0027. The Bonds of Trust

The room fell silent except for Lyra's quiet sobs. She curled in on herself further, her hands pressed tightly against her face, her body shaking like a leaf in the wind. Arin, still leaning against the wall, lifted his head slightly to glance at Nile. His jaw remained tight, and his gaze was filled with a mixture of frustration and something unspoken—perhaps curiosity or disbelief.

Nile took a deep breath, his heart heavy as he began to speak. His voice was soft but carried the weight of his emotions.

"I know you're angry, Jessica," Nile started, his eyes flickering toward her before shifting to Lyra and Arin. "But this… this wasn't reckless. It was necessary."

Jessica arched a brow but stayed quiet, her fiery presence now subdued.

"I've been thinking a lot about who I am—about the person I've become and the person I want to be," Nile continued. He moved away from the stool, taking a single step toward Arin and Lyra. His gaze shifted between the two siblings, his voice softening. "When I met Arin and Lyra, I thought I'd found something I always wanted—companionship. But instead, I became their master."

He paused, clenching his fists as he tried to steady his emotions. "I grew up surrounded by people who cared about me. My mother, Uncle James, you, Jessica… and even my sister and Frost. But now…"

Nile's voice faltered, his eyes glistening as he fought to keep his composure. "Now I know the truth about them. And it feels like I've lost them. Pieces of my world are… gone. And I don't know how to fill that void."

Jessica's expression softened, her fiery demeanor dimming. She shifted slightly, her gaze flicking between Nile and the siblings.

"When I look at Arin and Lyra," Nile continued, his voice breaking slightly, "I see two people who deserve better than what the world has given them. And when I think about being their master, I feel… I feel like I'm betraying myself. How can I call them friends when I hold power over them?"

Lyra shifted slightly, lowering her hands from her tear-streaked face. Her gaze was wide, raw with emotion, as she stared at Nile like she was seeing him for the first time. He doesn't see us as slaves… He never did. All this time, I was so afraid… but he… he just wanted to be our friend.

Arin clenched his fists tighter, his face a mix of frustration and confusion. This boy… he's nothing like the others. I thought I'd seen through him, but maybe I was wrong. He's not weak… He's stronger than I ever gave him credit for. But can I let go of what I've always known?

Jessica exhaled deeply, rubbing her temples as she tried to process Nile's words. Her anger had completely dissipated, replaced by an overwhelming sense of guilt for assuming the worst. She looked at Nile, and for the first time, saw the cracks in his confident facade—the vulnerability he usually hid behind his stubborn resolve.

"You idiot," she muttered, her tone softer this time. "You really mean it, don't you?"

Nile nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I took a Dao Oath, Jessica. I swore that I would never treat them as slaves. That I'd honor them as my equals and my friends."

Jessica froze, her eyes widening. "You took a Dao Oath?" she whispered. Her voice trembled with a mix of disbelief and awe. "Do you even understand what that means? What it could cost you?"

"I do," Nile replied firmly. "But it's worth it. For them… and for me."

Jessica stared at him for a long moment before letting out a tired sigh. "You're an idiot, Nile. But… maybe you're the kind of idiot this world needs."

Jessica stepped closer to Nile, her voice dropping to a low, firm tone. "Do you even realize what you've done, Nile? A Dao Oath isn't just words. You've tied yourself to them for life. If you fail to uphold it, the consequences could be…" She trailed off, the weight of her warning hanging in the air.

Nile met her gaze with quiet determination. "I know what I've done, Jessica. And I'll stand by it. If this is what it takes to prove I'll never treat them as slaves, then it's worth it."

Jessica sighed, rubbing her temples. "You really are a special kind of fool. But maybe that's what makes you… you."

She turned her attention to Arin and Lyra, her gaze sharp but not unkind. "If you two can't see that this idiot is genuine, then you're the real fools here."

Arin straightened, his jaw tightening. Lyra wiped her face with the back of her hand, her gaze flickering between Jessica and Nile. The weight of the moment settled over them like a suffocating fog.

Nile turned to face the siblings fully now, his expression earnest and open. "I didn't take this oath to earn your gratitude or pity," he said firmly. "I did it because I want to stand with you as equals. If that's not something you want… I'll understand. But I hope you'll give me a chance."

The sincerity in his voice cut through the tension like a knife. For a moment, no one spoke. The room was filled with nothing but the faint hum of spiritual energy lingering in the air.

Lyra moved first. She stepped closer to Arin, her steps hesitant but deliberate. Taking his hand in hers, she whispered something to him. Arin's eyes widened slightly, but then his expression softened, and he gave her a small nod.

Together, they turned to Nile, their hands still clasped. Lyra spoke first, her voice trembling but resolute. "You've shown us a kindness we never thought possible. We… we want to trust you."

Arin added, his tone steadier, "And if trusting you means standing beside you as equals… then we will."

They both closed their eyes, their voices rising in unison as they declared their oath: "We, Lyra and Arin, vow loyalty and friendship to Nile, for now and forever."

The air shifted suddenly, growing thick with an overwhelming presence. A faint golden glow enveloped the siblings, illuminating the room with an ethereal light. The power of their Dao Oath was undeniable, and it left both Nile and Jessica momentarily stunned.

Jessica muttered under her breath, "Three idiots…" She rubbed her temples, but a small smile tugged at her lips despite herself.

The siblings opened their eyes, the glow fading but leaving behind an unspoken bond. Lyra smiled through her lingering tears, her voice steady now. "This… this is our sincerest action since meeting you, Nile."

Nile felt his heart swell, an unfamiliar warmth spreading through him. He smiled back at them, the weight on his shoulders feeling lighter than it had in years..