Chapter 28: Chapter 28

Nivaan’s POV

“Are you going after her?” Kiara asked as she walked up to me and placed her hand on my shoulder.

My jaws clenched and I drew in a deep breath, “I have made up my mind, sister. I won’t run from my responsibility. It is my duty to take care of Emilia and my baby.”

She knelt in front of me and looked into my eyes, “There is no need to be so hard on yourself, Nivaan. Emilia is a sensible person. If you choose to leave with Valence, she won’t badger you.” Her lips lifted in a half-smile, “I know that I criticized you for not giving Emy a chance. But, now that valence is back, things have changed. No matter what you decide, I will support you. If you want to stay with Valence, I will take care of Emilia and your baby.”

She patted my hand once and got to her feet. Before leaving she called out, “For once, I want you to think only about yourself. Do whatever will make you happy.”

I felt like someone had lifted the weight from my shoulders. I thought that my reluctance to pursue Valence was because I didn’t want to annoy my sister. But, why didn’t I feel the urge to go after Valence even after my sister gave me her unconditional support?

‘You have already rejected her. Why do you still care?’ Valence’s question flashed in my mind. Why did I still care? I had no answer to that question. Was it because she saved my life? Was it the guilt or remorse?

There were a million questions but no answers…

***

The next morning I was taking a walk when Valence appeared in front of me again. I had already made up my mind to stick around with Emilia by then. But, how was I going to tell her? I didn’t want to hurt her.

After running numerous scenarios, I finally decided to say it simply. “Vally, I…” Before I could say anything, she placed her fingers on my lips.

“It was unreasonable of me to leave like that. I should have understood your love for your child,” She flashed me a sweet smile and added, “To show that I am sincere in apologizing, I will help you do a Kilp Spell.”

Her fingers slid down my chin and she took a step back, “I heard that Emilia was kidnapped by a witch. This spell will create a magical spell around her and keep your baby safe.”

I had been so worried about the witch attacking again that this suggestion came as a gust of relief to me. Though I was overjoyed, I had to make sure Valence really wanted to do this. I raised my eyebrows and asked, “Are you sure about this?”

She placed her hand on my shoulders and looked into my eyes, “Anything important to you, needs to be protected.”

I rushed to inform Kiara about this. She was equally delighted and we made the preparations needed for the ritual. The ground was cleared and a large infinity symbol was created using candles. Sandalwood, incense, blood flowers, and a number of other herbs were gathered.

“I would need some blood from Emilia’s womb,” Valence said as she assessed the arrangements.

“You need what?” I was so shocked that my voice held a tint of suspicion. Valence was quick to catch it as expected. Hurt flashed in her eyes and she snapped, “Nivaan, you have enough experience with such rituals. You know that some kind of representation is needed if you want to perform any ritual. Since the baby is unborn, the only thing we can use is blood.”

A long, deep sigh escaped her lips, “If you think that I am trying…”

“There is nothing like that I was just startled,” I said quickly. “I am grateful that you are helping me out. Once this ritual is performed, I can finally relax.”

My heartbeat had accelerated slightly. I knew that I should tell her about my decision before she helped. My lips parted slightly but I just couldn’t speak out those words. A part of me didn’t want to jeopardise the opportunity to secure my child.

Letting out a sigh, I made my way to Emilia’s tent. I picked up a syringe from Kiara’s tent before entering the blue one. Emilia was standing with her back to me. Her shoulders were shaking as if she was crying. My heart twisted at the thought and I called out, “Emilia…”

When she turned to face me, her face was expressionless and eyes dull. Her voice was cold and indifferent as she replied, “Why are you here?”

Drawing in a deep breath, I prepared myself. This was probably going to be more difficult than I had thought.

“I am worried about our baby. So, I decided to perform a ritual to protect him.”

Her eyes lit up for a moment and I thought she would agree immediately. But, the next moment, her expression hardened, “Whose idea was this?”

“Vally was feeling bad about…”

“I don’t want to do anything suggested by her,” her voice was dripping with suspicion. This filled me with irritation. How could she throw away this opportunity without even giving me a chance to explain.

“I know that you are jealous of her but I won’t let you insult Valence like this. She is willing to cast aside everything and volunteered to perform this ritual for the sake of our son!” Grabbing her shoulders, I continued, “Why can’t you do the same?”

“Tell her that there is no need for her to do such a huge favor for me. I can take care of my son.”

“Your son?” I was so angry that I couldn’t find words to speak. There was a soft popping sound and Valence appeared in the room. Startled, my hands dropped to my sides. I hoped that she hadn’t heard Emilia’s words.

She smiled at me and spoke in a sweet voice, “Nivaan, you shouldn’t get angry with Emy. It is my fault that she is so suspicious of me.”

Valence took a step towards Emilia as she continued, “I am sorry for my irrational behavior. I always thought that Nivaan was mine. So, I couldn’t handle it well.” She placed her hand on Emilia’s shoulder, “It won’t happen again.”

Emilia shrugged off her hand but Valence remained unfazed, “Once this ritual is performed, a shield will be created around your womb. It will protect your baby from all magical and evil forces.”

“Save your breath, Valence. I am not interested in anything you say.”

“Please try to understand how important this is. What if that evil witch comes for you again?”

“Just leave, Valence.”

I couldn’t contain myself any longer, “Emilia! Why can’t you just listen to us?”

Emilia raised her head and our eyes met. There was a kind of indignation in them that chilled me, “I don’t trust you enough…” Her words pierced through my heart like a sharp arrow. Pain and anger coursed through me at the same time, the dominant emotion being anger.

I was willing to give up the true love of my life for her sake yet she didn’t even trust me. I grabbed her arms behind me and held them tight. With a swift motion, I pierced the needle through her abdomen and drew the blood I needed.

Tears welled in her eyes but I didn’t care. As far as this ritual was performed, she would stay safe; my baby would stay safe….