Chapter LXXVII

A Healing Heart

Adriaas never could have imagined sharing her exile with her grandfather. Despite only just meeting, being together felt refreshing.

Contrary to expectations, the mission to locate the pink faction was a success. Elchome’s search party had missed the truth, enabling Bitlan’s group to execute their plan flawlessly. This unexpected victory caught both Sabina’s forces and Capahuento off guard.

Meeting Bitlan transformed Adriaas’ life. Her grandfather had spent decades in Imperia, aiding the rebellion against the empire. Miveria and Gidit, unaware of their relationship, had relayed stories they had heard about him. It seemed like Bitlan was a legend across the factions.

Adriaas realized it would be a while before they could spend quality time together and get to know each other. The pink faction needed to relocate, and Bitlan played a crucial role in finding the new settlement. Adriaas considered leaving with them to assist in the search, but Gruvin, considering her his right-hand, advised against it. He needed her help, and training with him was the best way for her to become a valuable asset to her fellow Kapas.

That unforgettable night, sleep eluded everyone as the urgent task of dismantling the old pink camp before sunrise took precedence. Bitlan dispatched members of his group to locate the remaining members of their faction, who were hiding in the nearby mountains. By the time they returned, the settlement had vanished. Through the chaotic process, Adriaas and her grandfather found no time to spend together. Disappointed, she was uncertain about when they would reunite.

As her group was preparing to leave the following morning, Bitlan approached them.

"Family from the Silver Camp, I am immensely grateful for your incredible help. Once again, I apologize for the whole charade. We could not have succeeded without you," Bitlan addressed the group, his eyes scanning the crowd, including his granddaughter. "We must part ways for now, but believe me when I say significant developments await our camps, and you will play an essential role."

He made a point of greeting everyone personally before he reached his grandchild.

"Before you go, Adriaas, may I speak with you?"

The unexpected request raised a few eyebrows, as their relationship was unknown to others. Adriaas followed Bitlan to a secluded spot, where they could speak privately.

"I regret we didn’t have more time together tonight," Bitlan said, stopping as they we're surrounded by the thickness of tall, old trees. "Leading the group always keeps me busy, especially on nights like last night." His kind eyes shimmered with a deep green hue. "Adriaas, I’m sorry for not being a grandfather to you, for discovering your existence only last night, and for the furk of a father you got. Parenting Annevan’s isn’t one of my proud moments in Malkuth."

Adriaas felt a relief knowing someone understood her grievances against her father.

"Yeah, he is a furk, right?"

"The biggest of them all," Bitlan shared her smile. "That’s why I am going to help my faction find a new settlement. After that, I intend to transfer to Silver. Would you be okay with that? I would genuinely love to get to know you."

It was surreal to have that conversation in Imperia. She had never imagined the possibility of Bitlan being alive, let alone crossing paths with him.

"Are you kidding?" she exclaimed, a mix of nervous laughter and tears of joy welling up. "I’m more than okay with it. I have a million questions to ask you!"

Bitlan seemed wary of how Adriaas would respond, but his emotions were genuine, just like hers.

"We’ll have time for that," he said, stepping closer and placing an awkward hand on her shoulders. "I’ve experienced mostly hardships in my life in Sectum, but meeting you yesterday was by far the best thing that has happened to me in decades."

Before Adriaas could reply, Bitlan enveloped her in the warmest, most comforting embrace she had felt since being exiled, instantly making her feel at home and safe.

"How long until you join us in Silver Camp?" she asked eagerly, hoping to share more moments with him. "I’m training with Gruvin to become a healer."

"A few months at least. Hey, by any chance, were you a member of the Chesed?" Bitlan inquired.

"I didn’t even make it to training as a Chesedin. Maybe in nine years when I’m released."

A smile formed on his lips, though tears threatened to spill over with pride.

"Did you know that your grandmother, may her soul be experiencing multidimensionality, was part of the first generation of Chesed? I have a feeling you’ll complete that path as well. Learning how to be a healer on this continent will earn you extra points."

The news gave her instincts a sense of completion, knowing it was the right choice.

"Annevan hardly ever mentioned you or his mother," Adriaas tried to recall any details. "Anything that bothers him seemed to disappear, like you and me."

Her grandfather's disappointment was visible.

"There was nothing your grandmother could have done to make him shut her out. They loved each other deeply. Yzenia and Annevan shared a special bond since he was a child. That’s why her decision to move on devastated him. When he was a hundred and twenty, he never imagined a world without her."

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"You’ve just told me more about her than I’ve heard in my entire life."

The conflict within him was apparent upon hearing those words.

"How many siblings do you have now?"

"By the time I stopped caring, about seven years ago, there were hundreds," Adriaas was blunt. "It’s one reason my relationship with Annevan went south."

"Furka, I can imagine. That’s more than the fifty he had when I was exiled. He’s been busy."

Bitlan paced back and forth, reminiscent of Annevan.

She remembered why she despised talking about him. "I find it disgusting. He only cares about expanding the family name."

"Don't be so sure about that. Your father is one, if not the smartest, person I've ever met. But, he's also a bundle of hidden emotions," Bitlan revealed a side of Annevan that Adriaas had ignored. "More than just adding more members to our family tree, I have a theory my son could be in search of his equal."

"What do you mean?" Adriaas asked, puzzled.

"There’s a part of him that believes no one on Malkuth and the colonies can match him intellectually," Bitlan continued, his pacing unceasing. "Back then, he already had an ego the size of Epeculum. Being such a valued member of society, it’s hard to believe that anyone would dare to defy him. He has faced no real challenges in decades."

"I opposed him, and look where it got me," Adriaas' resentment maintained a fire within her.

