Falling for the Olo'eykte

✧ Chapter 24: Finding out the truth

Zygmunt's POV

The Eampin Montuains were filled with happy and lively chatter as the clan awaited their leader. It was unusual for Azura to be late, yet time passed and she didn't appear. When she finally did, I noticed she wasn't alone. The oldest son of Toruk Makto was with her, surely being the reason for her delay. 

The moment they arrived, I noticed an uncertain intimacy between them. The foreigner's hands rested on my future mate's hips as hers went naturally to his chest, as if they had done this a thousand times before. Disgust curled into my stomach as I watched, perplexed by their close interaction. Why would she allow him to stand so close to her? It sickened me to watch, yet when Neteyam's eyes met mine, I didn't avert my eyes from his. 

The intensity of my eyes, combined with other curious na'vis, made them step apart. And it was then when I saw it. The handprints of each other on their chest, just above their hearts, became visible to everyone. The imprint of their hands was a symbol only they knew about, a secret message nobody but them was meant to understand. My jaw tightened at the thought of other na'vis noticing what I had. 

The ceremony passed in a blur, my mind too busy to even pay attention to today's event. I couldn't focus on anything else than the closeness between my beloved and that stranger who had come to disturb our peace. The chants, the dances, the music, it all faded into the background as intrusive thoughts filled my head. What was the meaning behind those painted hands on their chests?  

When it was all over, I searched for Azura as I showed my gratitude to the people I encountered. On my way, I saw Neteyam. He was too focused on his destination to even notice my presence and bumped into me. "I'm sorry" he apologised, yet I didn't even bother to reply. Finally, looking at me, he disrespectfully rolled his eyes. "Next time, look where you are going, skxawng", I huffed, looking him up and down with disgust. Before continuing my search, I bumped my shoulder with his and left.

I walked all over the ceremonial field in search of Azura. Na'vis stopped me and established small conversations with me, distracting me and slowing down my search. Finally, in the distance, I saw Azura helping Anek hop on her Ikran. Without further delay, I quickly approached both of them. "Azura" I quietly called for her, trying not to show my true state. "Irayo si, Zygmunt" both siblings said in sync with a smile, "Irayo si". 

Before she could join her brother, I reached for her hand. "Can we meet in my kelku when we get back? I need to talk with you about an important matter". Azura's smile disappeared as a frown made its way on her face, yet she agreed.  I didn't know if she was unaware of my suspicion or if she was pretending to be. Nonetheless, I wouldn't rest until I found out the truth. 

Back at the Kelutral, we left Anek with Eloide before making our way towards my kelku. The silence between us overpowered any noise that came from outside. Jealousy and anger ran through my blood since I had witnessed their proximity and I couldn't hold back any longer how I felt. "Why were you standing so close to that foreigner this morning Azura?" I spat out, my irritation clear in my voice.

Azura exhaled. The conversation just started and she looked like she was already done with it. "Zygmunt, we've talked about this many times. I am the Olo'eykte. I try to be close with everyone in the clan and whether you like it or not, they are part of us now. I must treat them as an equal".  "This time it was different. It seemed like you were closer than I had ever seen you before". "They are going through a difficult time. Between the sky people's attacks, their threats and how they tried to bargain with me, they haven't had time to take a breath without feeling the continuous danger that pursues them".

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion at her words. A bargain? Why hadn't she talked about that with me? "What kind of bargain?" I dared to ask. She looked away, unable to hold my stare. "We had an encounter with the sky people weeks after we went to their base. They told me that if I brought all the Sullys to them, then they would leave the clan alone". "And you didn't accept their offer? Seriously Azura? You have prioritised some strangers over your own people" I replied sarcastically, not believing what my ears had just heard.