those leaves you gave me, but he resisted, pushing me away, which made me lose those leaves on the ground."
Father Zeneth paused, preparing himself to reveal the secret they all hid from Alan. He gazed into Alan's shocked eyes, continuing, "I am not sure how, but he found those leaves before I could have stood up and ate all of them. Just as you two, his aura multiplied by folds, and without even waiting for a second, he entered the chamber. I followed him and saw you breaking the rapier, which made Augustus transform back into his mortal form. But what Armis did after that left us all in shock…"
"Why? What happened?" Alan, already anticipating what Father Zeneth was getting onto, was frustrated by his sudden pause. He yelled at him to answer, while hoping his own deduction would be proven wrong.
"HE ATE HIM!!!! He ate him like an animal, slitting his throat like an animal and then proceeded to gnaw on his lifeless body," Father Zeneth recounted, his voice rising with the horror of the memory.
"What? What are you talking about? Armis couldn't do such th—"
"He did, we all saw it," Lyco interjected, cutting through Alan's denial. Alan tried to show his disbelief in Father Zeneth's words, but Lyco's confirmation added even more shock, making him imagine their words, yet still unable to accept them.
"Then why didn't you tell me this? And why didn't Armis say anything? This can't be the reason why he is acting like this. Armis should be devastated, crying like a child. You don't know, I have seen him when he accidentally killed Venatus; he was broken. I am not able to believe what you are saying. He may have killed him, but eating? That…that is not Armis."
As Alan expressed his disbelief, banging his fist on the table like a gavel, trying to prove his point to Lyco and Father Zeneth, and to himself, Lyco reached out and gently held Alan's hand, seeking to calm him down. Locking eyes with Alan, filled with disbelief and shock, Lyco began to answer Alan's questions.
"That's what we thought too. Even Armis denied remembering anything before his transformation. But I believe he's just avoiding confronting his actions. We were all shocked, but somewhat relieved. Relecta told us what Augustus had done to Armis, and seeing him healed and better, I know I shouldn't say this, but he was somehow even better than before. That's why we all decided not to discuss what we witnessed. We didn't want Armis to drown in guilt and regret. Relecta was the one who asked us to hide this from you too. She didn't want you to worry about Armis because she, and we all, knew that you would try to cure Armis the moment you found out."
Alan was left speechless by the shocking and unexpected revelation, disbelief flooding his mind as he contemplated the very thing his friends had tried to shield him from. He began to ponder possible reasons for Armis's actions and changed behavior. But before his contemplation could deepen, Father Zeneth added to Alan's shock with one more revelation.
"And Master Longiseus also knows about this."
"He does?!!" Alan exclaimed in shock, his pondering halted by the revelation. "But then why didn't he... why didn't he do something?"
"He sensed Armis's power, which increased to bounds, almost reaching his own, maybe surpassing him. This gave him an idea..."
"That Armis could prove useful for their upcoming battle with the Lord of Monsters?" Alan interrupted, his attention fully captured by Father Zeneth's revelation, as he deduced Longiseus's reasoning for not objecting to Armis's actions and behavior.
"Yes... that is what we were discussing earlier in the morning," Father Zeneth replied, regaining his composure with every word. "Master Longiseus was the one who asked us not to engage in any type of argument with Armis, despite his arrogant behavior."
Alan, still reeling from the shock, stood up from his chair and began walking towards the gate. Seeing his unexpected retreat, Lyco tried to stop him.
"Alan, wait! Where are you going? Are you upset? I promise we didn't want to h—"
"I know, Lyco!" Alan turned, replying to Lyco's unfinished plea. He gazed into his friend's eyes, conveying his disappointment. "But I'm not sure I appreciate it. Yes, it's true that I would have tried to cure Armis and confront him, which I'm still going to do, but you all could have shown some trust. So please, I need some time to absorb all this. And don't worry, I will try my best not to let any of this affect the activities tomorrow. I promise you that. But I will have my answers."
As Alan headed towards the door, Father Zeneth's sudden words halted him once again.
