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“Worried I might replace you?” I jest, trying to get a rise out of him just to see some light back in his eyes once again.
He doesn’t fall for my joke, but he does smile, and it lights up his entire face.
“There is nothing in this world thatcanreplace me,” he says.
“I didn’t realize big, ugly, and dark was not so easily replaceable.”
“You little brat.” He reaches for me, but I sidestep him and spin out of reach, laughing to myself.
He shakes his head with a soft expression on his face. “I’ve missed my friend; come home soon, Ren.”
“I will,” I promise. With one last hug, I turn and leave with Ryuu and my mother.
She walks with us until we reach the start of the forest before stopping with a harsh sigh.
“I should be going with you both,” she says.
“You’re needed here,” Ryuu tells her.
“I should be here too,” I tell them both. I didn’t think this through before I left. I didn’t realize how bad it would get for them. Now they are all left here to struggle while I play games in the palace.
My mother turns to me, a determined glint in her eyes, one that is filled with endless love.
“Do you know why I called you Seren?” she asks. “Because the minute I laid eyes on you, I found serenity among the chaos and turmoil. You brought me peace and hope in a moment of darkness. And I truly believe that the gods sent you just for me. You are doing something none of us can. You are giving us hope for a future. And that is more important than anything else.” She scans every inch of my face as if trying to memorize it beforepulling me into another tight hug. “Please be safe. Both of you. And come home to me soon, Seren.” She gives me a warning look as if demanding I do so, before placing a kiss on Ryuu’s cheek and turning to head back.
We both wait until she is out of view before we start moving through the forest.
“I haven’t seen Warrick or Theon. Did they choose not to join the rebels?” I ask, trying to make some small talk to fill the silence.
Ryuu’s body grows tense beside me “They’re dead.”
I stop in my tracks, and time seems to slow down. Ryuu stares down at his empty hands, but I see the anguish as it seeps across his face.
“It happened a couple of nights after you left for the palace. There were too many of them, the dark creatures. We didn’t realize…” He releases a harsh breath, shaking his head. “Many have fallen since. And the guards…” His somber expression disappears as anger rises up to slash across his face.
“Is that why you joined the rebels?” I ask.
He clears his throat before looking at me. “They at least listen and try to help. Though their ability to follow rules seems to be lacking.”
“Under your guidance, I’m sure they will become great fighters.” Ryuu is one of the best fighters I have ever seen and also has an innate ability to teach others. The rebels will be better fighters because of him.
He gives me a small smile, something not many are privy to.
“Let’s find you a dark creature.” He turns and moves to the forest and town with stealth.
With his keen senses, it doesn’t take us long to find one. It just happens to be right beside one of the guard stations. I glance around, but there don’t seem to be any guards about.
“The guards abandoned it days ago under the guise of moving to a better one. But…” Ryuu gives me a look. One filled with fury and violence.
A look I agree with.
They knew… The guards knew either that the creatures would come or that there was a possibility of them breaking through the shield right here. And instead of staying and helping or even warning those closest, they left it to the Sidus people and moved aside.
“Prepare yourself,” Ryuu warns as he scans his surroundings.
My gaze finds the wall and the dark smoke that forms around it as if on fire with blackened flames.
My stomach drops when I realize what it is. But surely not…
