CHAPTER 91: I LOVE YOU, NYELLA

After traveling for some time, they finally made a small camp by the riverside. It was a quiet place, hidden enough to feel safe. The soldiers set down their packs, some fetching water, others preparing small fires for warmth. The sound of the river rushing past gave a sense of calm after the long journey.

Aeron noticed Nyella standing by the water’s edge. She was staring deeply into the flowing river, her thoughts far away. He walked up slowly behind her and said, "What’s worrying you so much that you’re lost in thought, just staring at the waters?"

Nyella didn’t answer right away. She kept her eyes fixed on the stream. Aeron stepped closer and said gently, "Are you alright? I thought you’d feel better, now that we left that man behind without as much as a fight."

Finally, Nyella spoke in a quiet voice. "If you saw what we saw... if you fought what we fought... You wouldn’t have a smile on your face either."

Aeron frowned. "Is that what’s bothering you this much, the Bone Hydra?"

Nyella turned to him at last. "The name doesn’t sound half as terrifying as it really is," she said. "They cannot be killed, Aeron. We fought them all night. Two kingdoms joined hands, warrior upon warrior... and still nothing. They kept coming in thousands, tearing through our armies as if we were nothing. I don’t think we can beat them. We are no match for such creatures."

Aeron looked at her, and for the first time, he saw the weight of pain in her eyes. He stepped closer and spoke softly. "I’m sorry." He said.

"Why are you apologizing?" Nyella asked. Aeron continued. "You faced all that without me. Fighting those things... I can’t imagine what it felt like. I’m sorry, Nyella. I wasn’t there for you. But I am here now, and I promise I won’t leave you. I will fight by your side. You said fire might destroy them, right?"

Nyella lowered her eyes to the water. "I believe so... though we’ve never tried. But I do believe, because of what the Watcher said."

Aeron raised his brows. "The Watcher? You actually believe that?"

"Why wouldn’t I?" Nyella asked. "Don’t you?"

Aeron shook his head slowly. "Ser Devic told me about it. He said there was a prophecy, that I was meant to fight these evils. But I don’t believe such things. Why would I? Why should I believe that I am meant to defeat such creatures? It sounds impossible."

Nyella’s voice steadied. "I just know this: everything happening cannot be a coincidence. Your powers, the dragon, and now these creatures. It all connects, Aeron."

Aeron looked down, troubled. "And that statement, too, came from the Watcher, didn’t it?"

Nyella nodded. "And that’s exactly why we must pay attention. They bear prophesies and Prophecies are dangerous things, Aeron. They can destroy... but they can also prepare us. That is why we must not ignore them."

Aeron stood silent for a while.

"Something that destroyed my family, you tell me to pay attention to?" Aeron said.

Nyella looked at him carefully. "That is why I said prophecies are dangerous. And that is why we should pay more attention to them. Not everything they bring is light. Sometimes they bring darkness too."

She paused, then lowered her eyes. "And about your family... about your father... I know I haven’t said this before, but I want you to know that I am sorry that it happened. Even more sorry that it happened under my father’s orders."

Aeron shook his head gently. "Your father gave the orders, not you. You had nothing to do with it, and I hold nothing against you for that. It’s time we stopped judging people by the sins of their fathers. I did that to you once, and I regret it. I will not do it again."

Nyella’s eyes softened. "If I may ask, why do you do all these things for me, Aeron? Why do you go so far, further than you should?"

Aeron turned fully to her then. He looked her straight in the eye, reached for her hand, and held it. "Why do I go to any length for you?" he repeated softly. "Because I know you would do the same for me. And most importantly... because I love you. I love you, Nyella."

His voice was gentle, and slowly, he leaned closer, bringing his face towards hers. Nyella hesitated for a moment, caught between doubt and the pull of her heart. But she was carried by the moment, and she tilted her head forward. Their lips met, and the world around them seemed to fall silent as they kissed.

A little distance away, Yvarra saw them. Her chest tightened, and she quickly looked down. Beside her, Ronan noticed and spoke quietly. "You can’t replace her, Yvarra. You can’t have him. You know that."

Her voice broke as she replied, "But why? We’ve been together longer than they have. We’ve shared more time, more memories. So why can’t it happen between us?"

Ronan sighed. "That’s exactly why, Yvarra. Because you’ve been with him too long, shared too much. Aeron sees you as a sister. That bond is strong, but it’s not the bond you wish for. Don’t expect that from him. Don’t push it. Don’t betray the friendship you both have. Let him love you in his way."

Yvarra took a heavy breath and then turned her eyes to him. "Just as you don’t expect that from the princess too?"

Ronan blinked, caught off guard. "What do you mean?"

Yvarra gave a faint, knowing smile. "You think you’re the only one who can see love in someone’s eyes? It’s written all over you, Ronan."

He chuckled quietly, though there was no joy in it. "Yeah, you’re right. But one of our own has already won her heart, and I’m happy for them. Truly. Besides..." he paused and his tone became softer now.

"...the beauty of life is that it never gives us everything we ask for. And sometimes, not getting what we want is its way of protecting us."