"You’ll have to be specific about that, kid."

It had been a while since she had shared the truth of her exile. "I’m innocent, Bitlan," his granddaughter said. "I know you might think it’s furka, but it isn’t. Annevan could have made real efforts to clear my name, but he chose not to, playing the role of a bystander."

Just as her grandfather was about to reply, they heard footsteps approaching. It was a member of the pink faction, looking for their leader. "We have to leave, sir," she interrupted them. "My apologies."

"Don’t worry, give me a minute. Get everyone ready." The woman nodded to Bitlan and left them alone.

"I wish I could stay with you and continue this conversation, but duty calls, and there’s a settlement to find."

"Yes, of course," Adriaas realized, remembering he had taken her aside for a reason.

"I promise we’ll see each other soon, and then we’ll catch up properly. Now, come here and give your grandfather a hug," he requested, opening his arms for her once more.

It had been long since someone related to her behaved with such an authentic demeanor; it was therapeutic. She responded with equal sentiment, wishing to see Bitlan sooner rather than later.

After bidding each other goodbye, granddaughter and grandfather returned to their respective groups. As soon as Adriaas rejoined her companions, Elchome gave the order to begin their journey back to Silver Camp. Led by him, they took a different path than the one they had come by, creating a more relaxed and carefree atmosphere. Even Miveria and Raxae were joking, no longer distrusting Xendur. They had witnessed his fierce battle against the Elkrachets the previous night, taking down twelve of them single-handedly.

Zunkit, Suley, Raxae and Dravek earned praise for providing excellent hunts and taking care of the food throughout the journey. Adriaas couldn’t help but feel like she had contributed little. While being captured and subsequently rescued could be considered a success, she had only played a minor role. Healing some minor wounds after their liberation felt insignificant.

Their leader announced they didn’t have to wake up before sunrise the next morning, so they celebrated.

Adriaas had been in a sour mood while everyone else reveled in their happiness. "Stop it," Miveria said to her later that night, after they had enjoyed roast chicken for dinner and a few drinks. Sitting by a bonfire, the youngest Kapa in the group had shared what was troubling her. "You did everything Elchome brought you here for. Just think about it. It’s better if you and Gruvin don’t work at all. Your presence is only required when someone gets hurt, and thankfully, we didn’t have any serious injuries. From what you said, it seems like you wanted someone to get hurt!"

Hearing those words was precisely what she needed to let go. "Don’t even dare say that. I would never. My ego is damaged, that’s it."

"Then chill the furk down and enjoy, partner."

Before Adriaas could respond, Miveria got up, leaving the space next to her. "See you in a minute, Zaraz. I got some homework to do."

As soon as she noticed availability, Gidit got close and offered a drink. She had been considerate, giving Adriaas some space as she sensed her roommate's inner turmoil.

"Have you gotten rid of that foolish idea yet?" She was slightly intoxicated.

Adriaas had shared her earlier thoughts with Gidit during their lunch break, and her reaction had been like Miveria's. But she had failed to say what Adriaas needed to hear.

"Sometimes, even if you think an idea is dumb, you can try to understand where it’s coming from," Adriaas accepted the drink offered.

"I knew exactly where it was coming from—your ego," Gidit was mocking her. "I considered breaking up with you if you persisted with that idea. That’s wine, special reserve, take it slow."

Adriaas burst into laughter, unable to contain herself, which caught Gidit off guard.

"What?" She was serious, not understanding the sudden outburst.

After a moment to regain her composure, Adriaas stood up from her seat on the grassy ground and met Gidit’s eyes, finishing the cup of alcohol in one go.

"Are you seriously considering breaking up with me without even asking me to be your girlfriend?" She tried to contain her laughter. "Shouldn't it be in a different order?"

Gidit’s eyes shimmered with the fire, their beauty captivating Adriaas.

"Maybe," She stood up too and moved closer. "I just don’t like egocentric people, you know."

Adriaas rolled her eyes, aware of Gidit's perspective. "I know it was dumb to think that way, but something inside me tells me I need to do more to earn my place in Capahuento," she confided her inner insecurities.

"You've done more than enough," Gidit whispered, softening her voice. "You've been a worthy member of our faction since your first hunt when you took down those wolves."

"That wasn’t me. You guys did it, that’s all."

As they spoke, the distance between them closed, and their hands touched as if magnetized. "I want you, Adriaas," Gidit confessed, her gaze fixed on Adriaas's silver eyes, abandoning their trivial conversation. "No one in Sectum has ever made me feel the way you do."

"Just Sectum?" Adriaas couldn’t hold back. "That’s hardly a compliment, comparing me to the extarri. Do you really want to go down that road?"

Instead of answering, Gidit kissed her passionately, sparking the fire between them. Adriaas broke the kiss after a moment. "Is that your way of asking me?"

"I could say it with words, but actions speak louder," Gidit replied.

Adriaas kissed Gidit back with equal passion, letting their emotions lead. "Actions work for me," she murmured between kisses, resolving the matter.

That night, their celebration was more subdued than the first time they hooked up. They savored each moment, basking in the collective joy of the group after their victorious mission. Gruvin surprised everyone by bringing a portable music station, filling the night with tunes that prompted the imperials to dance and unwind. Elchome seemed transformed, unburdened by the weight of the mission.

Adriaas let her egotistic thoughts drift into oblivion. She cast aside any inhibitions and danced until her feet ached, enjoying the presence of her comrades without judgment. The council's criteria for membership in Capahuento—considering criminal records, personality, and teamwork—comforted her, knowing that those there had to be some of the best extarri in Imperia.

****

Thank you for reading! See you in "Chapter LXXVIII - In the Eyes of Others"

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