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Tsu'tey?

"Tsu'tey?" I whispered, unable to believe it was really him. I slowly rose to my feet, reaching out to grasp his hands. "You saved me?" I asked softly, using Navi. He nodded, his eyes gentle. "Yes, I saw you fall." He glanced toward the river, concern etched on his face. "Thanks," I whispered with a small smile. He looked at my face softly, then reached for my head.

"The blood should stop soon. Just a small cut," he said quietly, his tone tender. His gaze lingered on my neck, and I noticed a frown crease his brow. Hesitantly, he reached out and touched the necklace I still wore.

"You...you still wear it?" he asked in Navi, voice tinged with emotion.

I nodded. "Of course." I replied softly.

He smiled gently, pushing my hair behind my ear. Despite the distance between us, I felt the unspoken connection that still bound us. He leaned in slightly, and I knew he was about to kiss me, but in the back of my mind, Grace's words haunted me.

He is not just one of the people. He is the next clan leader, Bella. He's promised to another—her name is Neytiri.

I sighed, pushing him away gently. "You're promised to another," I said, voice firm. He looked away, hurt flickering in his eyes. "How did you find out?" he asked quietly. "Grace told me," I admitted, avoiding his gaze. "She told me about her."

"I'm sorry," he whispered, then whistled softly for his horse.

"We should head to the clan. They must know you're here," he said, voice steady but distant.

He lifted me onto his horse without meeting my eyes, then mounted in front of me.

"Wrap your arms around my waist," he whispered.

Hesitantly, I obeyed, feeling the warmth of his body and catching a glimpse of his abs. A blush crept across my cheeks. He took off swiftly, heading toward a group of Navi speaking in hushed tones. He pointed in a direction, and we rode on in silence.

The atmosphere was tense and awkward, heavy with unspoken feelings.

Suddenly, someone shouted, "mì the Utral Aymokriyä's!"

Tsu'tey immediately told me, "Stay behind me."

He nodded at a man nearby, who then threw something. It hit with a dull thud. I frowned, my stomach tightening. My eyes widened as I realized—it was Jake.

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I reached out and touched his shoulder gently, seeing how upset he was by what they said to each other. "Let's go," I whispered in Navi. He nodded silently and climbed back onto his horse. We rode off, the silence between us heavy but steady. Behind me, I heard Jake's voice, anxious. "What's going on? What's happening?" he asked, glancing at me.

I kept my focus straight ahead my mind on her.... No wonder he's promised to Neytiri—she's stunning and fierce, she's perfect for him....