The Forsaken Destiny

This night was ended, and people from their houses slowly peered out from their windows. Their fears vanished, and I saw that they stopped trembling. I saw Claudia and Solari; their faces slowly brightened with smiles.

I did not notice that the sun was near to rising again in the east. If, before, the terrifying event would have been held all night, and we would have just waited until dawn as the sun started to rise, but they did not need to do that anymore.

People from their houses went out and personally approached me. "Thank you so much."

"I expressed my gratitude for what you did, and I am so grateful that you came back," the old lady I helped before said, smiling.

"You don't need to do that; it's my duty to protect you," I replied, but the old lady just stared into my eyes.

I noticed that my house was slowly being opened by my friends—Claudia and Solari—as they ran towards me. Their bright faces immediately melted my heart, but I spotted a trace of tears in their eyes.

Some people here, their eyes still welling up with tears as they wiped them away with the backs of their hands. Those tears might have been filled with joy and relief after they, or we, endured this every night for so many years. The sword grants me a new appearance and beginning, but not power.

I wish no one would find out about this secret because if someone did, especially Neima and Covyn, I know what would happen. The worst thing they could ever do is force me to give up this sword.

Solari walked towards me. "You saved us," she whispered, her lips lifting into a smile.

"I am just doing my duty," I simply replied, pretending that I didn't know her.

Claudia also walked towards me and held my hand. "You were the first person who could do such a thing," she mumbled, complimenting what I had done and secretly winking at me.

Of course, we needed to pretend that we didn't know each other. People would be suspicious if we acted like we knew each other, and many questions would arise. Before, I enjoyed this kind of thing—Does the real owner of this sword know?

Marcelene ambled toward me. "Your plan worked, and I doubt why people love you," she stated, looking at me.

"People also love you," I responded, glancing at the other warriors. "Of course, with your team." I gazed in their direction behind her, gesturing with my hand.

She gazed at them before turning her attention back to me. "I hope so," she said. "But most people don't like us because of some traits they have," she mentioned.

The memory of Covyn Reeve asking the old lady for money flashed through my mind. I looked fixedly into Marcelene's eyes, and I could see how much she cared for everyone. No wonder her mother loved her so much. I remembered she was the one who saved me several years ago when the apocalypse erupted.

"I hope one day, they'll change," I commented, faking a smile.

A little girl ran toward me and touched my hand, so I glanced down at her as I slowly knelt on my right knee. "How are you, little girl?" I asked, and I could see in her eyes how much she hoped for me.

"You are my hero," she uttered lively.

I forced a smile. "No, you are your own hero," I stated, tapping her nose. "This woman in front of you is just doing her responsibility," I added.

People here seemed to rely on me, but I sensed they would only love a huntress warrior once she had done something good. I slowly understood why she chose to leave this town and forget her memories here. Individuals in this town would blame you for the death of their loved ones when you couldn't save them.

This is reality; let's face it. Behind their bright faces, there's always a darkness crawling around that will come out eventually. Their smiles mean something; behind those smiles is something else that will emerge at the right time.

Covyn's hair danced in the air as his evil smile slowly emerged. I don't know what this guy is thinking, but I'm sure of something—he was planning my downfall in this picture to take the attention of the crowds.

Marcelene noticed my furious expression toward Covyn. "Don't mind him," she uttered, so I turned my attention to her.

"What he's doing isn't funny anymore," I commented.

She took a deep breath. "He's arrogant, disrespectful, undisciplined, and I wonder how he became the owner of that sword," Marcelene said of Covyn.

Just look at his behavior!

That's why no one wants him in this town. A new day means hope, but it also means abuse from this guy. All of them are penniless and have nothing. Everything they had was destroyed by demons when the apocalypse started.

Even during the day, demons coexist with humans, hiding in places where sunlight can't reach them. Nobody wants this situation, but it's our unexpected circumstance.

I was about to turn my back on Marcelene when I felt someone holding my arm. I turned to see who it was and realized it was Neima.

"I'm so sorry for how Covyn treated you," she apologized.

Her eyes told me something else; there was a discrepancy between her words and her expression.

"You don't need to apologize," I replied, removing her hand from my arm. "He should apologize himself," I stated coldly, and she just stared at me.

Neima walked back toward Covyn, and I saw her talking to him. Her hands were grasping his, and I couldn't understand what was going on. Is this part of Covyn's plan? What secrets lie behind their innocent faces?

Covyn ambled up to me, acting embarrassed, so I scoffed. "What are you doing?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I would like to apologize for how I treated you," he said, acting like he knew me but glancing at Neima.

I looked straight at him. "Do you think this is funny?" I queried seriously.

"No, but I'm serious." He uttered, trying to touch my hand, but I immediately pulled it away.

"Apology accepted, so don't come near me again," I stated, rolling my eyes, and he grinned at me.

He was about to speak, but he saw my expression, so he raised both hands, walking backward, pointing, and winking at me like a fool.