Cursed Destiny

Chapter 1: Episode 3: Bad Decision (part 3)

The tension hung in the air like a thick fog as everyone filed out of the room. Each team member left with a determined stride, their faces set with a mixture of fear and resolve. They had their goodbyes to say, families to comfort, and final moments to cherish before the night's battle. The small room, once buzzing with fervent energy, fell silent and still.

Aeyden found himself standing alone, feeling the weight of isolation. He glanced around, his eyes landing on the big table near the basement-the same table where he first met Lara's team. He slowly made his way over and sat down, the wood cool beneath his hands. He felt a pang of loneliness, a deep void that seemed to grow with each passing second. He thought of Lara, her fierce eyes, her strong presence. His thoughts drifted, wandering from admiration to something more, something deeper and more forbidden. There was a longing in his heart, a pull towards her that he couldn't quite place. His thoughts were abruptly interrupted as the door creaked open.

Two figures entered the dimly lit room. The first was a tall man with short, cropped hair and a commanding presence. His brown skin glowed with a certain intensity, and his eyes, sharp and intelligent, scanned the room. The second man was equally striking, with a chiseled face and a certain softness in his expression. His mature demeanor hinted at the battles he had fought and the experiences he had endured.

The two men approached the table, and the taller one spoke first, his voice smooth and confident. "Mind if we join you?" he asked, pulling out a chair and sitting down without waiting for an answer.

The other man followed suit, his movements graceful yet purposeful. They both settled in, the weight of the impending battle visible in their eyes.

"I'm Bobby," said the tall man, extending a hand towards Aeyden.

"And I'm Paul," added the pretty boy, his smile warm yet tinged with a hint of sadness.

Aeyden shook their hands, nodding. "Aeyden," he said simply.

There was a brief silence, the three men exchanging looks, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Bobby broke the silence with a chuckle. "So, you're the guy who sleeps through everything, huh?"

Aeyden couldn't help but smile, albeit weakly. "I guess so," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Why didn't you go?" Aeyden asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Just then, Thamath walked in, carrying wine and glasses in his hands. "I don't like goodbyes," he said as he set the items on the table. "Never have."

"Same here," Bobby agreed, his voice tinged with a mix of sadness and acceptance. "It's easier to just move on."

Thamath poured wine for all of them, his movements deliberate and thoughtful.

"Goodbyes are hard," Paul added, leaning back in his chair. "Especially when you know you might never get the chance to say them again."

Everyone nodded in agreement, the weight of his words settling over them like a heavy blanket.

Thamath raised his glass, a determined look in his eyes. "If we make it out alive tonight, all drinks are on me."

The boys laughed, the sound bittersweet. A slight smile crept onto everyone's face, a brief respite from the tension.

"To tonight," Thamath said, lifting his glass high.

"To tonight," they echoed, clinking their glasses together before drinking the wine in one round.

Thamath sat back down, his once cheerful and cheeky expression now replaced with fear and sadness. The realization that he was not satisfied with his life hung heavy in the air, mirrored by Bobby, Paul, and especially Aeyden.