"Who bowed?" Latisha asked, her hands trembling as she still held Rwaine in her arms.
His body was cold and stiff, his breathing shallow, his eyes distant. She tried to take the mask from his hands, tugging at it gently at first, then harder when she realized his grip was impossibly strong.
His knuckles were white, veins pulsing beneath his pale skin, and the mask seemed glued to his palm as though it had fused with him.
"Rwaine, let go of the mask now!" she screamed out, panic rising in her chest. Her voice echoed into the emptiness around them, swallowed by the thick mist that had begun to creep into the forest.
Rwaine didn't budge. His body remained has becomecomecomecomecomecome unresponsive. Then his lips parted, and he whispered in a tone that chilled her, "Everything… everything."
A second later, he screamed, his voice firm, filled with agony and fear—"Everything!"
Latisha flinched, her heart pounding. She stared at him, confusion and fear written across her face.
All around them, the plague doctors who had surrounded them moments ago began to retreat, their black cloaks fluttering in the wind as they ran.
As they fled, Latisha caught sight of one of the doctors who dropped his mask. Her eyes widened when she saw what lay beneath.
His face was melted as if fire and acid had eaten through his flesh. The skin hung in strings, half of his jaw was exposed, and what remained of his lips stuck to his teeth.
His nose was gone, replaced by a dark pit, and his one surviving eye was dull and cloudy. His face looked like wax dripping down a candle, his flesh oozing and steaming in the cold air. It almost made Latisha gag.
But she didn't have time to think about it. Her mind was still on Rwaine. She knelt beside him again, shaking his shoulder. "Rwaine, please, let go," she whispered, voice trembling.
The mask pulsed faintly with a dim red glow. Desperate, Latisha raised her hand, whispering a quick spell. A golden spark flickered from her fingers and struck the mask but the magic bounced back with a violent force.
The rebound hit her chest and sent her stumbling backward. Sparks caught on her dress, and within seconds, her sleeve burst into flames.
"No, no!" she cried, frantically slapping at her dress as fire licked her arm. She fell to the ground, rolling to put it out, coughing as the smell of burnt fabric filled the air.
When the last ember died, she sat there breathing heavily, sweat covering her whole body. "What have I done?" she whispered shakily, her hands trembling.
As the doctors ran through the forest, the unmasked one lagged behind. He stopped near a cluster of dead trees, clutching his face.
"Your mask?" one of the doctors hissed.
"That golden-eyed boy," the unmasked one rasped. "His strength is like that of a god. I've never seen something like that before."
"Neither have I," another replied. "But I katw what to do. Let's make him join us and become a plague doctor himself."
A deep rumble rolled through the sky. Clouds gathered, black and heavy, covering the moon. A sharp wind rushed through the trees, and the world darkened as the storm brewed.
Thunder roared so loudly it shook the branches, and the smell of rain filled the air.
The sky flashed white as lightning tore through it, followed by the sound of angry thunder.
"We have to go, the rain must not touch us!" one of the doctors shouted, his tone urgent.
They sprinted toward an old wooden house nearby, their boots splashing in the mud. The door creaked as they shoved it open and rushed inside.
Just as the last of them, the unmasked one—was about to enter, the leader pushed the door shut, locking it with a bar.
"What are you doing? Ope the door!" the unmasked one yelled, banging against it.
"Open it, he's going to die if the rain touches him!" another cried inside, fear creeping into his voice.
But no one moved. Then, with a deafening crack, the heavens broke open. Rain poured down like silver bladesisom the sky.
The first drops hit the unmasked doctor's skin. He screamed, a sound so high and raw that it pierced the storm.
His skin began to bubble and dissolve. The flesh peeled away in sheets, exposing bones that melted next. His hands stretched out desperately, but they too melted into black sludge as his body collapsed, his scream fading into the storm.
Inside, the other doctors watched in horror through the cracks in the wood, their eyes wide, unable to speak. The leader stood in silence, his face hidden beneath his mask and he turned away.
Unknown to them, Lana had followed Rwaine and Latisha into the woods earlier. She had hidden behind the trees when the chaos began, her heart thudding in her chest as she witnessed the scene of horror.
When the doctors fled, she stayed hidden until the last of them disappeared, then turned and ran.
Back at Rwaine's side, the rain poured heavily, cold and relentless. Latisha's hair clung to her face, her fingers trembling as she knelt in front of him.
She raised her hands toward the sky, whispering a spell through chattering teeth. A golden shield shimmered into existence above them, forming a glowing dome that shielded them from the storm.
"Rwaine, you have to wake up," she said, her voice cracking.
Lightning struck the barrier, flashing bright white. The dome shook violently, rippling under the force.
"Rwaine!" she called again, louder this time. Her voice echoed through the forest, swallowed by the roar of thunder.
The bolts came faster now, crashing into the shield again and again. It began to crack, the light dimming with each strike.
"Why is the lightning targeting us?" she muttered, fear creeping into her voice. "Rwaine, what are you doing?"
