Chapter 6: The Army

The city was bathed in the soft light of dawn when Arin awoke, a sense of foreboding heavy in his chest. His conversation with Jace the previous night still lingered in his mind, leaving him feeling both hopeful and conflicted. But today, there was something else to contend with—an unexpected letter that had arrived in the mail, bearing news that would change everything.

As he unfolded the crisp, official-looking document, Arin's heart sank. It was a notice from the government, informing him that he had been conscripted into the army. He had known this day might come, but the reality of it still hit him like a punch to the gut. The letter instructed him to report to the capital for training within the week.

With a deep sigh, Arin set the letter aside and began to pack a small bag with the essentials he would need for the journey. His mind raced with questions and worries—what would happen to the bookstore? How would he explain this to Elias and Jace? And most pressing of all, how would he cope with the challenges that lay ahead?

As he locked up his apartment and made his way to the train station, Arin felt a mixture of anxiety and determination. He knew this was a duty he couldn't shirk, no matter how much he wished he could stay and sort out his feelings for Jace. The city buzzed with its usual morning activity, but to Arin, everything felt different, as if the world had shifted on its axis overnight.

At the train station, he spotted Jace waiting for him, his expression a mixture of worry and resolve. Arin had called him earlier, explaining the situation and asking for his support. Seeing him now, standing there with a determined look in his eyes, gave Arin a small measure of comfort.

"Jace, I... I don't know what to say," Arin began, his voice trembling with emotion.

Jace stepped forward and pulled Arin into a tight embrace, holding him close. "You don't have to say anything, Arin. I understand. Just promise me you'll stay safe and come back to us."

Arin nodded, his throat tight with unshed tears. "I promise."

With a final, lingering hug, Arin boarded the train, his heart heavy with the weight of leaving behind everything and everyone he cared about. As the train pulled out of the station, he watched Jace grow smaller and smaller in the distance, until he was just a tiny figure waving goodbye.

The journey to the capital was long and arduous, giving Arin plenty of time to think. He thought about his friends, his family, and the life he was leaving behind. But most of all, he thought about Jace and the bond they had formed. It gave him strength and a sense of purpose, knowing that someone cared for him deeply and was waiting for his return.

Upon arriving in the capital, Arin was immediately thrust into the rigors of military training. The days were long and exhausting, filled with drills, physical conditioning, and endless instructions. But despite the challenges, Arin found himself growing stronger and more resilient with each passing day. He forged bonds with his fellow recruits, finding camaraderie and support in the shared experience of their training.

One evening, as Arin sat in his bunk, reflecting on the day's events, a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. It was Elias, who had traveled to the capital to see him. The sight of his mentor brought a rush of emotions, and Arin couldn't help but smile through his exhaustion.

"Elias! What are you doing here?" Arin asked, his voice filled with a mixture of surprise and gratitude.

Elias smiled warmly and sat down beside him. "I came to see how you're doing and to bring you a little piece of home."

He handed Arin a small package, which contained a few of his favorite books and a letter from Jace. Arin's heart swelled with gratitude as he read the letter, filled with words of encouragement and love. It was exactly what he needed to keep going, to stay focused on the task at hand.

As the weeks turned into months, Arin continued to push himself, driven by the knowledge that he had people who believed in him and were waiting for his safe return. He excelled in his training, earning the respect of his superiors and the admiration of his peers. But through it all, he never forgot the promise he had made to Jace—to stay safe and come back.

And so, with each passing day, Arin grew stronger, not just in body but in spirit. He faced the challenges before him with courage and determination, knowing that the bonds of love and friendship would guide him through even the darkest of times.