Awaiting The Dawn

28: Kija's Doubts And Devotion

{Warning: The later portion of this chapter includes strangulation, suicidal thoughts, murder, and self-harm. I'll provide a heads-up right before that part}

It was an eventful day, and it left Hisa exhausted. Not physically, but she had no more energy to discuss anything.

Lucky for her, nobody forced her to. They knew well enough to leave her alone for a bit.

After spending a full day hunting alone and walking exclusively with the quiet dragon Shin-ah, Hisa felt well enough to speak with her travel companions.

Just when she had mostly forgotten what occurred in the village, the princess approached her. And the slight disappointment from the day before faded as they talked.

Similar to Hisa, Yona had needed some time to gather her thoughts before speaking with Hisa.

The princess asked for details of what her uncle did to Hisa's father. Yona also wanted to know how Hisa dealt with losing someone.

It felt odd, telling another person. The conversation was tiring and uncomfortable, yet also lightened a bit of weight off her chest. She had difficulty giving more than vague answers, but somehow the two of them developed a kinship of understanding.

And it was then that Hisa truly thought of Yona as a friend, not as the crimson dragon's reincarnation.

With this newfound connection, the princess shared a bit of her own feelings.

Yona felt so alone when it came to her grief over King Il. Nobody seemed nearly as sad about his death, as if Yona was the only one who cared. Ever since she fled to Fuuga, the princess had been trying to hide her feelings in fear of burdening Thunder and driving him away.

It'd take some time, but Hisa was sure Yona would be able to move forward. Hisa assured her of that.

Aside from their closer relationship, nothing really changed.

In the next five days, Hisa still hunted whatever animals she could find in the mountains and Yoon would cook it for everyone.

Thunder took advantage of every chance he got to tease Hisa, Yona, and Kija.

The white dragon continued to keep a distance, just as he had ever since they met.

She and their newest member, Shin-ah, barely said a word to each other, but ended up comfortable enough to sit together during breaks. They had a mutual understanding, one could say.

Gradually, Hisa was able to overcome her nerves enough to interact with Yoon again. The first time she properly spoke to Yoon since the feather incident was about her meals.

He'd become even nicer than before.

Since the incident, her portion had a few extra vegetables and meat. When Hisa asked about it, he denied it to the point of almost yelling. She almost laughed at his embarrassed reaction.

Yoon was so cute.

She had always paid him extra attention because he was very smart, sharp-tongued, thoughtful, talented, resourceful, kind, and cute. But recently she found herself thinking of him even more than before.

It was difficult to understand, and Hisa worried she was growing obsessed.

Like, almost to Thunder's level of attention when it came to the princess.

Almost like Thunder.

Thunder. To Yona.

Hisa dropped her stack of sticks, the comparison ringing in her ears.