"Heart of Stone, Heart of Gold "

**Chapter 16: Wounds of the Past**

Rylan watched from the shadows as Thalia and Xander returned from their herb quest, their bond evident in the way they moved together, seamlessly and in sync. His mind drifted back to a time when he had desperately sought Xander's approval, only to be met with cold indifference.

*Flashback:*

Years ago, in the heart of the bustling clan village, young Rylan watched as Xander trained with the other warriors. The sun was high, casting long shadows on the training grounds. Rylan's heart pounded with excitement as he approached Xander, holding a wooden practice sword he had spent weeks crafting.

"Xander, look! I made this myself. Can I train with you?" Rylan's voice was filled with hope and admiration.

Xander barely glanced at the sword before turning his icy gaze on Rylan. "You're not ready, Rylan. Go back to your chores. This is no place for children."

The words stung, but Rylan persisted. "But I've been practicing! I can prove myself!"

Xander's expression hardened. "Prove yourself? You're a liability. You'd only slow us down." He turned his back on Rylan, dismissing him entirely.

Rylan stood there, the weight of Xander's words crushing his spirit. He watched as the other warriors laughed and trained, feeling more isolated than ever. The rejection festered, turning into a deep-seated resentment over the years.

*End of Flashback:*

Back in the present, Rylan clenched his fists, feeling a mix of admiration and resentment. He couldn't deny the strength of their bond, but the memories of Xander's harshness still stung, leaving wounds that had never fully healed.

Determined to mask his true feelings, Rylan stepped out of the shadows with a forced smile. "Thalia, Xander, you two make quite the team," he said, his voice dripping with feigned sincerity. "It's impressive how well you work together."

Thalia beamed, oblivious to the undercurrent of animosity. "Thanks, Rylan! We've been through a lot together."

Xander nodded, his expression softening slightly. "It's good to see you, Rylan. Maybe we can all train together sometime."

Rylan's smile widened, but his eyes remained cold. "I'd like that," he replied, the bitterness in his heart hidden behind a veneer of camaraderie.

As the trio walked back to the village, Rylan's mind churned with plans. He would bide his time, waiting for the perfect moment to reveal his true intentions. For now, he would play the part of the loyal friend, all the while nurturing the animosity that burned within him.
--

Rylan's plan was working. Over the weeks, he ingratiated himself with Xander and Thalia, proving his worth and loyalty time and time again. He was always there with a helping hand, a supportive word, or a shared laugh. Slowly but surely, Xander began to let his guard down, seeing Rylan not just as a fellow clan member, but as a little brother.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the village in a warm, golden glow, Xander and Rylan sat by the fire, sharing stories of their pasts.

"You know, Rylan," Xander said, his voice soft and thoughtful, "I never had a younger brother. But having you around... it feels like I do now. It's nice."

Rylan's heart twisted with a mix of emotions. He had longed for these words for so many years, but now they only fueled his hidden resentment. "I feel the same way, Xander," he replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "You've been like a big brother to me."

Over time, their bond grew stronger. Xander took Rylan under his wing, teaching him advanced combat techniques and sharing the wisdom he'd gained over the years. Thalia noticed the change too, often commenting on how close the two had become.

But beneath the surface, Rylan's animosity simmered. He remembered the countless times Xander had dismissed him, the pain of rejection that had never truly healed. He bided his time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

One day, during a particularly grueling training session, Xander clapped Rylan on the back. "You've come a long way, Rylan. I'm proud of you."

The words cut deeper than any blade. Rylan forced a smile, hiding the storm that raged within. "Thanks, Xander. It means a lot coming from you."

That night, as Xander slept peacefully, Rylan stood over him, his expression a mask of conflicted emotions. He had finally earned Xander's trust and affection, becoming the little brother Xander never had. But the time was approaching to tear it all away, just as Xander had once done to him.

Rylan's heart ached with the weight of his plan, but he steeled himself. He would make Xander feel the same pain, the same betrayal. Only then would his own wounds begin to heal.