The Threadbound series : Unraveling

Read The Room

Sru

The thing I'm best at, well, it's understanding people, their emotions. Maybe it's because I'm a Threadhunter, a water elemental with a special knack for healing, but it's also because I've spent a lifetime just watching folks. I've learned their little tells, those subtle shifts in their expressions and energy. You see, you don't have to be bound to the emotions thread to read people; all it takes is opening your senses.

There's something kind of beautiful in it, really. When you pay attention, when you really listen to the unspoken words, you start to feel connected in a way that goes beyond words. It's like catching a glimpse of someone's soul, understanding what's beneath the surface.

It's not just about knowing when someone's happy or sad. It's about sensing the nuances, the depths of their feelings. And when you're in tune with that, it becomes second nature to be empathetic, to be kind. There's a softness that settles in your heart, a simplicity in understanding that we're all just trying to navigate this crazy world, each with our own hopes and fears.

So, as I watch people and feel the vibe change, as I sense the power in the room shift, I can't help but approach them with a gentle heart. And that's how I found myself walking towards Lukas Amad. His emotions were all over the place, though he seemed to be hunched over his food, deeply engrossed in his solitary meal amidst the bustling canteen. It was unusual to see him like this, given his usual cheerful energy that radiated around him. His long, black hair was neatly trimmed, framing an oval face with a short, well-kept beard. He had a lean build, a testament to his years of training as a Threadhunter, and an aura of warmth and approachability that was currently subdued.

Amad was a fellow Threadhunter healer, just like me, but his element was fire. What made Lukas Amad even more intriguing was his close friendship with Alexander Raaha, he was one of the firewolves. If anyone had insight into the secrets and potential rigging in the election, it was the firewolves. And among them, Amad was the most approachable and the easiest to read.

As I approached his table, I couldn't help but feel a sense of concern for my fellow healer. Whatever turmoil had gripped him was evident in the way he ate his food, each bite seemingly an escape from his troubled thoughts. I knew I had to approach him with care, respecting the fragile balance of his emotions, and hoping that he would confide in me. After all, in this world of elements and threads, trust was as rare and precious as the purest waters.

"Can I sit here?" I asked, holding my tray of food. Amad looked up at me, confusion briefly clouding his features, and then he replied, "Oh yeah, I mean, it's a canteen seat."

I took the seat and began to eat, sensing Amad's watchful gaze on my actions. After a moment, he turned to me and asked, "Nafaela is not going to come, right?"

I chuckled softly. Amad and Naf had a notorious fight back in our academy days. Amad, as a senior, had tried to bully the wrong girl.

"No, she had lunch, and I'm running late. And Ash, she's taking a break," I replied, my tone light. Then, changing the subject, I asked, "Where are the twin troubles? Tristan and Tara?"

"They have hunter duties," he replied, his words punctuated by a swallow, and I couldn't help but note that it was his first lie. Tristan and Tara were often missing, a fact that hadn't gone unnoticed by many.

"I've heard Tristan has special duties in the Senate. He's working under some Elder. But now that Alexander is an Elder, do you think he'll transfer under him?" I asked, bluffing to see if Amad would reveal anything.

"Yeah, he works under Elder Lark," he responded, but he abruptly stopped himself from saying more, realizing he might have said too much.

I tried to maintain a casual demeanor, not letting on that I'd noticed his hesitation. It wasn't easy, but I knew that if he grew suspicious, he could delve into my emotions using his powers. So, I consciously calmed my racing heart and continued the conversation, passing it off as simple small talk rather than an interrogation. After all, in a world where secrets were as precious as life itself, subtlety was often our most powerful weapon.

"Anyways, congratulations to..." I began, but Amad interrupted me abruptly.

"If it's about the election" he replied tersely, as if he were ready to stand up. I could feel guilt emanating from him, hanging heavy in the air.

"No, no, no, not about the election," I quickly clarified, seeing the discomfort in his expression.

"I heard you won a lot of money; you bet on Drakmoor to win."

For a moment, he stood there awkwardly, then finally responded, "Yeah. Thank you."

I decided to divert the conversation.

"My boyfriend is in Drakmoor Reavers – Rachin Sol," I mentioned casually.

"The Captain? I didn't know that," he seemed genuinely surprised, which was precisely the reaction I had hoped for. I wanted him to focus on this piece of information instead of the other questions I had asked.

"It's not a secret, but it is private," I shrugged.

"I personally am a Sylvanwood fan. I think most of us are. But the Drakmoors are underdogs; I knew they would win," he admitted.

"Like you knew Alexander would win. Most of us were sure Ash had the position in her bag," I replied, maintaining a cool demeanor.

"Yeah, well,It is exactly as you said Alexander is an underdog he lied.

An under-wolf, you mean I said in a light tone and he forced out a laugh.

See you later," he said abruptly and then walked away.

As he departed, I realized that the election had been rigged because Lukas Amad felt guilty about Alexander's win. The pieces of the puzzle were starting to come together, and it was clear that we entered the deeper currents running beneath the surface of our world of elements and threads.