Chapter Text
“Elbaulavni si luos ruoy.”
Sweat dripped off Callum’s brow.
“Elbaulavni si luos ruoy .”
Callum’s jaw shook. He glared down at the last of the three coins and scoffed at it.
“ Elbaulavni – si – luos ruoy .”
Color burst from the gold. Callum’s black eyes rolled into his head and he collapsed backwards. Rayla caught him and gently lowered his body to the ground.
Runaan gagged. He writhed in the dirt and rocks next to the other two freed prisoners.
“You’re finally here!” strong arms wrapped around Tiadrin, “Mom! Dad! Runaan!”
“R-Rayla?” Tiadrin wheezed. Her arms shook as she hugged her. “Sweetie?”
“I’m right here,” Rayla held her mother firmly. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“We’ve missed you too dear,” Tiadrin wrapped her arms around Rayla protectively.
“We’re finally together again,” Rayla wept, “It’s been so long.”
“... Long?”
Lain grunted, and bone cracked. The direction of the sound terrorized Rayla.
“CALLUM!”
“Die, you abhorrent bastard!” Lain wheezed as he struggled to lift the rock again. He wouldn’t miss Callum’s head this time.
“Dad, no, stop it!” Rayla struggled against her mothers grip.
“It’s okay dear,” Tiadrin held her tighter, “We’ll protect you.”
Rayla thrashed against her, “NO! STOP IT! THAT’S NOT VIREN! YOU’RE CONFUSED!”
Lain held the rock high, his arms straining to hold it.
“Stay away from our daughter, you vile–”
Lain grunted and was seized from behind. He fell backwards to the ground and dropped the rock. He turned back, ready to fight his adversary, but froze.
It was Runaan.
Runaan’s right arm shook as he held onto Lain’s bicep, “Are you mad? Can’t you hear your own daughter?”
Lain blinked. He squinted his eyes shut several times and wheezed. “What? I- what is happening? Why aren’t you helping me?”