Chapter 28: Taking Risks

MORANA

The silence stretched between us, becoming uncomfortable. Part of me wanted to deny the effect his words had on me, push him away, and keep my distance. But another part, a part I couldn't ignore, burned with a mix of desire and confusion.

My heart raced, and my body was overwhelmed by a growing sense of longing, as I lost myself in his gaze.

Swallowing hard, I stepped back, fleeing before it was too late.

Stopping by the desk, I breathed a sigh of relief.

"When are we going to act?" I asked, deciding to ignore his words.

"I don't know yet," he said, turning to face me.

"How about... tonight?"

"No," he denied too quickly, leaving me intrigued.

"Why not?"

"It's not possible... My uncle is receiving visitors," he explained, evasively.

It seemed like he was just trying to make an excuse.

"Well, actually, that sounds perfect; it could serve as a distraction," I argued.

"No. Why do you always have to be so reckless?"

"I thought you didn’t want to waste time. The faster we act, the better."

"You’re not going to give up, are you?" he said, narrowing his eyes.

I held his gaze with determination, no need for words. Closing his eyes, he shook his head, letting out a sigh.

"Alright," he agreed, pausing briefly before continuing. "Here’s what we’ll do... Meet me at the end of the tunnel tonight. You still remember where it is, don’t you?"

"Yes."

"Midnight."

"I’ll be there."

He nodded.

"I have to go. I suppose you can inform Lyall about your plan," he said, trying to provoke me, and when I didn't respond, he turned and headed for the door but stopped again before opening it. "Be careful," he warned over his shoulder, then left.

*Be careful.* Was he worried about me? Why did he seem to care? I still couldn't understand him.

Alone, I finally could breathe a sigh of relief. It seems there was still so much about Volk I didn’t know, and although my rational side insisted I should distance myself from him, part of me was curious to learn more.

And despite my reluctance to admit it and all the animosity between us, something about him inexplicably stirred me.

After that conversation, he had given me a lot to think about—our past, the plan—but right now, I could only think of one thing: his damned confession.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Lyall entered, snapping me out of my thoughts.

My brief moment of relief had come to an end.

"What did Volk want?" he asked bluntly, approaching without showing any emotion.

"He thinks there might be something in my father's old files and wants my help accessing them."

"And what did you decide?" he stopped in front of me.

"You know I'll do everything possible to bring down Viltarin and regain my freedom."

"So you said yes."

I nodded.

"And what’s the plan?"

"Go to my house and check the files," I lied.

I wasn't sure if I should tell him about the plan to break into Viltarin's office. He might not agree with the idea, and even though it wouldn’t stop me, I didn't want to worry him or have him put someone on my tail.

"Is he going with you?"

Volk and I hadn't discussed this, but it seemed fairly obvious.

"Yes."

"When?"

"Tonight."

"Alright... I offer to accompany you."

*What? No.* He couldn't go, as there was no such trip.

"It's not necessary," I refused gently.

"As I said before, you are one of us now."

Why was he insisting? I didn't need a babysitter. Was he really just concerned, or was there more to it?

"Would you send someone else if it were Olcan in my place?" I questioned, arching an eyebrow.

"Morana..."

"I know I’m not as strong as you guys, but I can take care of myself," I said before walking past him towards the exit, feeling my irritation grow.

I was more than capable of taking care of myself, having done so for years, especially since I had lost my parents. So, I didn’t need Lyall treating me like a child.

"Wait..." he said, trying to stop me.

"This isn't open to discussion," I said before walking out the door, leaving him behind.

*

It was past midnight, and Volk still hadn’t arrived. I was getting tempted to leave, thinking he had given up or never really intended to show up.

He knew all the risks I was taking just by coming here, so I hoped he wouldn’t be capable of doing that.

Leaning against a tree, I stared up at the night sky stretching above me. The night was peaceful. The cool air caressed my face, and the muted sounds of nature, kept me company as I continued to wait.

I took a deep breath, appreciating the stars in the night sky. Contemplating such vastness made me feel small, insignificant, and alone, but these feelings were all too familiar.

Although, I wasn’t as alone anymore. I was living with five males. That in itself should sound terrifying, but that’s not how I felt.

Strangely, I was adapting well, despite all the challenges. The pains I was experiencing as a result of Olcan’s training were one of them.

Despite him saying the first day of training would be light, I discovered that some simple endurance exercises could be exhausting.

I didn’t even want to think about what was coming next, especially since Olcan seemed quite thrilled with the idea of making me sweat. Maybe I was a little out of shape.

After the training, I tried to avoid Lyall for the rest of the afternoon. I intended to talk to him, but only after I returned.

I began to hear a noise coming from inside the tunnel, like footsteps, which made my heart race. Volk appeared shortly after, relieving me to see him.

"You really came," he said, approaching with a somber and taciturn air.

"Did you have doubts?" I questioned.

"Maybe a little hope."

"It was me who was thinking you wouldn’t show up. You’re late."

"Sorry if I was late trying to leave without being followed, not everyone can afford to not care about the risks," he said sarcastically.

"Want to discuss the risks I took coming here?"

"I don’t think I need to say I warned you," he said, walking past me.

"Where are you going?"

"We have to go."

"Go where? Shouldn’t we go back the way you came?"

He didn’t answer me, just continued walking away from the tunnel entrance.

"Wait..." I followed him. "Answer me," I demanded.

A bit further on, he stopped, entering a large bush. I watched him confusedly, approaching until I finally could see what was there.