Cherreads

Chapter 19 - Rebirth in Darkness

Here is your text translated into English:

Demons lost within a dark portal carried Nicat's lifeless body on their shoulders and arrived at the center of hell. This place was covered in shadows, filled with burning lava, and surrounded by a terrifying atmosphere. The demons carefully placed their leader's body onto a massive stone platform. Nicat's body still bore the marks of battle; covered in blood and ash, it lay motionless.

One of the demons picked up an old, worn book resting on a stone shelf. This book contained the secrets of an ancient and forbidden magic that only demons could use. Holding the book, the demon looked at the others and spoke in a dark voice:

"We will now begin the ritual required to resurrect our master. Prepare yourselves."

The demons formed a circle around Nicat's body. Each of them raised their hands and summoned dark energy. A low hum filled the air, and the darkness covering the sky began to flow into the circle as the ritual started. The demon holding the book began to whisper heavy and terrifying words in an ancient language:

"Tenebris vitae, reditus animam tuam! Mortem vincimus, et dominus noster iterum regnat!"

As these words spread through the air, the other demons repeated them. The energy rapidly flowed into Nicat's body. Glowing red symbols appeared on the stone platform, and Nicat's lifeless body slowly began to move.

For a moment, his eyes remained closed, but the dark energy filling his body was bringing him back to life. His eyelids slowly opened, and his eyes shone with a bright red light. Realizing the ritual was complete, the demons stepped back.

Nicat slowly rose, scanning his demons. A victorious, mocking smile appeared on his face.

"Well done," he said in a cold voice. "You brought me back to life. Now, I will be even stronger."

One of the demons bowed respectfully and said, "My lord, your power has returned. However, you must rest. It will take time for your body to fully recover."

Nicat stepped down from the platform with heavy steps.

"Take me to a chamber," he said. "But know this—this is only the beginning. Soon, everyone will learn that I have been reborn."

The demons led Nicat into a vast, dark stone chamber prepared for his recovery and restoration of power. Nicat sat upon a throne and closed his eyes to rest. Yet in his mind, plans of revenge and rebirth had already begun to take shape.

Leaving behind a battlefield that resembled hell itself, Nihad reached the great gates of the palace with his weakened body. Exhaustion weighed on his shoulders, and deep guilt filled his heart. As he stepped inside, the sight before him bore the marks of destruction. In the final battle between Arden and Kagehan's forces, the palace defenses had collapsed, and many soldiers had either died or been captured.

A group of Arden soldiers, having surrendered, were kneeling in a corner. The moment Nihad saw them, he was filled with rage. Ignoring the pain from his wounds, he shouted in a trembling voice:

"They had no right to surrender here! Our people died, my brothers died! Now this betrayal will be cleansed with blood!"

One of the Arden soldiers pleaded with fear in his eyes, "Please, have mercy! We don't want to fight anymore!"

But Nihad's rage had completely suppressed his mercy. He drew his sword and spoke without hesitation:

"You cannot satisfy my fury."

With a single strike, Nihad killed the soldier and ordered the execution of all the others. One by one, all captured Arden soldiers were executed by his command. This act created a wave of fear among both the soldiers and the people.After everything, Nihad, exhausted and covered in blood, withdrew to his chamber. A healer followed him inside and began treating his wounds. As the healer used magic to close the bleeding injuries, they noticed the expression of guilt on Nihad's face.

"Your Majesty, your wounds are healing, but the pain in your heart is still very deep," the healer said courageously.

Nihad gave no response. His eyes stared into emptiness. A storm of guilt raged within him. The weight of his brothers' deaths pressed heavily on his shoulders. In a low voice, he murmured to himself:

"This is my fault… Nahid, Nicat… If only I had stopped them, they might still be alive. Now I don't even have the strength to stop this bloodshed."

The healer quietly left the room, not wanting to disturb the king further. Nihad held his head in his hands and struggled with his conscience throughout the night.The next morning, Nihad stepped into the great hall to address his people. The crowd could see the exhaustion and pain on the king's face. Taking a deep breath, he spoke:

"We have suffered great losses in this war. My brothers, Nahid and Nicat, sacrificed their lives to protect these lands. But this war is not yet over. Some Arden soldiers are still at large, and others may be hiding among our people. Therefore, I declare martial law. Strict inspections will be carried out throughout the city. Everyone will be checked. This is a decision made for the safety of our people."

The crowd listened in silence. Many were disturbed by the severity of his decision, yet they trusted their king's leadership. However, the guilt within Nihad revealed the true emotions behind these decisions: an attempt to atone for his own failure.

Martial law was enforced, and the city turned into a heavily controlled stronghold. During this time, Nihad faced a difficult struggle—not only to protect his people but also to confront the inner pain caused by his brothers' deaths.

More Chapters