"One more thing, Alan," Father Zeneth said, "It's not from me, but Master Longiseus requested me to ask you: What was the origin and nature of those leaves? And would it be possible to get some before the battle?"
Alan's anger flared up even more at Longiseus's selfish request relayed through Father Zeneth. He slammed the door on his way out, expressing his frustration before replying in a tight and sharp voice, "Yeah? Tell him to ask me himself."
Poduria stormed up the stairs, racing through the hallway. She burst into her old room and slammed the door behind her, shutting out Aurelia and Relecta, who were close on her heels. They tried to open the door, but it was locked. Helpless, they exchanged worried glances. Aurelia knocked gently.
"Poduria? We know you're upset about how your family treated us…and you. But running away like this won't solve anything."
"Yes, Master, please come out. I…I can't stand to see you like this. Don't worry, we're here for you. We will help you," Relecta added, her voice breaking with concern. Seeing her mentor in distress brought tears to her eyes. But their pleas were met with only silence.
Growing restless, Aurelia jiggled the doorknob, trying to force it open but failing. Suddenly, she heard a sob from inside the room. Her heart sank as Poduria's cries grew louder, her voice breaking through the door in anguished whispers.
"I...I hate them. I hate them so much that it's impossible for me...to do anything without their approval."
As their friend's despair-filled words echoed through the door, Aurelia and Relecta sank to the floor, their backs pressed against the sturdy wood. On the other side, Poduria's sobs intensified, her voice heavy with sorrow.
"I...I knew some of this would happen," she choked out, her words strained with emotion. "They were always like this, criticizing my choices, teasing me, trying to decide what was right or wrong for me. I used to fight back, but eventually...I almost gave up. Do you know how hard it was for me to convince them to let me run my own farm?"
Aurelia and Relecta remained silent, their ears attuned to the sorrowful tone of their friend's voice seeping through the door. Poduria's words carried the weight of her heartache as she poured out her emotions.
"But when I met Lyco," she confessed, her voice trembling with emotion, "he...he saw me differently. Not as a child, not as a defenseless girl, but as a person, an independent individual. And that made me so happy. The way he treated me, the way he talked to me, the way he looked at me...it was all so beautiful and pure. I never wanted that to end. I wanted to live like that, with him, forever. Which is why when he proposed to me, it was like a dream come true. But now..."
As the sobs of Poduria gradually subsided, her eyes, which had just begun to dry, became moist once again as tears streamed down her cheeks. Trying to contain her screams of frustration, she spoke in a voice filled with helplessness.
"When they finally displayed their disapproval of our marriage, of our love, of Lyco," she confessed, her words punctuated by her tears, "I'm not sure what I should do. No matter how much I try, I can't go against them. I can endure my pain, I can endure fighting with my parents, but what will I do if Lyco starts hating me because of all this? What if he leaves me because of my ridiculous family? I can't live without Lyco. I love him so much...I can't even imagine breaking his heart. I...I can't..."
"Really? Is that all the trust you have in your love? In Lyco? Come on, girl, get a grip," Aurelia interjected, her tone unexpectedly laced with sarcasm as she posed a compelling question to her friend, momentarily silencing Poduria's sobs. Continuing in a slower, more reflective manner, Aurelia added a hint of nostalgia and understanding to her words.
"I might sound a little full of myself when I say this, but I understand where you're coming from."
This unexpected shift in tone caught even Relecta off guard. Poduria, wiping her tears, asked in a gradually shifting tone, "Wh...what do you mean?"
Aurelia turned her face towards the door, attempting to meet Poduria's gaze through it. Her eyes shifted upwards to the ceiling as she delved into her own past, relating her experiences to Poduria.
"I don't know if Armis has mentioned this to you, but I used to be a big daddy's girl," Aurelia began with a chuckle, almost mocking her former self to emphasize her point to Poduria. "I wouldn't even breathe without his permission. Whether his words were good or bad, they were like a prophecy to me, and his approval was my greatest gift. But…"
Aurelia's tone shifted once more, infused with a hint of grief and guilt as she continued, "But then, when I stepped outside, I realized how wrong and insignificant his opinion was in the grand scheme of my life. I made friends, I met all of you—my new family—and just like that, he and his words disappeared from my life as if they never existed."
