Chapter 71 Arguments

(Iris)

I walked down the familiar path, the towering trees feeling like old friends. But this time, the path was crowded with hundreds of warriors, their footsteps creating a steady, rhythmic sound against the forest floor.

The air was thick with anticipation, the scent of pine mingling with sweat and metal. Despite the presence of the warriors, I felt a gnawing emptiness inside me. Naomi was still unreachable, and the uncertainty of her fate weighted heavily on my heart.

As night fell, the camp was set up, and the warriors huddled around their fires, sharing stories and laughter that felt foreign to me in my current state of mine. I found Elias near a small fire, the flickering flames casting shadows on his face. I hesitated for a moment before approaching him, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Elias,” I said softly, drawing his attention. He looked up, his expression unreadable.

“Iris,” he replied, motioning for me to sit beside him. We sat in awkward silence for a few minute