Chapter 24: The one I love

ANNA'S POV

For a few minutes, I couldn't reply to Jonas' question as I continued to stare at a particular spot. I didn't know what to say or how to navigate what was going on. The tension in the air was way too dense than it should be.

"What are the rogues saying?" I asked, in a curious tone and Jonas sighed. I wasn't expecting a good answer but then his reaction had sent me off guard already. Were things that bad outside?

"They are divided." I heard him say and I sighed, dejectedly. If they were divided, we wouldn't be able to get things done at this rate.

"What are they saying actually?" I asked as I turned to look straight at Jonas. I avoided Nate's eyes as I didn't know what he would think of me now. He was one of the rogues who had opposed me greatly.

"They all agreed for you to join us, however, seeing what happened tonight, they are having second thoughts..." He started to say and his tone drew out. It was obvious he was trying to keep something away but then I wanted to hear it all.

"Continue speaking!" I ordered, in a stern tone and the next second, he perked up. I could see a look of surprise on his face at my tone but then it was gone in the next second.

He then continued to say, "...They say what if they get killed suddenly some day, just because they made a mistake. Some of them are not willing to trust you anymore." Jonas let out and I was a bit stunned. It was a wonder how they saw me as a terrible person here.

"Do they justify what Kai did?" I asked as I was very concerned about that.

"Well, some think he did it out of pain. He was obviously pained by seeing his brother's killer right before him." Jonas said and I was stunned again. It was a wonder how unreasonable they could be. If the tides were turned from the beginning, where would I be then?

"Do you think Kai's death is justified?" I asked, with raised brows and he went silent for a minute. However, I wanted Jonas to know that he would have died by Kai's arrow if I hadn't intervened. I wasn't trying to feel like a savior by what I did but then I wanted to know how Jonas thought about the whole situation.

It took a few minutes for Jonas to reply to my question and I was starting to lose hope in him, just like I had almost lost it in Aria. "Lovers are always alike." I thought with a small smile.

"His death was justified!" It heard him say and my brows raised. My face bloomed with a smile, knowing he could read through the facts laid down.

"You have done well." I said as if I was rewarding him for a heroic act. He had a confused look on his face but then I wasn't willing to explain what I meant and how he had impressed me.

"We should go see the rogues." I said and then started to move but then Jonas stood before me, suddenly. His eyes were filled with so much apprehension and I frowned.

"What's wrong?" I asked, with raised brows. I looked toward Nate for the first time that night and he looked just as clueless as I was.

"I think the tension in the air is still high. The rogues might try to stir up trouble for you. They are still mourning." He said and I blinked, slowly. I understood that he was concerned about me but then that wasn't the way to go. Why would I keep hiding and running from issues? Was that what I was meant to do all my life?

"Move aside!" I ordered, and in the next second, Jonas moved away. Although he hesitated, he showed that he couldn't defy my orders. I wanted to walk out of the tent, directly but then I thought I should at least say a few words to Jonas.

"If I do not strike the iron while it's hot, I would have no impact on it when it's cold." I said and there was a heavy silence in the air.

"As the minutes pass by, the rogues' terrible beliefs and misunderstandings will continue to build up. By the time there is no more tension, I wouldn't be able to change how they see me." I explained, in a calm tone and Jonas sighed.

I started to walk away but then his words halted me.

"What if there is a backlash?" He asked and I knew what he was driving at. What if the rogues do not accept my words? What if they feel angry just by seeing me? Their brother's killer, just like Kai had seen me.

Would I be able to attack them the way I did to Kai?

"I'll face it, myself." I replied, finally. I decided whatever the outcome was, I would face it head-on without involving Lucas or anyone else. In the next second, I moved to walk out of the tent, ready for what was to come.

"Anna! Wait!" I heard Nate call out to me, in an urgent tone and I turned to look at him, with a surprised look.

What does he want? However, looking at him, I couldn't see the malicious look he had on, the last time we talked.

My brows were raised in wonder as he walked toward me with a strained smile.

"I'm sorry!" He let out, in a pained tone.

Sorry? Why was he sorry? The question in my eyes was evident and then he continued to speak.

"For attacking you when you were just trying to protect yourself. My abrupt actions almost cost me a life. The life of the one I love. I'm sorry." He apologized in a sincere tone and I was moved.

My eyes blinked rapidly but then I was struck by his words.

"The one he loves? Aria?" I thought in my head and I turned to look at Jonas, wondering what was going on.