A Promise in the Dark

Ilya’s eyes fluttered open. For a moment, everything felt quiet… soft. Warmth surrounded her like a familiar lullaby. Her gaze adjusted to the world around her — she wasn’t on the ventilator anymore. She was nestled in her brother’s embrace.

She didn’t want to move.

“Awake?” Ariel asked with a gentle smile.

“Y-Yes, Brother,” she replied, her voice fragile but steady.

“You really scared me,” he said, stroking her hair. “You passed out again right after waking up.”

“I did?” She blinked. “I… don’t remember much.”

Then her voice cracked, trembling with emotion. “But Brother… you’re a dummy. Why did you lock me in that room? Why did you stay out there alone? Did you really think you could stop that monster? Did you think you’d survive?” Her voice broke. “Why did you leave me behind? We could’ve… we could’ve died together!”

Ariel’s chest tightened. There it was — her love, her fear, her desperation. She was just as unwilling to let him go as he was to let her.

“I probably made a lot of dumb choices,” he admitted softly. “But I had my reasons. Now quit crying, will you? Look — we’re both still alive. And see? I’m in better shape than you. So why are you the one crying?”

She sniffled, trying to hold it in. “I-I’m naut cl-ying.”

Just then, her stomach grumbled.

Ariel laughed. “Are you hungry? Ah, I’m really a dummy. You haven’t eaten in ages! Wait right here — I’ll get food.”

He gently laid her back on the ventilator and poured her a glass of water. “Here. Drink this. I’ll be back in no time.”

He darted out, then slowed down, realizing he had no idea where food was even served. He flagged down a doctor and asked for directions, then sprinted to the canteen, got a meal, and hurried back.

He shut the door behind him and beamed. “Tada~! One hot meal, served with big brother’s love!”

Ilya smiled as he handed her the tray.

“Aren’t you eating?” she asked.

“I already ate while you were asleep. Don’t worry about me — just eat until you’re full.”

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She picked at the food slowly, savoring it. Ariel sat by her side, watching her with quiet affection.

“Are you feeling okay now?” he asked. “Does anything hurt?”

Ilya paused. “Something’s strange… My body feels better than before I got hurt.”

“Probably because you were healed by an Awakened,” Ariel replied quickly, dodging the full truth. She doesn’t need to know I awakened… It’ll be easier to send her with Walter if she knows less.

He patted her head, hiding his thoughts behind a calm expression.

“But Brother…” she mumbled through a mouthful of food. “How did we survive?”

Ariel smiled faintly. “The reinforcements arrived in time. We got lucky.”

Her hand trembled. “But I remember… I remember that monster hitting you. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Didn’t I say I’m in better shape than you?” he joked, but his eyes betrayed his worry. “Let’s not talk about that day anymore. We’re safe now, aren’t we? That’s what matters.”

She nodded slowly, returning her focus to the food. When she finished, Ariel wiped her mouth and handed her the water again.

“How was it?”

“Delicious,” she said, sincerely.

Ariel’s heart twisted. How am I supposed to make her leave? How do I convince her this is for the best?

Just then, the door opened. Marik stepped in, clad in his sturdy armor, his expression calm.

Ariel stood up. “Sir Marik? Why are you back?”

“Walter told me you agreed,” Marik replied. Then he glanced at Ilya and smiled gently. “Your sister’s really cute, you know.”

He approached the ventilator and sat beside Ariel. “How are you feeling now?” he asked.

“I’m fine. Really.”

Marik turned to Ilya. “And you? Feeling better?”

She nodded shyly, avoiding his gaze.

Ariel leaned close and whispered, “Don’t tell her I awakened. And… help me convince her to go with Walter. Please.”

Marik blinked, a little caught off guard. I’m no good with kids… But he gave a tiny nod.

Then, out loud: “Doctor Walter’s leaving tomorrow. There’s only one spot left. One of you can go with him.”

“Take Ilya,” Ariel said immediately.

“I won’t leave without Brother!” Ilya snapped, clinging to Ariel’s sleeve.

Ah. Of course. Ariel’s mind raced.

Marik cleared his throat and added, “Don’t worry. Your brother will leave with us a week later. All the ships and sky forts are overloaded — only one spot is open now.”

Ilya’s eyes welled with tears. “I still won’t go without him!”

“Please, Ilya,” Ariel said softly. “Just one week. Can’t you listen to your big brother? Doctor Walter’s kind. He’ll keep you safe.”

“I won’t! I won’t! I won’t!”

Marik’s voice turned serious. “If you don’t go, both of you might be stuck here. The government is pulling out. If you stay behind, you and your brother could die.”

Ilya froze. Her lips trembled. “Really?”

“Would I lie to you?” Marik replied gently. “If you go, your brother will be able to follow. If you stay, you might trap him here with you.”

Ariel nodded. “He’s telling the truth, Ilya. Please… I can’t leave if you don’t go first.”

She stared at the ground, silent. Then, finally — “…I’ll go. But you have to promise me you’ll come fast!”

Ariel smiled sadly. “It’s a promise.”

He leaned toward Marik and whispered, “Thank you, Sir Marik.”

Marik chuckled under his breath. “Don’t thank me. I just said the first thing that came to mind. Didn’t think she’d actually believe it.”

Standing, he ruffled Ariel’s hair. “I’ll come by again tomorrow. Get some rest. Spend tonight with your sister.”

Then he quietly left, the door clicking shut behind him.

And in that stillness, Ariel turned to Ilya and held her hand, tight.

Tonight, she would sleep in peace.

And tomorrow, he would let her go.