Chapter-3 Nila

Kayal was looking at Ilan. Eyes tearing up. Ilan did not know that those would be her last words to him.

"I have to say this before I go into childbirth," she thought.

"I don't think I will be there… with you after giving birth to your sister. I have failed as your mother. But I know that you are a strong child. Protect your sister and… not let anyone see the Black Flame. Ever," she said again.

"I'm sorry," Ilan's eyes widened and then she went into labour.

Ilan was on the look out and could hear his mother scream

Then… silence.

Ilan panicked and rushed to his mom. He found her now unconscious, her chest rising faintly, a newborn baby girl wrapped gently in her arms.

"Wake up," he said.

"Wake up, wake up, wake up!!"

He started to tear up. He was a clever kid for his age — and he understood.

She was gone.

He collapsed beside her, and the wail that came from his chest sounded as though his soul itself had shattered. But the soft cry of the baby brought him back.

He remembered her words:

"Protect your sister."

He moved toward the baby, gently trying to take her from their mother's arms. But her hands — though lifeless — wouldn't let go.

She held the child tightly.

The embrace didn't hurt the baby, but it wouldn't budge even a little.

It was her final instinct — a mother's last act of love.

Ilan tried for hours. Nothing worked. His small fingers pulled, tugged, begged. He whispered. He cried.

Finally, he bowed his head and spoke the only apology he had.

The black flame rose quietly from his hand — gentle, not wrathful.

It passed between mother and child like a final blessing.

And slowly… her fingers let go.

The newborn slipped into his arms.

Kayal's embrace… finally fell still.

He held his sister close, alone in the forest. Not a soul to watch over them — only the pale moon, watching from the starless sky.

He looked at the baby's eyes.

She stared back at him. Silent. Awake.

He smiled through his tears.

"Nila… don't worry. Your brother will protect you."