BK1 Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-One

I awoke, nestled between Teresa's legs as she sprawled in our tent. A faint smile graced my lips as she responded with a snort to my movement. It had become a familiar sight to wake up like this over the past few weeks. Carefully, I extricated myself from her limbs and slipped out of my bedroll.

The sun peeked through the tent's fabric, casting a warm glow inside. I stretched my limbs, feeling the soreness from yesterday's emotional turmoil and physical exertion. It had been a restless night, burdened by the weight of my past. Seeing Cassandra again, even if only in my dreams, was difficult.

As I made my way toward the tent entrance, I hesitated, glancing back at Teresa, still lost in slumber. She had become a comforting presence in my life, offering solace and understanding when I needed it the most. Last night, she had found me in my misery without questioning why, simply embracing me as we fell asleep together. I silently appreciated her friendship, feeling warmth in my heart before finally stepping outside.

The camp was awakening, with scattered voices and the aroma of breakfast permeating the air. I took a deep breath, attempting to clear my mind and find a sense of calm amid the chaos that plagued me. I needed to gather my thoughts and find a way to move forward from the events of yesterday. I should have known better than to let my emotions get the best of me.

I walked toward the communal fire, which was currently unoccupied, unlike some of the others nearby. A group of trainees had gathered nearby, exchanging morning greetings and sipping on mugs of hot tea. I found a spot by our fire and sat down, relishing the coolness of the morning air against my skin.

Harold and Garret had yet to awaken, their tent filled with the familiar sound of Garret's snores. I pursed my lips as his guttural noise in his sleep reminded me of our past together. I often lost sleep when he stayed in my room during my marriage. I hoped Harold was a heavy sleeper.

I picked up my abandoned metal cup from the ground, which I had left there the previous night when Callan came to fetch me. I placed a pot over the fire and poured in some water to boil.

Returning to my spot on the ground, I gazed into the flickering flames, their dance captivating me as I lost myself in contemplation.

Memories and unanswered questions swirled in my mind, tormenting me. How had things come to this? How had my relationship with Callan become so strained, burdened with resentment and mistrust? I still couldn't understand why he had lied that day. I couldn't recall what I might have done as a child to provoke such a response from him. Prior to Cassandra's death, I had always believed we were growing closer as siblings. What had I missed? Or was it simply my childhood naivety?

Lost in these thoughts, my gaze wandered to the cliff concealing the ocean. The rhythmic crashing of the waves against the shore seemed to echo the turmoil within me. I wondered if the answers to my questions lay hidden somewhere, much like the ocean behind the cliff.

A voice broke through my reverie, and I turned to find Teresa sitting beside me, a concerned expression etched on her face. She placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, offering support. I appreciated her presence.

"How are you feeling?" she whispered, her voice soft. "We didn't really talk last night."

"I'm alright," I forced a smile as my thoughts continued to swirl. "At least, I will be."

"Did you have a fight with Callan?"

"Yes," I sighed. "It was unexpected."

"I'm sorry," Teresa squeezed my shoulder, her blue eyes meeting mine. "I often have arguments with my mother; it's never easy when it's family."

"Thanks," I muttered, my lip twitching numbly. I highly doubted her arguments with her mother were anything like my family's conflicts. Her mother loved her.

"If there's anything I can do, just ask," Teresa nudged her shoulder against mine with a cheery smile. "I don't want you to be trapped in your thoughts alone. That's not good for anyone." Her eyes flickered for a moment, a hint of strain evident. "I know what that can do to a person."

"Your father?" I inquired.

"Yeah," Teresa slumped. "It's hard to just let go, you know?"

"I understand," I replied, leaning my head against hers as she tucked her chin close. Teresa must have had as many burning questions about her father as I did about Callan's actions.

We sat together in comfortable silence, waiting for the water to boil. Then, as it started to spit, a soft thud made us look up to see our visitor.

"Look at you two getting cosy," Rian raised an eyebrow, her hands on her hips. Her brown hair was neatly braided, and her limp was no longer apparent. Though her trousers were still ripped, I could see that her leg injury had healed.

"It's called friendship," Teresa rolled her eyes. "What brings you here? Don't you have noble stuff to attend to?"

"Noble stuff? Really?" Rian shook her head. "I came to check on Lynette." She picked up our boiling pot and poured herself some water before offering it to us. We extended our cups, and she filled them before sitting down next to me.

"How are you?" Rian blew on the steam billowing from her cup, adding a sprinkle of tea flakes into the brew and swishing it around.

"Recovered and back to my normal self," I replied, mixing in some of my own tea flakes and offering some to Teresa, knowing she had run out.

"That's a relief," Rian sipped her tea. "Sorry, I wasn't there when the Young Duke released you. Albertine wouldn't let me wait," she frowned. "She fusses too much."

"It's alright, Rian," I reassured her, taking a sip of the warm tea. "I appreciate your concern, but I understand that Albertine was just looking out for you."

