Cursed Destiny

Chapter 1: Episode 1: Wake Up! (part 3)

Aeyden drowned in his thoughts, spiraling deeper into self-loathing with every step. Memories of his mother flooded back to him-the way she retreated into herself after his father's death, leaving him to navigate the world alone. He recalled the loneliness of his childhood, the aching absence of her presence. In Zoe's frustrated eyes, he saw a reflection of his own pain, and the realization stung. Maybe, just maybe, he thought, he should change. Not just for himself, but for Zoe, who deserved a better friend than the shell he had become.

Meanwhile, Zoe's mind was already consumed by the mission ahead. She ran through the plan in her head, strategizing how they would scout and then clear the forest, anticipating potential obstacles, and calculating their chances of success. Her focus was sharp, her determination unwavering. She couldn't afford distractions-not from Aeyden's past, not from his current state. The mission required her full attention.

The silence between them stretched on as they walked, a heavy, unspoken tension hanging in the air. No words were exchanged, each lost in their own world of thoughts and worries, until they finally reached the edge of the forest. There, under the towering trees, the reality of their task loomed before them.

Zoe stopped, her thoughts falling silent as she was captivated by the beauty of the forest. The lush greenery, the towering trees, and the nostalgic scent of the woods enveloped her senses. Though she had been living a comfortable life for a while now, the forest still felt like home to her.

Aeyden quickly caught up and stood next to her, breathing heavily from the effort. He took a quick glance to see why she had stopped after hurrying so much. He noticed her amazement, her eyes wide and shimmering with admiration. But no matter how hard he looked, all he saw were trees and grass. He didn't understand what she found so mesmerizing. His mind was elsewhere, clouded with regret and the ever-present craving for alcohol.

He glanced back at the kingdom, the great walls slowly blurring into the distance. The thought of a drink crossed his mind, as it often did. Just one cup, he told himself. Maybe he wouldn't feel this bad after one cup. The familiar comfort of alcohol seemed so inviting. But he clenched his fists, trying to dispel the urge. "No. I promised," he reminded himself, forcing his gaze back to Zoe.

She stood there, a cherish smile on her face, lost in the beauty of the forest.

"It's so beautiful," she said, her voice filled with awe.

Aeyden's eyes lingered on Zoe. "Yeah..." he responded softly, his voice low and quiet. He wasn't looking at the forest; he was looking at her. Her presence, her passion, her unwavering strength-it was all beautiful to him. She had always been there for him, a loving friend life. But he couldn't recall the last moment he was there for her.

Zoe suddenly rushed forward, breaking the moment. She moved with a purpose, her earlier reverie replaced by determination. Aeyden shook his head, trying to clear the fog of his thoughts. He had to stay focused, for her sake and for the mission ahead.

With a resigned sigh, he followed her into the depths of the forest, the weight of his promise heavy on his shoulders.

"Come on, you gotta draw the map," Zoey commanded, her voice cutting through the air with a sharp edge.

Aeyden jogged to catch up, feeling the weight of his lingering drowsiness. "Well, okay... Did you bring paper and-" he began hesitantly, his voice trailing off.

"I brought your stuff, it's in my bag," she interrupted, her tone brisk and efficient. "And by the way, your room is a mess," she added, her face showing clear frustration.

Aeyden didn't respond, keeping his gaze fixed on the path ahead. He felt a wave of shame, hoping that ignoring the truth would somehow make it less real.