Chapter 245: Deaths On Her Conscience
"Yes. He was," Rafael said solemnly.
They slowly walked towards Oliver’s body, and Soleia sucked in a breath as she finally saw him. Oliver’s eyes were still wide open, as though he had died scared. Or maybe he kept his eyes open, trying to look for her even in the last moments of his life. Soleia recalled Oliver screaming for her to remain hidden, and a sob escaped her throat.
This man didn’t deserve to die. She sniffled helplessly as tears began to form.
Rafael squeezed her hand quietly before he crouched down. With a gentle hand, he closed Oliver’s eyes. He then took out his handkerchief to wipe Oliver’s face clean.
Now he looked like he had merely fallen asleep on watch, if one didn’t spot the huge gaping wound on his chest, and caught the way his tunic was stained blood red. Even if he had arrived right at the very moment Ricaard stabbed him, Rafael would not have been able to save him.
Rafael’s heart ached at the loss; Oliver had been his most loyal, most trusted subordinate. In fact, he might be considered the closest thing Rafael had to a friend, or a brother from another mother. His own brothers treated him with disdain and cruelty, while Oliver had welcomed him with open arms.
Ever since Rafael had stumbled upon him trying to sneak in extra practice from under the knight’s noses, Oliver had followed him faithfully like a puppy. No matter how much Rafael had criticized him for his lack of skills or complained, Oliver only nodded and promised to do better so that he could stay by his side and protect him.
His nose soured, and he felt himself sniffle.
Stupid.