Relecta, moved by Aurelia's story and noticing how it had calmed Poduria's grief, decided to share her own thoughts. Looking at the crescent moon through the hallway window, she began with an uplifting tone, "Yeah. And you know, Master, when that monster was controlling me, making me think it was my real parents, it showed disapproval of my love for Alan. It called me childish and Alan a pervert. I even started to believe them and began to hate Alan."
As Relecta confessed, her voice and gaze faltered with guilt. But determined to cheer up her friend, she gathered herself and continued with renewed enthusiasm, "But everything changed when Alan confessed to me. It cleared all the fog from my eyes and made me see that what really mattered all along was what he thought. When the person you love from the bottom of your heart loves you back equally, it's their opinion, their words that actually matter."
"So what we are trying to say is," Relecta and Aurelia turned their faces toward the door, gazing through it at Poduria, trying to convey their support. Aurelia continued, "Lyco loves you more than anything in the world. And believe me, no one knows better than I do that he's the kind of guy who means what he says. If he says he wants to marry you, then nothing in this world can change that."
"But he can't do it alone," Relecta added, reinforcing Aurelia's supportive words. Both pressed their hands against the door, "He needs you to believe in him, and in yourself. I know it sounds hard, but sometimes we have to fight for the ones we love, even if it means going against our own family."
"And don't worry, we're here with you," Aurelia continued, her words blending seamlessly with Relecta's.
"Don't think you're alone. We'll support you no matter what happens. But first, you have to trust yourself and your love to withstand these challenges. If not—"
Before their supportive words could fully resonate, the door opened, and Poduria emerged. Without hesitation, she embraced Aurelia and Relecta tightly, tears streaming down her face. This time, she cried in happiness, realizing she wasn't alone. Her friends held her close, sharing in her relief and joy.
"Poduria…" The beautiful moment between the three friends came to a halt. Poduria lifted her head, her tear-blurred eyes meeting those of her mother standing before her. Her mother's eyes welled with tears, reflecting guilt and longing. Behind her stood Poduria's father, mirroring his wife's emotions, holding the hands of Poduria's sisters. The whole family had gathered in the hallway, the sadness in the air intensifying.
Poduria stood up, gently extracting herself from Aurelia and Relecta's embrace. They took a step back, giving space to Poduria's mother, who, before Poduria could avert her eyes, wrapped her in a tight embrace. In a voice cracked with sorrow, she whispered, "Forgive us, our little girl. We never realized how much pain we were causing you when we selfishly tried to teach you how to live your life."
Poduria's shocked gaze softened as tears welled up in her eyes once again. She returned her mother's embrace, clinging tightly. Her father and sisters moved closer, joining them in a collective embrace. Her father, his voice thick with emotion, continued where her mother had left off, "Forgive us, princess. We should have stopped and listened to what you wanted. But not anymore. Tell us what you want, and it will happen. Nothing is greater to this old heart than the happiness of his children—all of them."
"I know what she wants," Poduria's elder sister chimed in, her voice warm and comforting as she gazed at Poduria, who was still overcome with emotion. Locking eyes with her younger sister, she continued, "Would you like to have a Nodum Allegare ceremony?"
A flicker of surprise crossed Poduria's face before a big smile emerged on her tear-streaked cheeks. With a nod of agreement, she silently confirmed her desire. Her father beamed with pride and joy, raising his head to address the entire family, "Prepare for even more celebration, as tomorrow is my princess's Allegare ceremony!"
As her father stepped back from the group hug, he cupped Poduria's face in his hands, his voice wavering with emotion, "She will marry the love of her life and…" His words trailed off as tears welled up in his eyes, mirroring the emotions felt by Poduria. She embraced him tightly, feeling the weight of their shared emotions.
