Though the pain stabbed deep within him, what else could he do? Luca felt as if destiny itself had chosen this path for him—to die from an illness with no cure, no explanation, not even a trace of what caused it. What else was left? Even with the chaos surrounding them, he couldn't abandon everyone and focus solely on himself. Whether he tried or not, he would still die. All that remained was to take life as it was and move forward with whatever was left.
Those were the thoughts spiraling through Luca's mind. With a heavy sigh, his hands dropped onto his knees as he stared down at them, regret shadowing his expression. A weak chuckle escaped him, followed by silence as disbelief washed over him again.
"A growth… inside my own brain? Huh. I'm dying now. For real. Not imagination—reality. What a fate," he murmured, sinking to the ground.
"That ALAH or whatever she is… if you meet her somewhere, tell her I'm ready. I'm waiting for her to take me. I'm not afraid anymore—not after this. There's nothing left to waste."
His eyes fixed on the dirt beneath him.
"After some months… or years… I'll become like this sand. I'll be nothing."
"Luca, Luca… why don't you clear your mind first? Then maybe we can find a solution. You might survive," Lyn whispered as she sat closer, her hand trembling on his shoulder, tears threatening to fall.
"I'd rather die than survive. No matter how many times I live through things—I'll still die in the end. And you've seen it yourself. That witch wants me dead. What more can I do?"
"You don't have to do anything," Lyn insisted. "We'll find a way—after we deal with that damned woman. You'll get treated."
Alex moved closer, squatting in front of him.
"I'll always be here for you. I won't let that woman get near you or anyone else. That's a promise."
Luca let out a shallow laugh.
"I wish I had courage like yours. But what if we all die? Will you still bet on that?"
"Yes," Alex replied without hesitation. "If I die, I'll die protecting you and the others. A promise is still a promise."
"Hah! Alex, your words are encouraging… but I can't help it. I might die even now. Anyway…" he lifted the dead bush rat, eyeing its limp form. "I don't want to die like this creature. It tried to save itself, but the killer didn't spare it. Was it you, Siz? You killed it? With just a stick?"
"What? Can't I be a killer too?" Lyn blinked in confusion.
"No—you must be a good killer. Perfect timing, perfect spot." He examined the rat's throat. "Impressive. You can kill now."
"Don't forget what they say—kill or be killed," she teased.
"Hah! You used that perfectly." Luca stood up. "Anyway, others must be worried. We should go plan before that witch returns. I'll cook tonight. You'll see—I'm a good chef."
Lyn whispered a soft thank-you into Alex's ear as they walked. Alex only twisted his lips in amusement before lifting her off her feet and running ahead. Luca chased after them, complaining loudly.
"These are the things I wanted to do before dying," Luca yelled while running. "But since I'm doomed, I'll enjoy them in heaven with Abraham and Moses—with seven virgins waiting for me! Hah!"
"Don't worry, you still have my sister Linet," Alex threw back. "She's young—but not when it comes to love. Just… don't rush her, or she'll reject you before you even try."
"What? Dude, why tell me now? How am I supposed to talk to her after that? You're scaring me!" Luca groaned, causing the others to laugh as they followed the narrow path out of the forest.
Alex finally set Lyn down, though he still held her hand. Luca stared at the bush rat in his hands and imagined for a ridiculous moment that he was holding Linet.
"Last supper," he muttered. "I'm gonna devour you like never before."
---
"Hey! Where have you been? We thought the witch kidnapped you! What happened?" Andy asked as he and Linet approached. Luca glanced at them both, jealousy stinging his chest. He swallowed it down and walked past them without a word.
"Sorry—we had a… situation," Alex explained. "But it's better now. Well, mostly."
His gaze drifted to Luca, who was silently preparing the meal. Linet noticed too. With a worried expression, she walked up to him and stopped directly in front of him.
"Are you okay?" she asked softly.
"Do I look like I am?" he whispered, though she still heard him.
"No. And I'd prefer if—"
"Then why ask if you already know? Yes, I'm not okay. Satisfied?" He snapped his eyes up to hers—then immediately looked away. "I… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to shout. I'm just—"
"It's fine," she cut in gently. "I understand. Let's drop it. Can I help?"
"You? Linet? Helping me cook?" Luca stared at her dramatically. "No, you must be an imposter."
"Haha! Don't be stupid. It's still me. People change."
"So you have changed, huh? Show me then." He grinned.
"Fine—give me the knife. I can cook too."
"Well then, I'll be your butler. I'll serve you anything," he teased, earning a loud laugh from her that caught everyone's attention.
"I bet he's a drama king," Alex muttered, causing Andy to raise a brow.
"I love seeing him happy," Lyn whispered. "I'm grateful for your words earlier, Alex. One day I hope I can repay you."
"No need, Sweet Lyn. A promise is a promise." He kissed her lightly, and Andy pretended not to see anything.
"These kids will make me blind," Mr. Tan complained.
"You are old, old man," Andy teased. "You'll die soon anyway."
The old man chased him angrily, whip in hand.
Even in the darkness, they found moments to laugh—moments they knew they might never forget.
"I love this life," Alex whispered as the fire lit his face. "No death… no stress… just us."
They ate quietly, wishing Drew were still with them. Alex tightened his arm around Lyn.
"I hope we never get separated," he said, voice cracking but holding back tears.
Later, they began their planning. Their first mission: find a way to strike ALAH—and not spare her this time. Andy sharpened the sticks into small arrows. Alex and Linet coated them with a deadly mixture of snake venom and fresh bush-rat blood. Mr. Tan explained that if the arrow pierced ALAH's body, she'd fall unconscious, since she survived by consuming human souls.
Meanwhile, Mr. Tan guided Alex through the strange language of the dead—Vonnol. Alex had a natural gift for it, something the old man couldn't fully explain.
The night deepened around them…
But so did the danger.
And soon—someone would face the consequences first.