Chapter 84 (A Dance Of Fate)

Ralph's POV

In the bitter aftermath of what transpired, the weight of regret pressed upon me, I was a day too late to shield Athena from the unfolding tragedy. Clutching her tightly, pain and guilt consumed me.

Alone in the room, time slipped away unnoticed as I wrestled with remorse. Memories cascaded, vivid recollections of the day I first saw her depart with Tala, the first intimacy we shared in a bed, and the memorable imprint of our expedition to the waterfall.

Fueled by a surge of anger, I rose, tenderly adjusting her on the bed. Kissing her forehead and lips, tears streamed down my face, a silent testament to my grief.

With the back of my palm, I wiped away the evidence of my sorrow before retrieving my sword. Closing the door gently, the room now a sacred sanctuary for my wife, I stepped into the corridor making my way to the living room.

The metallic scrape of my sword against the floor reverberated, igniting tiny sparks as it made contact with the ground. Each echoing sound