RAIWAN AGAINST THE DIVINE

Chapter 17: The Sealed promise

Davinants were special people, set apart in every way. Their way of life was different, their perception of the world unique, and their destinies extraordinary.

Living for hundreds of years was something mundane people couldn't even dream of—it would be a futile hope. Yet, immortality was the ultimate ambition of all divinants.

Well, most of them at least.

Although Raiwan was not yet a divinant, Ankas saw no reason why he wouldn't be one in the future. His father and mother were both sovereigns, His grandparents as well. If Raiwan didn't awaken as a divinant, then who would?

It was only a matter of time—perhaps a few years—before Raiwan stepped into his destiny. And when he did, Ankas believed he would ascend far beyond others.

A sudden thought struck Ankas: was Raiwan destined for far greater things than any other divinant.

After all, someone who could force two sovereigns to such desperation that they sent their child away must have been a formidable threat. And even after sending another powerful figure to chase him, Raiwan was still alive. By sheer luck—or something more—he survived.

He survived escaping the kingdom of San Raza and then from the formidable foe that eliminated Idaam. Survived a hideous fall and was still alive.

His parents could have shielded him against enemies but there were always ways around such things.

But the ways were also being miraculously cut. The only thing that could lead to Raiwan was the djinn. And the djinn was now no more.

It could be a blessing in disguise for Raiwan.

All these events led Ankas to a single conclusion: Raiwan was chosen by the gods. If the gods didn't wish harm upon him, then nothing could touch him.

Or so Ankas thought.

Why would such powerful figures care so much about a boy unless he was far more than he seemed?

Ankas felt a growing desire to serve the gods' will. It was an honor, after all.

Little did he know that they were somehow behind it all.

Sighing, he entered the house and locked the door behind him. Exhausted and hungry, he slumped onto the couch in the dimly lit parlor.

From the guest room, he could hear Malina's small voice addressing Raiwan.

"Why did you leave? Didn't we agree on tomorrow? You even said you wanted to meet my friends. Was that all a lie?"

Now was quarry time, welcome time was over.

Raiwan looked genuinely apologetic as he responded, "I'm sorry. I didn't want to ruin your happiness."

Malina's gaze was sharp and piercing, making him shift uncomfortably under her scrutiny.

She turned to leave, her voice cold. "I hate liars."

Raiwan, panicking, grabbed her hand before she could go. She turned, her eyes blazing with something fierce.

"Let go of me," she demanded in a tone as sharp as a blade.

Raiwan was taken aback. Her eyes—filled with anger—pierced through him, leaving him surprised and hurt. Did she truly hate him?

Taking a deep breath, he said, "I'm sorry. I truly am."

She didn't move.

"Please," he pleaded.

At that moment, Malina felt her mother's gentle hand rest on her shoulder. The soothing touch began to calm her anger, but her resolve remained firm.

Turning back to Raiwan, her face came dangerously close to his. Her warm breath brushed against his skin, and her voice, calm yet firm, echoed in his mind.

"Then promise. Promise you'll never leave again. Promise you'll never lie in this house again."

Raiwan almost shouted, What?! Preposterous!

Yet, he inhaled deeply, struggling to calm his thoughts. He could agree not to leave, but never lie again? Did she even understand what she was asking?

The truth is peace, but also bitter.

But aloud, he said with resignation, "I promise."

Only then did Malina step back, giving him a moment of relief before her mother stepped forward.

Manika demanded the same promise, and Raiwan had no choice but to agree again.

"And if you dare break your promise—if you even think of repeating this nonsense…" Her eyes flashed with a familiar intensity that sent a chill down Raiwan's spine.

He stumbled back, his legs colliding with the bed, causing him to fall.

Her warning was simple yet ominous. "You'd better seek the gods for help."

Raiwan gulped, nodding fervently as cold sweat trickled down his face.

When Malina and Manika left the room, Raiwan sat in stunned silence, relief washing over him.

Outside, Ankas watched the two women emerge. Their eerie smiles sent a shiver down his spine.

'These two could scheme anyone to death' he thought, glancing at the closed door.

"Poor boy… Welcome to hell."

Malina bid her parents goodnight and went to her room, leaving them waving after her cheerfully.

In the quiet parlor, Manika sat beside Ankas, resting her head on his shoulder. Ankas leaned into her, savoring the smoothness of her hair and its pleasant fragrance.

"I'm sorry about earlier," he murmured. "I was irrational."

Manika stroked his arm reassuringly. "Don't beat yourself up. I understand how you feel, but this isn't about us."

Ankas scoffed. "Says the woman already calling him 'son.'"

She stiffened momentarily before continuing as if she hadn't heard him.

"Our responsibilities have grown. I don't think his parents are alive. If the king wanted them dead, then they're gone."

Ankas nodded. "Agreed."

After a pause, he added, "With the king after him, sending him back to his relatives would be just as dangerous. His only chance at survival is here."

Manika sighed. "And since no one's come for him, they've likely lost track of him. Otherwise, we'd all be dead by now."

"He told me that, they only got to him earlier because it was Idaams that they were pursuing."

Ankas waited for her to say something, but her soft breathing told him she had fallen asleep.

He smiled faintly,picking her up and carrying her to their room. He laid her gently on the bed, placed a cushion under her head, and covered her with a blanket.

Afterward, he went to the kitchen for a hearty meal before returning to bed.

The long hideous day was finally over!