Chapter 50: Grief
Alvaric’s footsteps echoed faintly in the main corridor of the Ant Bee hive. The light from crystals embedded in the walls reflected the shadow of his body—and Niva’s, whom he was carrying in his arms.
There was no sound. Not from Lyrith, who walked several steps behind, nor from the Ant Bees who now bowed their heads in silence. They knew... all of them knew. Their leader was dead, and their master was mourning.
Alvaric stopped in the middle of the chamber. A large stone—once used by Niva to rest—awaited him. Slowly, he knelt and laid the body on it. He carefully straightened Niva’s wounded hands. Her head rested against the cold curve of the stone. Her eyes were closed... as if she were merely sleeping.
Alvaric stared at her face for a long time. Too long. As though he never wanted to blink.
"I once told you..." he whispered, "...that I would protect all of you, but..." His tears fell, not from rage, but from sorrow. "...I failed. I’m sorry."
His hands trembled as they touched Niva’s cold cheek. He took a deep breath, but his chest felt tight, like a boulder was lodged in his throat.
"If only I hadn’t been poisoned, none of this would’ve happened."
The Ant Bees in the room lowered their heads even further—for it was they who had given the mushroom to their master. They felt guilty.
Tears streamed down his face, but he didn’t cry. His eyes were simply wet, empty, and no longer shining.
He bowed his head. Both of his fists clenched tightly on his thighs.
"I’m sorry," Alvaric repeated.