Suddenly — a thunderous sound cracked through the air.
Nujah burst into laughter, stepping from the shadows like a storm breaking tension.
> "No, no — come on, I'm not that serious,"
he grinned.
"You don't have to shatter yourself thinking I'd hurt you."
"If I even scratch you, Mother would punish me."
"So relax — I won't break a single feather."
He leaned back casually, voice lower now.
> "I'll get the keys just fine.
You, your fun…
Me, my sleep.
Just don't do anything nasty —
or things might get... unpleasant."
He turned his gaze to Maria — something colder beneath the smile.
They spoke for a long moment. No shouting. No rage. Just words that cut quieter than any weapon.
Maria finally spoke — her voice calm, but firm:
> "Haven't you had enough, Nujah?"
"You've played your games. You've laughed. You've danced in shadows long enough."
There was a pause.
Nujah's grin faded just slightly.
His eyes met hers — tired, but still holding that flicker of defiance.
> "I have," he said.
"I did laugh. I did enjoy it."
"But I'm tired now."
He stepped back, the flickering shadows around him quieting.
> "So if there's still a shred of respect in you…"
"End this."
Stop this silly plan.
Nujah's voice dropped, calmer now.
> "I understand," he said quietly after Maria fell silent.
"Don't worry — I won't push your mind like some bratty little demon. You're off the hook."
Just then, the ship creaked beneath them.
A low, resonant sound echoed from above — like thunder twisted into song.
A portal.
Massive.
Cracking open like the sky had split.
Nujah smirked.
> "Ah... the Queen's here."
"From here on, I'll leave you to her."
Behind them, the crow slowly tried to sneak away — inching toward the shadows.
But before it could vanish, a blur.
In an instant, the bird was caught — pinned awkwardly against Nujah's left forearm.
Nujah gently raised his other hand, fingers brushing the crow's head.
> "You don't get the same privilege, Crow."
His voice was soft — almost kind — but laced with warning.
> "If you try to play with me again…"
"It won't end well."
The crow gulped.
Nujah's gaze narrowed.
> "You already know where the other three are, don't you?"
"No need for force.
Say it without games."
The crow wiggled in Nujah's grip, trying to twist free.
> "Ahaha… three? That's such a specific number, isn't it?"
"I mean, define 'know', right? Maybe I do, maybe I—"
Nujah's eyes narrowed slightly.
A pause.
The crow stopped squirming.
> "...Okay, okay. I do. I'll talk."
Just then — the sky cracked open once more.
From the shimmering portal above, golden-blue light poured through the planks of the ship.
The very air shifted. Something regal… something ancient approached.
Nujah looked up, then knelt.
His voice, this time, was reverent — almost childlike.
> "Our little queen... I leave her to you."
"Mother."
A breeze swept through, curling around Maria, lifting strands of her hair as if recognizing her.
Nujah stood back up slowly, turning his head slightly — not to look at the Queen, but toward the far-off sky.
"If you find it in your heart to send me to the old kingdom of Arthur... I wouldn't mind."
"I've always wondered what it would feel like to be there... after a hundred years."
He smiled.
But it was the kind of smile that never reached the eyes.
İşte bu sahnenin İngilizce olarak, duygusunu ve anlatım tarzını koruyan biçimi:
---
Naraka crossed her arms, her voice sharp with restrained fury.
> "Why shouldn't I?"
As her words echoed, soldiers stormed into the chamber, their armor clanking with purpose.
Maria stepped forward and, with a silent nod, motioned the guards.
They took her by the arm — not roughly, but firmly.
She was being taken back.
To the kingdom.
To her throne.
A brief exchange passed between Naraka and Nujah — tension simmering under their words, but laced with an odd affection.
A mother and a son.
Angry.
But not without care.
Naraka raised her hand. A portal began to bloom behind her, golden and immense, swirling like the eye of a divine storm.
Nujah gave a slow bow.
> "Take care of her, Mother.
She may not look it, but she's still your little queen."
He turned, stepping toward the light —
but just as his foot touched the edge of the portal—
A thin golden flame lashed out.
It struck him across the back like a whip of sunlight, setting nerves ablaze.
The searing pain ripped through him.
He screamed — silently — and staggered forward...
...falling.
He dropped like a stone through the air —
off the ship —
toward the ocean below.
Just before he hit the water, he heard a voice:
> "That was for Vercurius SILLY! ."
Dumb.
Pointless.
But it stuck.
He crashed into the sea, vanishing beneath the waves.
A moment passed...
Then a caw.
The crow fluttered down beside the edge of the deck, peering down with a grin.
> "Oof. Someone really got toasted.
Hey, next time — maybe don't say goodbye so dramatically, huh?"
There was no answer.
Just waves.
And silence.
But Nujah didn't speak.
He didn't protest.
Because deep down, he thought:
> I deserved that.