Chapter 98

Dylan’s POV

I could feel the tension from Sibel. She wasn’t saying much, but I could tell something was bothering her. The way her brows furrowed, her eyes focused on the ground... it was like she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. I didn’t want to make this harder for her than it already was, so I tried to comfort her, even though my own heart was heavy with the decision I had made.

“It’s okay, Sibel,” I said gently, hoping my words would ease her mind. “You’re grown now. You’ve become someone stronger, someone better than me. You don’t need me by your side anymore.”

I watched her, hoping for some kind of response, but she stayed silent, staring at the ground. I hated seeing her like this, but I had to go. My people needed me. I had been away from them for too long, and they were struggling without a leader. Still, it didn’t make leaving any easier.

“If I get the chance,” I continued, trying to lighten the mood, “I’ll come back to see you. I promise.”