Blood Oath

In the heart of The Black Nation, a country brimming with a mosaic of languages, cultures, beliefs, and ways of life, the young couple embarked on their journey to seek a cure for Nelson's ailing health. This nation was a tapestry of traditions and beliefs, where nearly 60 percent of rural inhabitants held firm to their core traditionalist values. Many of them practiced sorcery, a craft they believed was a divine gift from the gods, passed down through generations. Their unique way of life was deeply entwined with these ancient practices, which they saw as a sacred heritage to be safeguarded before the advance of modern civilization.

The couple's path led them to a renowned shrine priest, known for his wisdom and ability to commune with the divine. With hearts heavy with desperation, Rose and Nelson revealed the reason for their visit, laying bare the heart-wrenching story of Nelson's battle with leukemia.

The shrine priest, draped in ceremonial garb, retreated into the depths of his shrine, where sacred relics adorned the walls and the whispers of incense filled the air. He invoked the gods, performing intricate rituals known only to those of his order. Fifteen minutes later, he emerged with an air of solemnity.

"You, my dear," he said, pointing directly at Rose, "are a special child, a diamond waiting to shine for the world to see. You hold the key to his only solution."

Huh? The couple exchanged puzzled glances, confusion etching their faces. The shrine priest's cryptic words had taken them aback, leaving them grappling with a mystery that was about to unfold before their eyes.

The shrine priest's words echoed through the sacred chamber, leaving Rose and Nelson both bewildered and intrigued. His instructions were both cryptic and strangely specific, invoking the powers of celestial bodies and the intimate nature of their bond.

"The sun and the moon," he emphasized, "must bear testament to your unwavering commitment towards each other."

As the young couple listened in fascination and disbelief, the shrine priest continued, his voice unwavering, "So, by dawn when the sun is at its zenith and by dusk when the moon casts its silvery glow upon the land, you two must make an oath, sealed with the blood that flows monthly from a woman's private organ."

The revelation left Rose's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and Nelson's brow furrowed with a mix of surprise and curiosity. The shrine priest's ancient wisdom spoke of rituals that were both deeply symbolic and intensely personal.

"Under their respective lights," the priest continued, "that caress down your bodies, you two must recite: 'I will stand with you between the heavens and the earth. I will tell you where you stand and let the sun and the moon bear witness to our love and oneness that will last until eternity.'"

The couple exchanged a mix of nervous glances and understanding. They were being asked to embark on a ritual that blended the sacred and the intimate, promising to bind their love in a way that defied the bounds of mere mortals. The sun and the moon, as celestial witnesses, would bear testament to their commitment. It was a test of faith, love, and their willingness to go to extraordinary lengths to save the man Rose loved.

The shrine priest's warning hung over Rose and Nelson like a heavy shroud, reminding them that not all that glitters is gold, and that their love might endure, even if their relationship did not. Yet, they had made their choice. They were willing to take the risk and accept the consequences of their decision. The weight of the pact bore heavily on their hearts as they left the shrine, having deposited 50,000 naira in the calabash as instructed.

In the following month, a mysterious and quiet transformation unfolded. The pact seemed to have worked its magic. Nelson's health, while not entirely cured, displayed a remarkable improvement. The pain that had once consumed him had noticeably receded, offering a glimmer of hope. The weeks turned into months, and those months eventually gave way to years.

Nelson's battle against leukemia took a miraculous turn. He was engaging in activities like a normal human being, and his body appeared to be actively fighting the disease. Scheduled chemotherapy treatments combined with his newfound hope and the unwavering support of Rose all played a part in this extraordinary transformation. The grip of depression that had plagued him was greatly suppressed as the days turned into a brighter future, filled with smiles and the promise of a life they had almost lost hope in.

....

On that fateful Wednesday, Miss Rose received an unexpected call that summoned her back to the coal city. Something in the air didn't feel right, but Rose refused to let fear overtake her while she was in her father's domain.

"Good afternoon, Daddy," she greeted upon her arrival.

"Welcome home, Rosy," Mr. Edo replied, and they made their way to the dining room. After a satisfying meal, they settled in Mr. Edo's office, a space that had seen countless family discussions over the years.

In the midst of the conversation, Mr. Edo broached a topic that had been on his mind. "Rose, I'll be candid with you. I'm concerned that you've dedicated four years of your life caring for that young man. I hope it works out for you two, given your unwavering commitment. Now, I have an announcement to make. I've decided to retire, and I'll be heading to the United States today to meet your brothers."

Rose listened, her heart heavy with the weight of her father's words. "And, you're the last to know," he continued, "so I need you to take care of your junior sister and the Twilight Studio. I've decided to transfer the company to your hands since you seem to have a lot of free time on your hands lately."

The news sent shockwaves through Rose. "Daddy, the company is already on the brink of bankruptcy," she protested, her agitation evident. "Why can't we just sell it?"

In that tense moment, Rose and her father found themselves at a crossroads.

Mr. Edo's words carried both frustration and a hint of wisdom. The legacy of the company was deeply intertwined with Rose's mother's vision, and her absence had left a void that was not easily filled. With a heavy heart, Mr. Edo emphasized that this responsibility now fell on Rose's shoulders, and he urged her to prioritize her family's well-being over matters of the heart.

"The deed and other documents are sealed in an envelope in your room," he added, his tone stern. "And please don't be overly invested in love; it's overrated."

With those words, Mr. Edo left, his annoyance palpable. Rose was left to grapple with the weight of her newfound responsibilities and her father's impassioned plea, her emotions torn between love and familial duty.