White Sand

6

The next morning, I felt disoriented, oblivious to my surroundings. I realized I was becoming too comfortable in this place with all its charms. Despite the wonderful people and warm atmosphere, I couldn't forget my own people—they needed me.

I curled up slightly in the bed I had completely forgotten about. Looking back, I recalled having drinks with Cadell and the townsfolk, and I muttered a soft curse under my breath. "Idiot." I shifted, stretching my arms overhead and rolling my neck before finally rising to my feet. When I glanced down, I wasn't surprised to find Cadell sleeping peacefully beside me.

I tiptoed out of the room, careful to avoid making noise with the beaded curtain, and started walking away from the hut. To spare myself any more embarrassing mistranslations, I decided to leave the village behind and head into the forest

Despite our newfound 'friendship,' I can't shake the feeling that Cadell is still my enemy. If he truly cared for his people and opposed his father's actions, he would have abandoned me or, worse, killed me before returning to his own. Yet here I am, clinging to the same hope. I can't blame him; I long for a world where Astrylis and Vendartia could finally be united. But that vision feels naive, like a fantasy only a child would dare to believe in. Reality is far more complex, and the road to peace seems impossibly dense, fraught with obstacles I can't ignore.

Suddenly, a rustle in the underbrush pulls me from my thoughts. I turn, my heart racing as I scan the area. A small animal darts out, and I exhale slowly, laughing at my own jumpiness. "Get it together," I murmur to myself. The woods are alive with sounds, and I need to focus.

As I continue deeper into the forest, I feel a mix of determination and unease. This place may offer a temporary escape, but I can't let myself forget the larger conflict looming over us. My mind drifts back to Cadell. He may seem genuine, but I can't ignore the reality of his position.

After walking for a while, I find a small clearing bathed in sunlight. I settle down on a patch of soft grass, taking a moment to gather my thoughts. The sun warms my skin, but the chill in my heart remains. I pull my knees to my chest, staring at the forest floor, contemplating my next steps.

"Why am I even here?" I whisper to myself, the sound barely reaching the quiet around me. The forest offers no answers, only silence. I know I can't stay away from the village for long, not with Cadell likely waking up soon and wondering where I've gone. But I need to figure out what I truly want—what I'm willing to fight for.

Just then, a faint sound of footsteps reaches my ears. I tense, bracing myself for whatever might come next. As the figure approaches, I squint against the dappled sunlight. It's Cadell, emerging from the shadows of the trees, a look of concern etched on his face.

"There you are," he says, relief evident in his voice. "I was starting to worry."

"Worry? Why would you worry about me?" I ask, my tone sharper than I intended.

He steps closer, his expression softening. "Because you disappeared without a word. I wanted to make sure you were alright."

I look away, unable to meet his gaze. "I just needed some space."

"Space? Or clarity?" he challenges, crossing his arms.

"Maybe a little of both," I reply, my defenses rising again. "This is all too much."

"What? The new alliances or this village?" he asks, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"Everything, Cadell! I've turned my back on my people, and now I'm making friends with Vendartians while stranded in the middle of a Jerichian forest. It doesn't make any sense! Why am I being so stubborn? Why don't I want to go back to my people?"