11 Chapter 11: Parting Ways
Julius stared into the lush green wilderness below while his fellow companions prepared for their departure. Memories of his life with Ileanna lingered, haunting his troubled mind with twinges of nostalgic remembrances. Kaiden approached from behind, joining the silence. He took in a deep whiff of the morning air. “I love that smell. So fresh,” he said. Julius didn’t respond, his eyes still focused on the trees below, distant, and glossy.
“Julius?”
He continued to stare into the far reaches of the forest, entranced by his thoughts.
“Julius!” Kaiden repeated with considerable force.
The intensity of the call startled Julius from his trance. “Oh, I’m sorry, Kaiden. I was miles away.”
“I noticed. You’re thinking about her, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t mea
