Chapter 3: Rising Action
As Naya lay gasping on the floor a debate had begun as to what should happen to her. As expected Nayas tribe felt she had been tricked and as such, she should be released. Ayas tribe believed the gods would not be happy unless a sacrifice was given to them.
As the argument's raged, the chief stepped in. As is custom, when no verdict can be reached, the winning girl will have the final say. He handed the ceremonial dagger to Aya.
With a determined look in her eye, she accepted the blade from him. Her fingers curled around the handle, feeling its coolness against her palm. The anticipation was building within her as she prepared to make the final decision regarding Naya's fate.
As Aya approached Naya, the Red Tribe held their collective breath. Their gaze shifted between Aya and their suffering friend, wondering what the outcome would be. Aya, feeling the weight of responsibility upon her shoulders, hesitated for a moment.
The tension in the air was palpable as everyone waited with bated breath. Finally, she spoke in a low voice, her determination evident. "I sentence Naya to be sacrificed to the gods."
Naya's mother let out a small gasp of disbelief and despair. The Red Tribe recoiled in shock and fear. Naya, who was barely conscious due to the suffocating noose around her neck, heard her fate and let out a muffled sob. Her mother rushed towards her, but Aya stopped her with a sharp look.
"This is my right as the victor," she declared firmly. Naya's mother glared at her with hatred, yet she knew better than to defy the gods' will. Reluctantly, she allowed Aya to continue.
Aya knelt beside Naya, her eyes narrowed in determination. With a steady hand, she placed the cold edge of the dagger against Naya's tender throat The razor-sharp blade cut into her skin, drawing a thin line of blood.
Naya whimpered softly, her eyes filling with tears once more. Aya pressed the tip of the dagger harder against her friend's delicate flesh, eliciting a muffled gasp from
her. "There is no escaping this," she said coldly, her voice breaking the thick silence that engulfed the plains.
The Red Tribe watched in horror as Aya took Naya's fate into her own hands. They knew all too well the consequences of losing a battle, but this seemed particularly cruel. Naya's mother grasped at any straw, pleading with Aya to spare her daughter.
In response, Aya remained unwavering in her decision. "Your mother has shown mercy, and now we shall see hers.
For her weakness, you shall pay the price," Aya hissed, her eyes gleaming with malice. Naya whimpered in terror, her body shaking violently under the dagger's pressure. The Red Tribe members cried out in protest, begging Aya to reconsider her decision. But their pleas fell on deaf ears.
Aya tightened her grip on the dagger, preparing to deliver the fatal blow.
Naya's mother continued to beg for mercy, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. The Red Tribe watched in horror as their leader's fate was decided by Aya's vengeful mind.
She mounted the girl and placed the tip of the dagger under her left breast. She looked into the girls eyes and delivered a sharp thrust. The blade entered up to the hilt. It pierced her beating heart. Nayas eyes widened in shock , then she faded away.
Aya, having accomplished her mission, removed the dagger from Naya's lifeless body, causing blood to slowly trickle down her chest. She rose to her feet, triumphant. The members of her tribe burst into cheers, celebrating their victory. Some of them embraced Aya, praising her for her bravery and determination.
Naya's mother fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face. She stared at the lifeless body of her child, wracked with grief and guilt.
The other members of the Red Tribe were also visibly distraught, their eyes filled with sorrow and disbelief. The atmosphere was heavy with despair, leaving little room for anything else.
Aya's triumph was short-lived, however, as she realized the magnitude of her actions. She glanced at Naya's mother, who sat motionless next to her daughter's corpse. Feeling a sudden surge of regret, Aya dropped the dagger to the ground.