Chapter 123: The Riddle of the Old Man and the White Omen Within the Black Threat
The Riddle of the Old Man:
When Diari received the sandwiches, he couldn't ignore the strange gaze of the old man. While Rina was busy eating, Diari stepped away for a moment and stood alone before him.
Diari (with a hoarse, suspicious voice): "Haji... those words you said a moment ago, what did they mean? What do you mean by the key being within my crimson eyes?"
The Old Man (looking toward a distant horizon and sighing): "My son, I am over a hundred years old. In the history of this land, there has only been mention of one man whose eyes were like flickering red flames. That man possessed a power that could speak to the dead and make mountains tremble. Everyone feared him, for they called him the 'Guardian of Blood.' Now, as I look at you, I see that same radiance in your eyes. Who is to say you are not the one foretold? Who is to say you have not come to end the curse that Lina is spreading?"
Diari was stunned; he felt the ground tremble beneath his feet. "Guardian of Blood? Haji, I only want to protect Rina. What more could I want?"
The Old Man (placing his hand on Diari's shoulder and gripping it firmly): "That is only half the truth. There is a secret within this power that I will not tell you yet, for it is not the time. I will only tell you this: Watch over Rina. She is not just your wife; she is the key. If you lose her, your power will become a hell for you. Go... and do not let the shadow of the seal on her forehead draw near."
The Way Back and Deep Reflections:
Diari and Rina set off toward home. Rina was full of joy, holding Diari's hand and constantly talking about the days he was away and how she used to imagine this moment.
Rina: "Diari... do you know how many times I thought of this moment while I was in that old house? I wondered if a day would come when Diari would return to me with all this strength and beauty. Did you think I would forget you? No, by God, I whispered your name every single second. Diari... are you listening to me?"
But Diari's mind was not on Rina's words. His brain had become a battlefield for the old man's warnings. "Guardian of Blood? The key is in my eyes? What did he mean?"
Rina (stopping and looking at Diari): "Diari! I'm talking to you! Why are you so silent? What's wrong?"
Diari (startled): "Huh? No, my soul... I'm just a little tired. Your words are so sweet, please continue."
Diari didn't want to frighten Rina, so he hid the secret in his heart. They arrived home, and the whole family was gathered in the living room, except for Diari, who sat alone in a corner, drowned in thought.
The Tidings of a New Life:
Rina felt that Diari was not his usual self. She went to him and placed her hand on his shoulder.
Rina: "Diari... why are you alone, my soul? You have me, come, let's sit together."
At that moment, Rina suddenly felt a sharp pain in her stomach and her breath tightened. She was about to fall, but Diari moved with supernatural speed and caught her in a firm embrace. The moment their bodies touched, Rina felt a wave of peace and her pain vanished.
A moment later, Rina said she was going to the bathroom. Diari waited in the room. When Rina returned, her face was as pale as a rose petal, but her eyes were glowing. She held a piece of paper—a medical test.
Rina (with a trembling voice full of tears of joy): "Diari... I... I am going to be a mother."
Diari froze as if struck by lightning. "What? Rina, what are you saying?"
Rina: "Diari, I'm pregnant! I'm going to be a mother, and you're going to be a father! The symbol of our love is coming into the world."
Diari let out a shout of pure joy, lifted Rina high, and held her tight. "I'm going to be a father? Rina... this is the greatest news of my life!"
They went downstairs together and shared the news with the whole house. Mother Elara, Rina's father, and Elias wept with joy. That night became a night like no other, filled with song and happiness.
Lina's Darkness and the New Plot:
But far away, Lina let out a demonic scream inside her cave. Through her magic, she felt that something had changed.
Lina: "No! This cannot be! That child... that child carries a power that could destroy all my spells. If that child remains in Rina's womb, I will cease to exist. It is too strong; it carries Diari's power and Rina's purity."
Lina began striking the red mark on her abdomen. "That child must die in Rina's womb. I have decided... I will kill Rina and the child together. I will wait no longer." Lina began a much more dangerous ritual, her body turning into black smoke. "Diari... you will be mine, even if I have to destroy the entire world."
Written by: Dlin_myth