Another blast hit, and the shield shattered, thro,ing Latisha backward into a tree. She gasped in pain, coughing as she tried to stand.
The lightning swirled above them like a living storm before it struck Rwaine directl The ground shook but he didn't flinch. The bolt had no effect on him. Instead, he slowly opened his eyes.
"Latisha," he whispered.
Her heart leapt. She crawled toward him and cupped his face with shaking hands. "You're back," she breathed.
He nodded slightly. "Let's leave this rain."
He helped her to her feet. Together they walked away, the rain falling harder behind them.
As they emerged from the forest, they saw Lana standing near a large oak tree. Her cloak was drenched, her eyes wide with worry.
"Lana," Latisha whispered, relief flooding her voice.
"Come with me," Lana said ,quickly. "Hurry."
She led them through narro,w forest paths until they reached a hidden tunnel carved into the earth. The smell of damp soil and herbs filled the air. The inside was dimly lit by torches, their flames flickering weakly.
All around them were infected villagers lying on makeshift beds—men, women, and children. Some coughed weakly; others lay still, barely breathing.
A few unmasked healers moved about, cleaning wounds and whispering quiet prayers.
"Does the king know about this?" Latisha asked as she looked around, her heart aching at the sight.
"No," Lana said, shaking her head. "It's a secret place we built for the infected. Ever since the doctors came, the plague became worse. They took our people forcefully, and we never saw them again. So we created this place to treat it ourselves."
"I hope you know this is a waste of time," Latisha muttered, crossing her arms. "If they find out, they could kill everyone."
"Yes, I know," Lana said, forcing a smile though her voice trembled.
She led them to a small corner with old blankets. "You can rest here. I have something to do. I'll be back."
Latisha turned to Rwaine, who sat silently, his face unreadable. He hadn't spoken a word since they arrived. She sighed, knelt beside him, and poked his stomach playfully.
"What was that for, old thing?" he said, managing a faint smirk.
"Will you tell me about what you saw when you held the mask?" she asked softly.
He looked away, his eyes distant. "I can't make sense of it, I just can't."
"What did you see?"
He exhaled shakily. "Everyone bowed to me, every living and non-living thing. The sun, the moon, the stars, the rivers, the oceans… everything." His voice cracked, his breath uneven.
Latisha's face changed. Her smile faded, replaced by unease.
"Then the whispers came," Rwaine said, pressing a hand to his temple. "So loud my ears almost bled."
"What was it about?" she asked quickly.
"The Sinister. It kept ringing and echoing in my mind," he said, his voice low.
Latisha's eyes widened slightly, then she forced a laugh. "It's just a fake vision to trouble you and make you lose focus. Don't take it to heart."
Rwaine studied her face. "Why do you look uneasy, like you know something about it?"
"All I know is it's not real," she said quickly. "They're just visions. How can the sun bow? Have you ever heard of such a thing?" She laughed loudly, but it sounded hollow.
Rwaine said nothing. He only stared at her for a moment before hissing softly under his breath. He knew what he saw was real.
******
Lana later walked down a dark alley outside the quarantine zone. The plague doctors waited for her, their tall figures still as shadows. She ran toward them and bowed immediately.
"I have given you the location of the infected villagers. How about my antidote?" she asked breathlessly.
The leader scoffed and tossed a glass bottle to her feet. She rushed to pick it up, her hands trembling.
"You promised you'd give me two—one for me and one for my mother," Lana said.
The doctor stepped closer, his beaked mask hovering inches from her face. "We can only give one per person," he said coldly.
"This wasn't what we planned! Why are you going back on your promise?" she screamed.
"And when did I make a promise to you?" he hissed, gripping her jaw tightly until she cried out.
"Please stop—it hurts! It hurts!" she sobbed.
He pushed her away roughly. She hit the wall with a loud thud. "Fool," he spat, crushing her hand under his boot before walking away.
Lana stayed on the ground, tears spilling down her cheeks. "What have I done?" she whispered.
She ran back toward the quarantine, bursting through the tunnel entrance. She went to meet Rwaine.
"I have done something horrible!" she cried.
"What's going on?" Rwaine asked softly, standing.
Then came the sound of horses' hooves outside, fast and heavy.
"They are here! I brought them here! I led them here!" Lana screamed, clutching her head.
"Who are here?" Rwaine asked quickly.
"The plague doctors," Latisha muttered.
"I'm so sorry," Lana cried. "I told them about this place. They promised they'd save me and my mother but it was all a lie. Please help me! Everyone will die!"
"What do you know about them?" Rwaine asked, stepping closer. "What have you noticed when you spoke to them?"
"They melt when rain or water touches them," Lana said, trembling.
A loud bang shook the door.
"Rwaine, go with her and protect them," Latisha said urgently. "I'll try to access this mask and get whatever information I can. I caught sight of a dam nearby, that will be of great use."
Rwaine nodded.
They rushed to the villagers, who were already panicking.
