Chapter122

Deborah's POV

The night was quiet and still, the faint glow of the wall lamp casting soft light across my room. The light cast faint shadows against the drawn curtains as I flipped through a book, attempting to distract myself from the unease curling in my chest. A soft knock on the door broke the silence.

"Come in,"I called out, closing the book and looking up.

The door creaked open, and Chad stepped inside with his usual quiet ease. His presence filled the room effortlessly, and with his usual ease, he shut the door behind him. The motion was so natural, so deliberate, that it felt as though he knew this space as intimately as I did.

"The Birdfolk and wolves are ready,"he said, his voice calm and steady, laced with finality.

"So soon?"I asked, setting the book aside, surprise coloring my voice."They've already made it to Hybrasil?"

"More than that,"he replied, his brow arching slightly, a faint, knowing smirk tugging at his lips."They've started familiarizing themselves with the weapons and figuring out how to use them efficiently."

For a moment, I stayed silent, taking in the gravity of his words. Then, with a touch of sarcasm, I said,"I suppose I shouldn't expect anything less from Lugh's loyal lapdog. Your efficiency is terrifyingly impressive."

His smirk deepened, but his eyes stayed as impassive as ever."Thank you for the compliment,"he said dryly.

I couldn't help but laugh softly, shaking my head.

The atmosphere between us had shifted—lighter, almost unfamiliar. It was a stark contrast to the sharp tension that had marked most of our earlier conversations. Somehow, the dynamic had shifted, becoming something almost comfortable. Too comfortable.

And it left me uneasy.

Was I letting my guard down around him?

The thought unsettled me, and guilt soon followed. While there had been no inappropriate actions between us, this newfound ease felt like a betrayal of Matthew. It wasn't just about Matthew, though—something about my growing trust in Chad felt wrong, as though I were betraying myself.

My mind wandered back to the memories I refused to let fade. Chad was still the man responsible for the destruction of Hybrasil. He was still the one who had helped annihilate my family. And yet, no matter how many times I reminded myself of these facts, they failed to reignite the rage I once felt so clearly.

I clenched my fists in frustration, trying to hold on to the anger, to that all-consuming need for vengeance. But it slipped through my fingers like sand, leaving behind only confusion.

I adjusted my posture, forcing my focus back to the conversation."Any news on the Sky Cities Coalition Forces?"I asked, steering the conversation elsewhere.

"Nothing significant,"he said with a shrug, his tone casual.

I frowned."Why not? Aren't the Sky Cities known for their swift, decisive actions?"

His lips curled into a faint, sardonic smile."It's complicated—a coalition of three cities, three leaders, each vying to be in charge. No one is willing to take a step back."

He leaned slightly against the wall, crossing his arms as he elaborated."Take the Thorne family, for example—they've got the most advanced tech, so most of the heavy weaponry comes from them. Then there's the Vandran family—they control most of the rare energy resources needed to power those weapons. Without their energy, the weapons are useless."

I listened intently, piecing together the dynamics he described."And my father?"I interjected, my tone edged with bitterness."He can manipulate their minds. Control their behavior. He's playing this game without putting anything of his own on the line, isn't he?"

Chad's gaze flickered slightly, but he didn't confirm or deny my accusation. Instead, he raised an eyebrow, his voice neutral."That's your conclusion, not mine."

"But it's the truth,"I snapped, crossing my arms. The bitterness in my voice surprised even me.

A heavy silence settled between us. We both turned away, the tension between us crackling like static. It was as though we'd wandered too close to a forbidden topic and were now trying to retreat without breaking the fragile peace.

After a few awkward moments, I cleared my throat, hesitant to speak again. I wanted to ask about Matthew, but the words stuck in my throat, leaving me fumbling for an opening.

Chad, ever observant, picked up on my hesitation. He turned his gaze back to me, his expression somewhere between exasperation and amusement."If you want to ask about Matthew, just say it. Stop stammering like a child."

I shot him a glare but quickly dropped my eyes. He was right, as always.

"He's fine,"Chad said, his voice softening slightly."He's with the wolves and Birdfolk now, getting familiar with the weapons and building an army."

I exhaled slowly, relief washing over me.

"I've also shared some of the Sky Cities Coalition Forces'deployment strategies with him,"Chad continued, his tone matter-of-fact."Gave him advice on how to organize his troops, how to turn their disadvantages into strengths. He'll be ready when the time comes."

I stared at him, stunned by his words. He had given Matthew crucial information—information that could change the tide of this war. And he had done so willingly, even proactively.

"Thank you,"I said softly, my voice barely more than a whisper.

He shook his head dismissively."No need to thank me,"he said simply."Matthew's my brother. And don't forget—I'm half-wolf, too."

His words hung in the air between us, heavy with meaning. I looked at him, trying to read the emotions behind his calm demeanor, but his expression remained as stoic as ever. And yet, there was something in his eyes—something raw, something honest—that I couldn't ignore.

I lowered my gaze, unsure of what to say. The Chad I had once hated seemed to be slipping away, replaced by a man I couldn't quite categorize. A man whose actions made me question everything I thought I knew about him.

The silence stretched between us, no longer heavy but almost comfortable. It felt like an unspoken understanding, fragile but real.

Chad, who are you really?

This question, like so many others, remained unanswered. But for now, I chose not to press further.