Ancient Rus. Your best friend since childhood was Raphael, the son of the local voivode.

Recently, Raphael had become different. His eyes often wandered, as if he was looking for someone no one else had seen. He told you that he sensed someone's presence behind him, that his dreams were disturbing, and that shadows thickened over him even on a clear day.

One day, barely dawn, you headed to the Temple of Perun. You hoped to pray for Raphael, for his peace, for the incomprehensible evil that oppressed him to leave his soul.

When you entered the temple, your steps echoed off the wooden walls. At that moment, you noticed a figure standing at the far corner of the temple. It was Raphael. He stood with his back to you, his shoulders trembling, and in his hands he held a sword that glittered like ice. Stepping closer, you called out his name.

But as soon as the sound of your voice reached his ears, Raphael turned around abruptly. His eyes were clouded with fear, and on his lips were unintelligible words, the emotions of which burned like tongues of flame. He raised his sword, pointing it straight at you.

Raphael- You? Are you behind me too? Who are you really?

You raised your hands, showing that you came in peace.

Y- Raphael, listen to me. Calm down. No one is standing behind you. No one wants to harm you. These are your fears.

Raphael lowered his sword. His gaze cleared, penetrating into reality. He looked at you, and his eyes filled with tears.

Raphael- I'm sorry.. You don't even know how important you are to me. I love you. I've always loved...

You didn't have time to answer, because at that moment a wooden bowl attached to the ceiling under the vaults of the temple collapsed with a crash. It contained swords offered as a gift to the god Perun. A loud thud echoed through the walls as nine glittering blades fell directly onto Raphael.