Days turn into weeks since Mark's departure to Brindlemark Village.
The castle returns to its usual routine, but subtle tension lingers among our group.
Hana returns from her mission outside the kingdom, and her usual bright smile is absent.
She approaches each of us, asking quiet questions:
"Did Mark really lose control like they said?"
"Was he truly escorted to the village for his own safety?"
Ryan and Kai exchange cautious glances before answering her calmly.
I notice Hana's eyes searching ours, as if seeking any hint of deception.
Nao and Akira seem puzzled by Hana's intense questioning.
As days pass, Hana's demeanor shifts from curious to subdued – she looks depressed.
Yet, occasionally, I catch her gazing out the castle windows, a faint glimmer of hope in her eyes...
I approach Hana privately, concern etched on my face:
"Is everything okay? You seem troubled."
Hana forces a faint smile, but her eyes betray her sadness:
"I just miss the team being whole... Mark's absence feels wrong."
My heart senses she might be hiding deeper feelings, but I don't press.
A month passes, and castle life resumes its routine...
Then, devastating news arrives like a thunderbolt:
A royal messenger rushes in, ashen-faced:
"Brindlemark Village... has been annihilated by dragon fire! The entire village vanished – no survivors reported."
Hana's face contorts in anguish as she hears the words...
Her eyes widen, tears streaming down her cheeks as she whispers:
"No... Mark..."
Her body collapses to the ground, overcome with grief.
Nao rushes to Hana's side, helping me support her trembling body:
"Hana, breathe... we're here for you," Nao whispers softly.
Hana's sobs rack her body, her eyes fixed on some distant point – likely memories of Mark.
As I comfort Hana alongside Nao, my attention shifts slightly to Ryan and Kai standing nearby.
Ryan leans in close to Kai, whispering barely audibly:
"It's done. The variable's been eliminated. Now's the perfect time..."
Kai's eyes flicker towards Hana, a hint of intrigue sparkling in their depths.
Ryan continues whispering:
"...to explore alternative alliances."
Kai nods subtly, his gaze lingering on Hana's distraught face.
I feel a shiver run down my spine – something about this exchange seems off, but I don't grasp the context.
Nao notices my distraction, whispers "Is everything okay?" beside Hana's head:
Her concern brings my focus back to Hana's distraught face.
"Yes... just worried about her," I reply softly, squeezing Hana's hand gently.
Hana's sobbing slowly subsides into sniffs and tears, Nao hands her a handkerchief.
As I continue comforting Hana, the strange exchange between Ryan and Kai fades from my mind –
I chalk it up to grief and stress affecting my perception.
My full attention remains on Hana's wellbeing, and the devastating news about Mark and Brindlemark Village.
I walk alone through the castle corridor, my mind still reeling from the devastating news about Mark and Brindlemark Village.
Nao had just escorted Hana to her room, concern etched on her face:
"Rest now, Hana. We'll talk later."
Hana nodded weakly, still sniffling, as Nao closed the door behind her.
I needed some fresh air and solitude to process everything. Seeking solace and clarity, I headed to the castle garden – the soft evening glow and gentle breeze usually calmed my thoughts.
I wandered along the winding stone path, surrounded by blooming flowers and towering trees. My mind replayed the events leading up to Mark's exile and the village's tragic fate:
The King's unexpected mercy, Captain Valtor's escort, our team's powerless stance...
My thoughts swirled with questions and doubts. Suddenly, footsteps crunching on the gravel behind me broke the silence.
I turned to see Ryan approaching – his usual calm demeanor replaced by an unnerving intensity.
His eyes seemed to bore into my soul as he asked:
"You really hated Mark, didn't you?"
His voice was low and even, but his evil expression made my blood run cold.
I felt like I'd been punched in the gut – hated Mark? My mind raced to understand Ryan's implication.
"Wh-what are you talking about, Ryan?" I stuttered, confusion etched on my face.
Ryan's sinister smile grew wider, sending shivers down my spine...
My heart racing, I watched Ryan take a step closer, his voice dripping with malice:
"Don't play dumb with me, Chris..."
I stood my ground, defensive tone creeping in:
"I didn't hate Mark, what's going on here?"
Ryan's sinister smile grew even wider, and then he burst out laughing – a cold, menacing sound.
His laughter sent chills down my spine, but eventually, he stopped, his expression turning grave.
"Chris, you really don't see it, do you?" Ryan said, his voice low and accusatory.
"You're the common thread in Mark's misfortune. Think about it..."
My mind was blank, but Ryan continued, his words piercing like daggers:
"You convinced Instructor Viktor to let Mark join our training sessions...
That's where he suffered the brutal injury during combat practice.
And then, when the King was deciding his fate, your reluctant agreement sealed his exile to Brindlemark Village...
A village that's now nothing but ashes."
My blood ran cold as Ryan's implication sunk in – was he suggesting I was responsible for Mark's downfall?!
My voice barely above a whisper, I stuttered:
"N-no, that's not what happened...
But Ryan's piercing gaze told me he saw the truth dawn on my face.
My eyes widened in horror as the weight of his words crushed me.
Ryan's evil smile grew even wider, seeming to say "It's yours to blame."
With one last, triumphant glance, he turned and walked away into the fading light of the castle garden.
I stood there, frozen, as his footsteps disappeared into silence.
Then, my legs gave out beneath me.
I slowly sat down on a nearby stone bench, my body trembling.
Tears began to stream down my face as the devastating reality sunk in:
Everything Ryan said was true. I was the catalyst for Mark's suffering.
My mind reeled back through memories –
Our childhood friendship, sharing laughter and adventures together...
Mark standing up for me during bullying incidents...
My convincing Instructor Viktor to let him join training...
The brutal injury he suffered because of me...
And finally, his exile and death in Brindlemark Village – all connected to my actions.
Sobs racked my body as I whispered aloud:
"What have I done... Mark was my brother, my friend..."
My tears fell like rain, mourning not just Mark's loss, but my own soul.
The garden grew darker, shadows dancing across my tear-stained face as I remained seated on the cold stone bench, lost in a sea of grief and self-loathing.
My voice barely audible, a haunting whisper repeated over and over:
"Sorry, Mark... sorry...
I should have protected you, stood up for myself so you didn't have to fight for me...
Sorry, Mark...
If only I hadn't convinced Instructor Viktor to let you join training, you wouldn't have suffered that brutal injury...
Sorry, Mark...
My hesitation in defending you to the King sealed your fate, sent you to that village...
Sorry, Mark...
Every choice I made led to your destruction...
Sorry, Mark...
Why did I call you my brother, my friend, when my actions were your downfall?
Sorry, Mark...
I was blind to the consequences, blind to the danger...
Sorry, Mark...
Your trust in me was misplaced, and now you're gone...
Sorry, Mark...
My tears fall for my guilt, my heart breaks for my stupidity...
Sorry, Mark...
If only I could turn back time, make different choices...
Sorry, Mark...
But it's too late, and you're really gone...
Sorry, Mark..."
My whispering grew hoarse, my throat dry from repeating the haunting word –
Sorry! Sorry! I am Sorry!