Bound by Blood & Parted by Fate

Chapter 27 – Reflections Of a Bitter Heart

Chapter 27 – Reflections Of a Bitter Heart

The next morning Fae took a stroll in the garden, and as she walked, she marveled at the beauty of the flora around her. The garden was a picturesque paradise, with a wide array of flowers and plants of every imaginable color, blooming and dancing with the gentle breeze. She could hear the sound of the fountain in the center of the garden, its crystal-clear water gurgling and flowing down the sides. It was a serene and peaceful haven, a welcome relief from the chaos of the world outside.

As Fae sat on the bench, taking in the beauty of the garden, she noticed Zaki staring at her from a balcony above. She could feel his gaze burning into her skin, and it made her uncomfortable. She tried to ignore him, hoping that he would eventually leave, but he stayed put, watching her intently. Fae was annoyed but did not say anything.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching and turned to see Leyli walking towards her. Fae's face fell; she didn't really want to talk to Leyli right now.

"Good morning, Fae," Leyli said brightly as she sat down next to her. "How did you sleep?"

Fae shrugged. "Fine."

Leyli gave her a concerned look. "Is everything okay? You seem a bit...off."

Fae sighed. She didn't really want to discuss her feelings with Leyli, or anyone else for that matter. But she knew she couldn't just ignore her.

"I'm just a bit tired," she said,

As Leyli observed Fae exchanging stares with Zaki, she couldn't resist but to ask if Fae was interested in him. She even suggested introducing them to each other, since Zaki was a childhood friend. However, Fae was not in the mood for small talk and quickly shut down Leyli's proposal. "I'm not interested," Fae replied curtly before getting up and walking away. Leyli was taken aback by Fae's harsh response and didn't understand why Fae seemed to dislike her so much.

Leyli followed Fae as she walked away from the bench where they were sitting. She asked Fae why she hated her so much. "Ever since I arrived, I've tried to be friends with you, but you always refuse," Leyli said.

Fae stopped in her tracks and turned to face Leyli. "Not everyone needs to like you, and we don't need to be friends," Fae replied curtly. "I serve Reza, and I owe nothing to you."

Leyli didn't back down. She took a step closer to Fae and asked, "Is there something going on between you and Reza? Are you in love with him?"

Fae looked at Leyli from top to bottom, her eyes narrowing. Without another word, she turned and began to walk away.

Just then, Zaki appeared out of nowhere and approached Fae. "Excuse me, miss," he said, trying to get her attention.

Fae didn't even slow down. "Leave me alone," she replied without looking back.

Leyli watched as Fae walked away. She didn't understand why Fae was so hostile towards her. She wanted to be friends, but it seemed like Fae didn't want anything to do with her.

Fae suddenly had a shiver in her body as she realized how she had treated Leyli. Why was she becoming such a mean person? She was usually a good and peaceful person, but her feelings for Reza were turning her into a bitter person. Fae knew that this needed to change.

She sat down on a nearby bench and took a deep breath. She needed to calm down and think about her behavior. Fae knew that Leyli was just trying to be friendly, but she had been so cold and dismissive towards her. Fae felt guilty and ashamed of how she had acted.

She closed her eyes and tried to focus on her breathing. Fae needed to find a way to control her emotions and not let them consume her. She knew that her feelings for Reza were strong, she truly cares for him and all she wants is to protect him. But at what cost ? She is far from the person she used to be months ago when she arrived, there is no memory of who she used to be. But her kindness and respect for others must not also disappear.

Meanwhile Reza was seated at the head of the table, listening intently as the other Basharites and priests discussed their plans for expansion. They were strategizing about how to conquer new territories, gain more power and influence, and spread their message to the masses.

Reza listened carefully, his mind racing with thoughts and ideas. He knew that their success depended on the strength and unity of their group, and he was determined to do everything in his power to ensure their victory.

As the meeting progressed, Reza couldn't help but feel wary. Despite the confident and bold words of his comrades, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He couldn't put his finger on it, but he sensed that there were hidden agendas and secret plans at work. His senses never failed him before and today must be no different.

Reza was a skilled strategist and a fierce fighter, but he knew that he needed to be cautious and vigilant if he wanted to succeed. He made mental notes of everything that was said, analyzing and dissecting each argument and proposal.

During the meeting, Basharite Azar brought up an interesting observation about Reza's recent success. He said that since Bravatis had fallen, things had been going very positively for Reza, almost too well. Reza's expression turned slightly grim, suspecting that Azar was insinuating something. Nevertheless, he maintained his composure and replied that his recent good fortunes were simply blessings from above.

Reza knew that Bravadis was a controversial topic among the Basharites, and he suspected that some of them still held a grudge against him for his involvement in the city's downfall. Instead of conquering the city, Reza had completely destroyed it.

However, he also knew that he had the support of many others within the order, and he would not let their suspicions get the best of him. He made a mental note to keep an eye on Azar, but for now, he needed to stay focused on the matters at hand.

Bravadis was nothing but collateral damage to Reza. There are many more important cities and kingdoms in Barbos. With what she had gained from the fall of that city, taking over new lands and ensuring his success as the Basharite of Meyaris would be nothing short of child's play. That of course, no one knows.

Azar offered a drink to his fellow Basharite, drifting him away from his thoughts.

As Azar offered Reza a drink, a servant approached and filled a cup with a rich red wine. Reza took the cup and raised it to his lips, ready to take a sip. However, as he brought the cup closer to his face, he noticed the intricate design etched into the cup. It was made of pure gold and had a red moon design.

Reza paused, examining the cup closely, and then looked up at Azar. The other Basharites in the room noticed the sudden change in Reza's demeanor and fell silent, waiting for his response.

Silently and without uttering a single word, Reza placed the cup in front of the servant, all the while maintaining an unwavering eye contact with Azar. "Drink," he commanded, his movement swift and purposeful. A sudden hush fell over the room, casting a palpable tension in the air.

Reza's action left the other Basharite speechless; they did not understand why he had asked the servant to drink the wine. They all looked at each other in confusion, wondering what was going on. Azar, the one who had offered the drink, spoke up and asked Reza why he had done that.

Reza's gaze shifted from Azar to the servant, and he spoke with authority, "Have her drink the wine to ensure it's not poisoned."