"The doctors are here!" one shouted, peeking through a hole in the wall. "We're surrounded!"
Fear spread like wildfire. Children cried and their mothers clutched them tightly.
Rwaine raised his voice. "Listen! Those doctors will stop at nothing but to kill you and take your children. If you can fight, grab anything! A stick, a stone, anything!"
He turned to Lana. "Is there a place the kids can be kept?"
She nodded quickly.
"Take them there now!" he ordered.
Outside, a voice echoed.
"We have come for salvation! Open the door and let us heal you!"
There was no response.
"I won't repeat myself, villagers," the voice said again, sharper. "Open the door and let us cleanse you or we'll let ourselves in with some violence, of course."
Rwaine's voice thundered through the tunnel. "They'll stop at nothing but death. If you can fight, defend yourselves!"
The villagers armed themselves with stones, broken wood, and knives.
"It seems you've all made a choice and I'll give you 3 seconds. No, I'll be generous, 10 seconds, open the door or violence shall speak." he said.
The doctor outside began counting. "Ten… nine…"
When he reached zero, the door exploded inward. The doctors marched in, only to find an empty hall.
"Is this a hide and seek?" the leader sneered. "Oh, I love to play games."
Suddenly, several small sacks rolled across the floor. Smoke burst from them, thick and blinding.
"Now!" Rwaine shouted.
The villagers attacked. They rushed out from behind walls and shadows, swinging weapons, striking the doctors.
The air filled with screams, the clang of metal, and the scent of burning. But more doctors stormed in, outnumbering them.
"The ones who resist too much, kill them! The others—capture them!" the leader ordered.
The villagers retreated deeper into the tunnels.They ran as fast as they could and the doctors chased them into a dark room and everything went quiet, the doctors couldn't see anyone inside.
All they heard was the sound of the door creaking before it got shut. Lana was behind it. She remembered what Rwaine told her.
"We lure them close to the dam," she muttered, "then Latisha will take over."
"Save yourself, get out of here." Lana screamed out and the villagers rushed out.
"Enjoy yourselves in hell." Lana muttered.
The doctors were trapped in the room.
*****"
The sound of rushing water filled the air. Rwaine and Latisha appeared at the dam.
"Latisha, now!" Rwaine shouted.
She cast her spell, breaking the dam. The roaring flood rushed forward, crashing through the tunnels like a beast unleashed. It slammed into the plague doctors.
They screamed as the water touched them, their bodies melting like wax.
"Curse you, villagers!" their leader shrieked before dissolving into nothing.
The water subsided. Villagers stood outside, soaked but alive, their skin clearing as the curse lifted.
Latisha and Rwaine were with the villagers checking if everyone made it out safely. But Lana was missing.
"She's in there!" a child shouted.
Rwaine ran back into the flooded tunnel. The water reached his chest. He tore off his heavy cloak and began to swim, his muscles burning. He saw Lana lying unconscious on a floating plank.
"Lana!" he called, pulling her close. He pushed on her chest until she coughed up water, gasping. Her eyes met his.
"Your skin…" she whispered weakly.
"It's deformed," he said quietly.
"No, it's beautiful," she whispered, touching his face gently.
He froze, stunned. Then he carried her out, laying her safely at the other side of the tunnel, away from the villagers where no one could see.
"Call Latisha," he murmured.
Lana smiled faintly. "You don't have to hide them. Someone will appreciate them someday." Then she stood and walked away slowly.
Moments later, Latisha came running. "You useless, stubborn goat!" she shouted, hitting his chest. "You scared me when you went back there!"
Rwaine caught her hands, stopping her. "Here I am, old woman," he said with a tired look.
"Did Lana see you this way?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.
He nodded.
"Was she scared?"
"No," he whispered. "She told me I look beautiful and that I don't have to hide them."
"Oh, my boy," Latisha sighed, cupping his face. He pushed her hands away gently, and she pouted.
"How about the doctors?" he asked.
"I found something. If we get rid of them, the plague disappears and I think we did. The moment the water devoured them, the mask melted in my hands," Latisha said.
"Is that a good sign?" Rwaine asked.
"Let's hope so, son," she said with a faint smile.
Then, one by one, the villagers' skin began to heal. The blisters faded, their color returned and they began to look healthy.
Lana ran back, laughing and crying at once. "It worked! The plague is leaving! Everyone is returning back to normal!"
"Well, it worked," Latisha said with relief.
Lana suddenly pecked Rwaine on the cheek and ran off blushing.
Latisha gasped. "I'm going to tell Fanaza!" she said, folding her arms dramatically.
"You old thing!" Rwaine exclaimed.
"I'll tell Fanaza!" Latisha teased.
But suddenly, Rwaine clutched his head, pain flashing across his face. He fell to his knees and the visions returned.
"Rwaine! What's going on?" Latisha cried, running to him.
His breathing quickened. His eyes glowed faintly gold.
"The Sinister…" he whispered.