Butterfly

ㅤ Shirley stood at the altar for hours, calling out to the sea, but Nerifes didn't answer. Bearing the burden of the hopes of generations of the entire people of water, she was obligated to fulfill her destiny. However… The feeling that something was wrong never left her. The previous attempt had erased her memories and drained her strength, nearly taking her life. The price for failure? But why had the ritual failed? Why was Nerifes completely silent this time? But it would have been better if it had remained silent… Overwhelmed by a sense of duty to the point of despair, Shirley prayed, asking for an answer. And she received one. Her heart began to pound painfully, her eyes widening. Along with the answer, memories of the day she herself had refused to follow the sea's will, renouncing her destiny, returned. She was ready to give her life, if only to avoid making a mistake. What Nerifes had asked of her… Demanded! She could not fulfill. And now she faced a choice. 'This time there will be no second chance…' she realized. And even then, she hadn't hoped for salvation. 'I just want to see him one last time…' Unnoticed by anyone, in the light of Nerifes that surrounded her, Shirley created a teriques, which flew away like a butterfly. It had one task. Simple, yet complex: to bring the one dear to her heart to the altar on time. While she could hold back the call… While her body did not reject her very essence. Pain pierced every cell like a thousand needles. Gritting her teeth, Shirley tried not to show how severe the punishment for disobeying the sea's will was, while Maurits rejoiced that the connection with Nerifes had finally been established. He awaited the cherished words. The people of water held their breath, anticipating the news of imminent freedom and grace. But Shirley remained tensely silent. Her forehead was covered in sweat from agony, her ragged breathing quickened. Time seemed to stand still. For everyone. Everyone was waiting, each for their own moment. And only Shirley finally got it… Meeting the breathless Senel's gaze, she couldn't hold back her tears. She silently said goodbye, thanking him. Shirley resolutely gave Nerifes her answer, sacrificing her life for the people of land, not water. Because one person was enough to prove to her that not all of them were evil. The one who had stolen her heart… 'But who will comfort him now?' flashed a belated thought, referring both to Senel and to the raging sea. An insignificant question for one who was no longer there… ㅤ