Loss

Jædana returned to her house, her heart heavy with a sense of foreboding that settled in the pit of her stomach like a cold, dark stone. As she approached, she noticed a group of people gathered outside, their faces somber and their voices hushed. The air was thick with an unspoken grief, and Jædana's instincts told her that something was terribly wrong. She slowed her pace, curiosity getting the better of her, and stood quietly, listening in on the conversation inside.

She heard her mother's sad voice, laced with a hint of desperation, as she spoke to her father. "Maddox, are these people joking?" Her father's voice responded, somber and grave, his words weighted with a sorrow that Jædana couldn't quite grasp. "No, Primrose." The words hung in the air like a challenge, daring Jædana to confront the truth.

Jædana's heart sank as she pieced together the fragments of their conversation. The soldiers had found some belongings of her brother, Marcus, in the jungle. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks: her brother was gone. She felt a wave of grief wash over her, threatening to engulf her, but she fought to keep her emotions in check. Her mind racing, she thought back to all the times she and Marcus had explored the jungle together, their laughter and shouts echoing through the trees.

She clamped her hand over her mouth, stifling a gasp that threatened to escape. Somehow, she managed to compose herself, taking a deep breath before calling out, "Mother! Father!!" in a cheerful tone that belied the turmoil brewing inside her. She didn't want her family to suspect that she had overheard their conversation. She knew that they were trying to protect her, but she also knew that she had to be strong for them.

Everyone knew how close Jædana and Marcus were. While Marcus was shy and reserved, Jædana was outspoken and fiery, always ready to defend her brother. She had often fought for him, and the thought of living without him was unbearable. The memories of their laughter, their adventures, and their quiet moments together flooded her mind, and she felt a lump form in her throat.

As she entered the kitchen, she forced a bright smile onto her face, determined to keep up the charade. "What's cooking today, Mother? Do you know, Father? I met Vanessa today. She told me that some soldiers have returned." Her parents exchanged a glance, their eyes red-rimmed from unshed tears. They knew that Jædana was close to Marcus, and they were trying to shield her from the pain of his loss.

Jædana knew they were trying to hide their pain from her, but she was determined to put on a brave face. Little did they know that she was training to become the Second Crown Princess, and she had learned to conceal her emotions. With a cheerful smile, she continued to chat with her parents, pretending that nothing was amiss, all the while her heart was shattering into a million pieces. She felt like she was living in a nightmare, and she couldn't wake up.

As Jædana hastily excused herself, she couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that had settled in the pit of her stomach. "Oh no, Mother, I forgot to bring flowers! Give me some time; I'll fetch some from the nearby waterfall!" she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Before her parents, Primrose and Maddox, could respond, she hastily departed, leaving behind the somber atmosphere that had permeated their home. As soon as she left, Primrose and Maddox succumbed to their grief, tears streaming down their faces as they mourned the loss of their son, Marcus.

Jædana's heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces. She had always been close to her brother, and the thought of living without him was unbearable. As she walked towards the waterfall, the sound of the gushing water seemed to echo her own turbulent emotions.

Upon reaching the waterfall, Jædana's composure crumbled. She fell to the ground, gazing at the water as tears began to flow. She cupped her hands, splashing water onto her face as she wept. The pain of losing her brother was overwhelming, and she felt like she was drowning in a sea of grief.

She couldn't bear the thought of living without Marcus. A glimmer of hope still lingered within her – perhaps this was all just a terrible misunderstanding. With a newfound sense of determination, Jædana plunged into the water, emerging moments later, soaked to the bone.

As she made her way back home, Jædana's parents looked at her with concern. Primrose's eyes widened in alarm. "Jædana, what happened to you?" Jædana brushed it off, saying, "Nothing, Mother, I just slipped. By the way, I received a message from Elianora – she wants to meet me. May I go?" Maddox exchanged a glance with Primrose, and they nodded in unison, granting her permission.

Jædana hastened to her own room, still reeling from the news. She had always been strong, but this was a pain she couldn't bear alone. She needed someone to share it with, someone who would understand. As she stood there, lost in thought, she realized that she needed to be alone, to process her emotions.

In the silence of her room, Jædana let her tears flow, mourning the loss of her beloved brother. She felt a deep ache within her, a sense of emptiness that threatened to consume her. But even in her grief, Jædana found a sense of determination, a resolve to keep moving forward, no matter what lay ahead.

As she wept, Jædana's thoughts turned to her friend Elianora Moonwhisper, the Second Crown Princess. She knew that Elianora would be there for her, that she would understand her pain. And so, Jædana made her way to Elianora's residence, seeking comfort and solace in her friend's presence.

When Elianora saw Jædana's tear-stained face, she immediately knew that something was wrong. Without a word, she opened her arms, and Jædana fell into them, sobbing uncontrollably. Elianora held her close, stroking her hair, and whispering words of comfort in her ear.

As they stood there, Jædana felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that she wasn't alone, that Elianora was there to support her. And in that moment, Jædana knew that she would get through this, that she would find a way to heal and move forward.