Chapter 3: The Cold Voice in the Dark
English
A week passed.
Donati came back — wounded, weak.
Arya wanted to ask where he'd been… but his eyes terrified her.
Empty, like the dead.
Lips pressed tight.
He wasn't the same.
At night
When Donati slept, Arya whispered into the darkness.
And something… was listening.
Sometimes, a faint breath…
Not words.
Just a presence.
Arya asked:
"Who are you?"
"Why do you save me?"
"Why does everyone around me die?"
But the dark voice ignored her.
Sometimes, only when she was scared… or crying…
A cold phrase:
"Don't be weak."
Donati Never noticed.
One night, Arya saw him by the fire, staring at a burnt, torn photo.
A young man… white hair…
And a faded name: "Eric… The Cursed…"
Donati murmured to himself:
"It's happening again…"
Arya pretended to sleep.
Whispered into the dark:
"Who's Eric?"
No reply.
Only a distant voice: "You… don't understand… yet."
Morning
Donati shook Arya awake.
"We're leaving. It's not safe here anymore."
Arya thought: "Even if I run… those voices follow me."