Before the Storm

The horn still echoed in my ears as we descended from the tower. The entire castle moved like an anthill, soldiers running in every direction, blacksmiths working tirelessly to repair armor, and mages tracing protection seals on the gates. The news had spread: Kiseki was coming again, and this time with a larger army than before.
In the courtyard, Cicilia organized the captains with a calm that commanded respect. Her voice was firm, but when I looked into her eyes, I saw the fatigue she tried to hide.
—We will reinforce the walls today —she said, slamming her fist on the map table. —The giants she brings can tear down the gates easily, so we must prepare traps in the moat.
Rei nodded. —I’ll oversee the archers. If the giants fall before reaching the walls, we’ll have a chance.
Nara let out a scoff. —Sure, a chance to get crushed slower.
—Your pessimism doesn’t help —Lysbeth replied, sternly.
—It’s not pessimism, it’s realism —Nara countered, crossing her arms. —But don’t worry, when the time comes, I’ll burn those monsters to the bones.
The tension was palpable, but at the same time, there was a spark of determination in everyone. No one thought of fleeing.

Later, I helped move debris in the inner courtyard. Civilians worked alongside soldiers, repairing what they could, placing planks on destroyed houses, tending to the wounded who had survived the first battle.
A boy approached, tugging on my cape. His wide eyes looked at me with hope. —Sir hero… are we really going to win?
I knelt in front of him, unsure how to answer at first. Finally, I forced a smile. —Yes. We’re going to win, because I won’t let anyone here lose their home.
The boy smiled and ran to his mother.
Aria watched me from afar, arms crossed. When I approached, she spoke softly: —Sometimes I’m surprised by how much you manage to carry without breaking.
I smiled wryly. —I just try to make sure they don’t see how broken I am inside.
She took my hand. —Then let me see those cracks. You don’t have to hide them from me.
Her words gave me a moment of relief. An instant in which the weight felt lighter.

That night, the group gathered in one of the highest towers. The moon illuminated our shadows as we shared a heavy silence. Rei broke it.
—I know tomorrow or the day after we’ll be fighting again. And I know not all of us will survive.
Nara rolled her eyes. —What an inspiring speech.
—Listen —Rei continued, ignoring her—, I don’t know what awaits us, but if any of you fall… I want you to remember that we got here because we fought together. Not because we depended on a god or a written destiny.
Lysbeth nodded, placing her hand on her sword. —Then let’s promise to stand firm. No matter what happens, we won’t retreat.
—I won’t retreat —added Nara, with a defiant smile. —And if I die, I want Kiseki to remember my face forever.
Everyone laughed softly, though it was a tension-filled laugh.
Aria looked directly at me, her gaze so firm it almost hurt. —Kaoru, whatever happens tomorrow… don’t forget our promise.
I squeezed her hand in response. —Never.

When we retired to rest, I walked alone through the corridors. The echo inside me spoke, whispering like sweet poison.
"They think they can hold on. But you know it won’t be enough. Only with me will you have the strength of a god. Only I can ensure you don’t lose Aria… or anyone else."
I stopped by a window, watching the night. The weight of that temptation grew stronger every day. But I remembered Aria’s words, Lysbeth’s faith, Rei’s harshness, and Nara’s courage. I wasn’t alone.
I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. —Maybe we’re not enough… but I’d rather fall with them than become what you want me to be.
The echo laughed softly, as if it already knew the final answer.
The moon shone over the castle, illuminating the preparations, the sharpened weapons, and the reinforced walls. The storm was near.
And we knew that this time, there would be no easy respite.