Chapter 117: The Most Imperfect Anomaly (2)

Ayen never thought he would find a place for himself in this world. He was like a wandering soul, trying to survive for as long as he could.

He had long accepted that he might die somewhere alone. Ayen had long forgotten if there was a time when he felt happy. Like, genuinely happy.

Ayen could not remember having such moments even in the clan.

His lips trembled as he bit into it. His heart was bursting, but for once, it was not from resentment.

He was so happy to hear that they needed him… and not just because he was their guide. In a world where Ayen was only seen for his worth and nothing else.

To feel their warmth and sincerity against his skin made him all the more emotional.

Maybe he finally found where he belonged. He truly hoped so.

For the first time, a laugh escaped Ayen’s lips. He did not suppress it either. Although he was not sure if laughing in this situation was weird, or if his laughter did not sound good… Ayen let himself laugh freely for the first time in a while.

It was strange. Definitely. Ayen felt it was so unfamiliar, but his heart was calm and so at ease. It was as though all the heavy emotions inside him were being released at once.

Ayen knew it was an illusion, but it was a good one at least.

Khal and Devion froze, their gazes focused on Ayen and his laughter. They did not laugh with him; instead… They simply stared at Ayen.

It was not because they were weirded out, but more so because they wanted to hear Ayen’s laugh more. A part of them was aware that this laugh was probably difficult for Ayen.

It slowly dawned on them. It was not just they who were changing; Ayen was the same. Khal’s and Devion’s eyes softened, and their lips also curled into a smile.

They, too, felt the same happiness.

They were happy for Ayen. Ayen looked absolutely dazzling while he laughed.

Ayen’s laughter gradually calmed down. He took a deep breath; his heart was still beating so fast, but Ayen was in his best mood.

He shifted his gaze between the two.

“We can try.” Ayen put his other hand above their joined hands, giving the signal to let him speak. Devion and Khal, who were about to say something, had no choice but to stop and close their mouths.

“Neither of you wants to lose me. And I feel the same. I also can’t lose you both.” Ayen took a deep breath and clasped their hands between his. His lips slowly curled into a small, reassuring smile.

The corner of his lips was not used to it, so it looked a bit stiff. Yet, the two could not help but be drawn to it.

“You help me realize that I’m not useless. That way, I can continue living not just for the sake of surviving. So, I want to help. If you’re both afraid of the risk. We can take it slowly.”

Ayen suggested and explained his thoughts. As usual, he was never embarrassed to tell them what he thought. Once he had taken the initiative, the words flowed freely out of his mouth.

“As I said, I won’t risk my life for you.” He noticed their grin widening, as if they found his words funny and also reassuring. “You two can decide when and where we proceed. We can start once everything is prepared.”

Between the two, Khal was more likely to prepare and plan seriously. Devion might not be as easygoing as he was in his younger years, but he was not really into planning.

That was hard to change.

Ayen convinced the two, letting them know how he wanted to do this. Knowing each other for about two months, the two have already experienced Ayen being stubborn a lot of times.

They knew immediately that if he had already decided on something, it would be hard to convince him otherwise.

Khal sighed; he turned to Devion. “What do you think?”

Khal still ultimately asked Devion to decide.

Devion did not immediately answer; he locked gaze with Ayen. It was as though he wanted to confirm that Ayen decided not because of his obligation as his guide but because of his own will.

Ayen bravely met his eyes.

A minute or two had passed when Devion finally gave up.

“You really are stubborn.” Devion let out a helpless sigh, but his heart was actually warm. He turned to Khal and smiled. “Okay. Let’s do it. But, you decide when and where.”

To this, Devion trusted Khal more than himself. They needed thorough preparation. The curse was quite cunning and very dangerous.

Devion was more familiar with it. After all, it was inside him. Khal was aware of it too. Ayen also experienced it and knew firsthand the pain of the curse’s counterattack.

They needed to be extra careful.

Khal’s smile twitched. Somehow, he expected this outcome. That, he would eventually decide. Although, he actually liked the feeling that they depended on him.

He stared at the two. His expression also became solemn. Khal would not let something bad happen to them. A thorough preparation was needed.

It seemed that after they left this place, he needed to contact someone to start the preparation.

“We can discuss it more later.”

In the end, Khal could only say that. While he did not take the observer seriously, they were still in an unknown territory. Despite not sensing any gaze on them, Khal was not comfortable discussing any plans in someone’s turf.

Especially so if it involved Devion and Ayen.

“We need to leave as soon as possible.” Khal was not very interested in solving the anomaly here.

Was that irresponsible of him? Maybe. Khal still did not think they needed to waste time here. The world was already fucked up and chaotic; one more added to the equation would not change anything.

Ayen and Devion also found it reasonable and agreed.

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