Celestial Bonds - Shattered Paths (Book 3)

Chapter 11: Confronting Doubts

Jax

The forest closes in around us, every step taking us deeper into its darkness, and I can feel the tension in the air between all of us. It's palpable, hanging like the mist surrounding the ancient trees. I glance over at Lyara, walking a few paces ahead of me. Her back is stiff, and her shoulders tense as if bracing for an impact that hasn't come yet. Kian is just ahead, leading the way, his posture rigid and unyielding. And then there's Lira, moving quietly beside him, her face a mask of calm that I can't quite bring myself to trust.

I try to focus on the path and mission we're supposed to be on, but it's impossible to ignore the fractures in our group. Our bonds are unraveling, coming apart at the seams, and I can't shake the feeling that we're walking straight into the Crown's trap. The whispers from the prologue still echo in my mind, reminding me of what's at stake. The Crown wants to test us, to force us to make choices that could destroy everything we're trying to protect.

My chest tightens with a surge of frustration and doubt. Kian has been on edge since we entered the forest; his every word is sharp, and every command attempts to assert control over a situation spiraling out of his grasp. I know what it feels like. I'm feeling this desperate need to take control, to find answers that seem just out of reach. But Kian... he's different. He carries the weight of an entire kingdom on his shoulders, turning him into someone I barely recognize.

I think back to when we were true friends before the prophecy complicated everything. Before Lyara and I... Before Lira started looking at Kian like he was more than just her prince. Back then, Kian and I could talk about anything and challenge each other without bitterness. Now, every exchange feels like a battle, every word laced with suspicion. And as much as I want to believe that we can mend what's been broken, I can't ignore the harsh reality staring me in the face: Kian and I are on opposite sides of a chasm that seems impossible to cross.

I quicken my pace, catching up to him. "Kian," I call out, my voice slicing through the forest's silence. He glances back, his eyes cold and guarded. "We need to talk."

He slows, allowing me to fall in step beside him. I can see Lira tense slightly, her eyes flicking between us as if bracing for another argument. "What is it, Jax?" Kian's tone is clipped, and his patience is already wearing thin.

"We can't keep moving forward like this," I begin, my words tumbling before I second-guess them. "The way we're going, we're going to fall apart before we even reach the temple. We need to confront what's happening between us—"

"What's happening between us?" Kian interrupts, his eyes narrowing. "What exactly do you think is happening, Jax? You're the one who's been hiding things from the start."

"Don't turn this on me," I snap, feeling my frustration boil over. "This isn't just about me, and you know it. We're all hiding things. You, me, Lyara, Lira—none of us are being honest with each other. How do you expect us to confront the Crown when we can't even face the truth among ourselves?"

Kian stops in his tracks, turning to face me fully. For a moment, I see the flicker of the old Kian, who used to trust me, laugh, and confide in me. But it's gone instantly, replaced by the stern prince standing before me. "The truth?" he hisses, keeping his voice low so the others won't hear. "The truth is that you put us all in this situation when you pursued Lyara. You knew what was at stake and chose to ignore it."

His words hit me like a blow to the gut, not because they're unfair but because they're too close to the truth I've been avoiding. "I know what I did," I admit, my voice raw. "I chose her. I chose love over duty, and maybe that was selfish. But don't pretend that you're any better, Kian. You've been pushing Lira away because you're afraid of what you feel. You're afraid of letting go of your precious control."