Poduria's mother and sister smiled at the tender moment, gently nudging both father and daughter towards the stairs. With a playful amusement in her tone, Poduria's mother remarked, "Oh, you big softy… Come on, we have lots to plan."
As the family began to disperse into the house, Aurelia and Relecta exchanged smiles through teary eyes. They noticed Poduria's mother gesturing for them to follow, and they complied with warm smiles. But just as Relecta's feet began to move towards the rest of the group, she heard her name being called from near the window.
"Relecta… Relecta."
She turned her gaze towards the window and saw Alan hanging upside down from the roof outside. Their eyes met, and Alan gestured with his eyes for her to join him on the roof.
Relecta stole a quick glance back at Aurelia, Poduria, and her family near the doorway. Seeing an opportunity, she swiftly leaped out of the window, grabbing onto the ledge above as she skillfully maneuvered onto the flat roof of the main house. There, she found Alan sitting on the ledge at the opposite end, his back turned to her. Curious, she approached him and settled beside him on the ledge, taking in the serene darkness of the horizon illuminated by the faint glow of the half-moon.
Puzzled by Alan's sudden presence yet pleased, Relecta couldn't resist teasing him. She lightly traced her finger along his cheek in a suggestive manner and leaned in close to whisper in his ear, her voice laced with playful seduction, "Couldn't resist the urge to be near me for too long, could you... Darling?"
As Relecta leaned in for the kiss on Alan's cheek, he quickly shifted away, catching her off guard. Confusion flashed across her face, and she questioned him, her voice tinged with surprise, "What? Why did you move? Don't be a tease!" She attempted to close the distance between them, but Alan's stern gaze halted her, causing her to hesitate. Concern crept into her voice as she backed away slightly, studying his expression, "Alan, what's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Me? Oh nothing, I am just looking at a woman, who used to sing about love and marriage all the time but now has forgotten the very foundation every relationship stands on!"
Alan's glare intensified as he yelled at Relecta, his anger palpable and directed at something unknown to her. Her puzzlement turned to concern and sorrow as she tried to understand the reason for his outburst.
"W…w..what are..you talking about hon—"
"Don't call me that!!!" Alan cut off Relecta before she could respond, his agitation evident in his tone. He continued to berate her, his words laced with frustration and hurt.
"You have no right to smother your love on me when you don't even trust me. I can't believe you've started hiding things from me. Why? Why, Relecta? You don't even trust me enough? You don't even know me well enough that you made everyone hide such an important thing from me? Why?"
Relecta's heart sank with each accusation, her guilt and confusion mounting. She tried to find the words to explain, but they caught in her throat, overwhelmed by Alan's anger and her own turmoil.
"I didn't want you to stress yourself over it. I knew you would try to help Armis the moment you woke up and would get hurt further," Relecta's voice trailed off as she struggled to find the right words.
"And?" Alan's voice cut through the air, filled with frustration and hurt. He stood up abruptly, his anger palpable as he stomped on the ledge, leaving cracks in the stone. Tears welled up in his eyes, but he fought to control his emotions. "And what about now? Do I not look like I'm hurting? I trusted you, Relecta. I thought you would never hide anything from me, but clearly, I was wrong. But then..."
Alan turned away from Relecta, his steps heavy with hurt and disappointment. Relecta, overcome with grief and guilt, reached out to stop him, her voice trembling as she called out his name. But when Alan glanced back at her, his eyes filled with pain and betrayal, Relecta's heart shattered into a million pieces.
"I was right about something," Alan's words cut through the silence like a knife. "You were and are clearly too immature to understand how a marriage works. I'm starting to think I might have made a mistake."
With those words hanging in the air, Alan leapt off the roof, leaving Relecta behind. She stood there, numb and lost, her gaze following Alan's descent. Every step he took felt like a dagger in her heart, and she struggled to find the strength to move, to speak, to stop him.
As Alan disappeared from view, Relecta's gaze shifted to the sinking moon, its faint light casting shadows of doubt and despair. She felt powerless, unsure of what to do next or if there was anything left to salvage in their relationship.