Chapter 3 – "The Weight of Sacrifice"

Chapter 3 – "The Weight of Sacrifice"

Even the strongest warrior cannot protect everything. But the love of a family is worth more than a thousand battles.

Scene 1: The Warning from Mira

Night had fallen over the small wooden house in the woods. The air was thick with an unspoken tension. After Rai's wrath had been unleashed, the family was quiet—too quiet.

That night, as everyone sat around the small fire, Mira finally spoke.

"Rai," she said softly, looking at him with sad, knowing eyes.

He looked up from where he sat sharpening an old, rusted blade—a habit he had picked up from watching Edrin.

"In this kingdom, there are Four Great Houses. They do not rule, but their power is as strong as any king's," Mira explained. "Each house controls a different part of the kingdom—trade, war, law, and the shadows. No one defies them."

Rai remained silent, absorbing her words.

"You killed fifty men from the Fourth House," she continued. "That was no small act. Their leader will not let this go."

A flicker of something primal stirred inside Rai's chest.

"If they come," he said, voice low and cold, "I will kill them, too."

Mira flinched.

"You don't understand," she whispered. "They won't just fight you. They'll burn the village. They'll destroy everyone you've ever cared for. That is their way. That is the way of power."

🔥 Power. That word rang in Rai's mind.

For the first time, he felt something he hadn't before—fear.

Not for himself.

For them.

Scene 2: The Son's Plea to the King

The next morning, Edrin left.

Without a word, without telling anyone, he walked straight to the royal castle and knelt before the king.

"Forgive my family," he said, his voice steady. "The man who did this was not one of us. He was just a stranger we took in. If a punishment must be given… let it be me."

The king watched him for a long moment. His golden robes draped over the grand throne, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

"Interesting," the king said. "A father willing to die for his son. A peasant willing to stand before royalty."

Then, his smirk faded.

"But what about my fame?"

Edrin bowed his head. "A single death won't be enough, will it?"

The king leaned forward. "No. But I admire your bravery. The people will not fear me if I let this go. Instead, I will give you a choice—"

Edrin lifted his head. "I will fight."

The king smiled.

"A man willing to throw away his life so his family may live," he mused. "A rare breed indeed."

He snapped his fingers. "Prepare the execution ground. Announce it as an honorable duel. This will be a lesson to the people—defy the Four Houses, and even the innocent will bleed."

Scene 3: The Trap

A letter arrived that evening, delivered by a royal messenger.

The Fourth House had spoken.

"Fifty of my men were slaughtered by one. We cannot let this stand. However, the man responsible refuses to fight. Instead, a father offers himself in his place. We shall take this offering, not because it is just—but because it will teach fear. Tomorrow, the father dies."

🔥 A trap.

The entire kingdom would witness this execution, believing it to be a fair duel. But the truth was cruel—Edrin was never meant to win.

A message was being sent: Defy the Four Houses, and they will take everything from you.

Even the king feared the Four Houses. He had no power to stop them.

The execution was settled.

The duel would be held at sunrise.

The moment Edrin returned home that night, he was smiling.

Rai knew something was wrong.

Scene 4: A Father's Last Meal

The family sat together, eating what would be their last meal as a whole.

Edrin spoke softly that night. He laughed. He held Lyra's hand. He let Mira scold him for getting old.

But his eyes always lingered on Taron and Elia.

The children were too young to understand, but Mira knew. Lyra knew. Even Rai, with his limited understanding of human emotions, felt it.

Death was in the air.

As the night deepened, Edrin placed a hand on Rai's shoulder.

"Take care of them," he said.

Rai stiffened.

Edrin laughed. "I know you don't understand what that means yet… but one day, you will."

A whisper in Rai's mind stirred.

"Protect what is yours."

For the first time in his life, Rai felt weak.

Scene 5: "Tomorrow Will Not Be the Same"

As everyone prepared for sleep, Edrin knelt before Mira.

"Mother," he said softly.

She placed a trembling hand on his cheek. "I cannot stop you, can I?"

He shook his head.

Tears slipped down her wrinkled face.

"You stupid, stubborn boy."

Edrin smiled.

But when he turned, Rai stood there, watching him.

Golden-red eyes burned in the dim candlelight.

"You are lying," Rai said.

Edrin sighed. "I know."

A heavy silence filled the air.

Then Rai spoke again, his voice low—almost unnatural.

"Tomorrow will not be the same."

Something dark stirred in the air around them.

Edrin swallowed hard. He did not understand what Rai was. But in that moment, he felt it.

🔥 Something powerful.🔥 Something ancient.🔥 Something waking up.

Tomorrow would not be the same.

Because Rai would not allow it.

Final Scene: The Dawn of War

As dawn broke, the village streets filled with people.

The execution grounds were set. A massive arena, its stone walls soaked with the memories of countless battles.

The Four Houses sat in the stands, eager to see a father die.

The king sat on his golden throne, amused.

And in the center of the arena, standing tall, was Edrin.

A single sword in his hand. A single life about to end.

Then, just as the executioner raised his weapon—

A gust of wind roared through the air.

The ground trembled.

A figure stepped forward.

🔥 Golden-red eyes burned beneath the morning sun. 🔥

Rai had come.

And for the first time in his life, he would fight—not as a king, not as a warrior, but as a protector.

And nothing would stand in his way.

🔥 Tomorrow would not be the same. 🔥