Rian nodded, a grateful smile tugging at her lips. "She has always been like that, a bit overprotective. I swear getting her to go back to her own team was a nightmare."

Teresa interjected, her voice filled with curiosity. "So, how did your encounter with the Young Duke go? Did he say anything significant?"

I hesitated for a moment, contemplating how much to share. Rian and Teresa were my friends, and that within itself was new territory for me. I hadn't told Teresa about Kuru yet; after Zachary's warning, I had been unsure about mentioning it.

"It was a conversation regarding my ability to ride Kreshna", I began, choosing my words carefully. "The Young Duke wants me to demonstrate when we reach the capital."

"You can ride, Kreshna!" Teresa's eyes widened in excitement as Rian drew her eyebrows together.

"It was an interesting experience, to say the least," Rian said.

"Wait, you rode one too!?" Teresa buzzed, looking between us. "No fair!"

"A horse is far more comfortable" Rian absently rubbed her lower back, making me smile.

"Certainly, I imagine a horse is faster, too," I chuckled, knowing Rian was probably thinking about how the grooves on a Kreshna's back made for a sore rear.

"Can I ride one too?" Teresa eagerly looked at me, and I felt a small pang at her excitement.

"I don't know. Rian could because I was there with her" I patted Teresa's knees, and her eyes dimmed.

"About that", Rian began, her voice cautious. "It's why I wanted to see you last night, Lynette, but you were already asleep when I came."

"Ah, sorry, I retired early" I meekly tucked a strand of my black hair behind my ear. I had forgotten she had wanted to speak with me.

"I told you Lynette was tired", Teresa mumbled, looking away from Rian.

"Yes, I know", Rian sighed, looking around us before huddling a little closer and lowering her voice.

"I had never heard of anyone being able to ride a Kreshna before," Rian said, her expression serious. "Sub-servant Demonic beasts can be domesticated enough for us to use them as labour. But it is unusual that you were able to get one to trust you enough to let you ride it, especially a wild Kreshna." Rian pressed her lips. "Lynette, what you did, has never happened in any recorded book. Demonic Beasts have never been tamed to the point that they allow a rider. People have attempted to have the small cute ones as pets, but it never works out. They are wild, dangerous creatures made of condensed Aether."

Rian's words resonated with me as I tightened my grip around my metal cup.

"You know, now that I think about it, my uncle is a stable hand. He has a scar on his right arm from a Kreshna," Teresa mulled, her face scrunching. "He always told me to stay away from them without proper training or something. Even the domesticated ones can be dangerous."

"Yes," Rian nodded. "That is why Nobles do not use them, as we have the luxury of using horses."

"Am I that strange?" I asked, my voice a little hollow. I thought maybe my beast-taming skill was just rare, but if what Rian said is true, then it may not exist in any records. Why did I have such an ability? Just who… what am I?

Rian's gaze softened as she looked at me, understanding evident in her eyes. She reached out and gently squeezed my hand.

"Lynette, you're not strange," Rian reassured me. "You're unique, but you have to be careful because of that. We don't know the full extent of your abilities or their meaning, but it doesn't make you any less than who you are."

Teresa nodded in agreement, her expression filled with empathy. "Rian is right. You have a special connection with these creatures, and it's incredible. It's something to be proud of."

"It doesn't change that fact you are still the Crazy Cerue", Rian smirked playfully, nudging my shoulder, making me smile.

"No, I guess not", I laughed, leaning back on my hands.

I took a deep breath, absorbing their words of support and encouragement. Their unwavering belief in me warmed my heart and helped ease some of the self-doubt creeping within me.

"Thank you, both of you," I said, my voice filled with gratitude. "I'm still trying to understand it all, but having you by my side means a lot."

Rian smiled, her eyes slanting. "We'll figure it out together, Lynette. You're not alone in this."

Teresa nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! We're your friends, and we'll support you no matter what."

Feeling their unwavering support, I couldn't help but smile back at them. The weight of uncertainty lifted slightly, knowing that I had friends who accepted me for who I was, strange abilities and all. It was something I had never had.

"Thank you," I repeated, my voice filled with sincerity. "I'm grateful to have both of you in my life." I really meant it. As much as Rian and I may have been at odds in the past, I had never had anyone I considered myself close to in my life. Who knew it would only take surviving the highlands together to patch our fractured relationship?

Rian raised her cup, and Teresa and I followed suit, clinking our cups together in a silent toast. As we sipped our tea, a sense of camaraderie enveloped us, strengthening our bond.

At that moment, I realized that despite the challenges and mysteries Vishka had placed on me ahead, I wasn't alone. With Rian and Teresa by my side, maybe I wouldn't have to face this life suffering without anyone by my side.

Together, maybe I could survive this life. With that newfound determination, I took another sip of my tea, savouring the warmth that spread through me, both from the drink and from the friendships that surrounded me.