10-Internal Fractures

**Chapter 10: Internal Fractures**

The tension in the air was palpable as Riven paced back and forth in the dimly lit camp. His hands were clenched into fists, his mind racing with thoughts he couldn't shake. The wind rustled through the trees, but all he could hear was the sound of his own thoughts, looping endlessly, nagging him with questions he didn't have answers to.

Nyx, the usually stoic and powerful creature by his side, was uncharacteristically silent. Her golden eyes glimmered with something between concern and frustration, and her tail flicked impatiently behind her. Zephy, the newly liberated beast, sat on the ground a few paces away, her sharp eyes watching Riven with an unreadable expression.

It was supposed to be simple — rescue the beast, expose the corruption, and bring justice. But nothing had turned out the way he had expected. The plan had been thrown off course by his impulsive decision to save Zephy, and now, the consequences of that choice were beginning to tear at the fabric of their group.

He could feel the weight of it all bearing down on him. The responsibility of leading them, of making decisions that affected everyone's lives, felt heavier than ever. His mind kept going back to the same question: Was he ready for this?

"Riven," Nyx spoke, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "You can't keep pacing like this. You need to make a decision."

He turned to her, his brow furrowed. "I don't know what to do anymore, Nyx."

The frustration in his voice was unmistakable. For the first time since they had begun this journey, Riven felt lost. The path ahead seemed murky, the choices in front of him too complex. He had spent so much time trying to control everything, to plan every move, but the world wasn't bending to his will. And now, Zephy — and everything that came with her — was just another complication.

Nyx stood up slowly, her body tense. "You've always made decisions before," she said, her voice quiet but firm. "But this time, it's different, isn't it? You're doubting yourself."

Riven met her gaze, his chest tightening. "I'm doubting everything," he admitted, his voice heavy with the weight of his self-doubt. "I don't know if I'm the right person to lead. We've already lost so much... and now this. I thought rescuing Zephy was the right thing, but I'm not sure anymore. What if we've made a mistake?"

There was a long silence as Nyx regarded him, her expression unreadable. Riven could feel her eyes on him, searching for some sign of the confidence he used to carry, the same drive that had propelled him through the darkest moments of his life. But it wasn't there. The doubt had seeped in, creeping under his skin like a poison.

Finally, Nyx spoke, her voice softer this time. "You saved Zephy because you couldn't stand to see her suffer. You did the right thing. But now, you have to be strong for the group. We need to move forward, not stay stuck in the past."

Riven shook his head, frustration building again. "I don't know how to move forward. I thought I had a plan, but now it's all falling apart. Zephy is too strong. I don't know how to control her, and I'm not sure if I can even keep my team together. Every time I make a decision, it feels like I'm making a bigger mess of things."

The wind picked up, rustling the leaves above them, but Riven's mind was still a storm. Zephy, who had been lying still a moment ago, now stood and walked towards him. Her eyes were still full of that haunting glow, the same mysterious energy that had drawn him to her in the first place.

She stopped just a few feet from Riven and sat down, her gaze never leaving him. For a moment, they simply stared at one another, the silence between them thick and loaded with unspoken understanding. Riven felt the pull again — the strange connection that had formed between them since he freed her from captivity. But this time, it was different. This time, he didn't feel invincible.

"Zephy," Riven whispered, his voice uncertain. "I don't know what I'm doing. I thought I could lead, that I could protect everyone. But now… I don't know if I'm enough."

Zephy's eyes softened, and for the briefest of moments, Riven could have sworn she was looking at him like she understood. The bond between them had been forged quickly, almost instinctively, but now it felt deeper, more real. She was more than just a powerful creature. She was part of this team, part of his journey.

"You're more than enough," a voice broke the silence.

Riven turned sharply to see Elys, the newest member of their group, standing at the edge of the campfire's flickering light. Elys had joined them only recently, a skilled tracker and a former soldier who had come to Riven's aid during their escape from a noble's trap. His presence had been a welcome addition, but now, Riven couldn't help but feel a new layer of tension.

Elys had always been level-headed, more patient than the rest of them. He had a way of seeing things Riven often missed. But now, his expression was serious, even a little weary.

"You're not alone in this," Elys continued, stepping closer. "None of us are."

Riven swallowed hard, trying to keep his emotions in check. "I just don't know if I'm capable of what's ahead."

Elys's gaze softened, and he gave a small, knowing smile. "You don't have to do it all yourself. Leadership isn't about being perfect. It's about making the best decision you can with what you have. And trusting the people around you to help you when you need it."

Riven looked at him, a flicker of realization sparking in his chest. The doubt that had been gnawing at him, the constant feeling of inadequacy, began to ease. He wasn't alone. He had allies. He had people who believed in him, in his cause. They were a team, even when it didn't feel like it. And together, they could face whatever came next.

"You're right," Riven said, his voice steadier than before. "I've been trying to shoulder everything on my own. But I can't do this alone. I have to trust in all of you — and in myself."

Elys nodded, giving a firm pat on Riven's shoulder. "That's the spirit."

Zephy, who had been watching the exchange, now stepped closer to Riven. Her eyes met his, and though she couldn't speak, there was an understanding there, a shared sense of purpose. The bond between them had only grown stronger in the time since their rescue, and Riven could feel it coursing through him.

As Riven looked at his team, he felt the weight of his responsibility. It wasn't just about him anymore. It was about all of them — the people he was fighting for, the ones who had chosen to stand beside him. The path ahead wouldn't be easy, but he wasn't going to face it alone.

"Thank you," Riven said, his voice filled with gratitude. "We'll move forward. Together."

Nyx gave a low growl of agreement, her tail swishing with newfound energy. Zephy sat proudly by his side, the weight of her presence grounding him.

The fire crackled in the background, and Riven felt a sense of clarity wash over him. The fractures within their group had been repaired, but only because they had been honest with each other. The road ahead was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, Riven felt ready to face it.

They weren't just survivors anymore. They were a family.

And together, they would take on whatever the world threw at them.