63 Ali



[Anabelle's POV.]

Step Step

As I paced back and forth in the hotel room, my heart was consumed by a mix of anticipation and worry. It had been exactly four days since Ali and Ren embarked on their journey to Virendale. Each passing moment felt like an eternity, and the weight of uncertainty pressed heavily upon me.

My thoughts raced as I considered the dangers they might face on their expedition. While I had complete trust in Ali's skills and Ren's resourcefulness, I couldn't help but fear for their safety. The tension between Ali and Ren added an extra layer of concern, making me question if they would be able to put their differences aside and work together.

Sitting down on the edge of the bed, I took a deep breath in an attempt to calm my racing mind. The room felt suffocating, as if it mirrored the turmoil within me. The truth was, something had changed within me since Ren entered my life. I had always been independent, shouldering my problems on my own. But when Ren came into the picture, I found myself opening up, sharing my worries and fears with him. He had become a confidant, a source of comfort in times of distress.

A soft sigh escaped my lips as I allowed myself to reflect on our recent date. It had been a simple outing, nothing extravagant, yet it left an indelible mark on my heart. The way Ren looked at me, listened intently to my every word, and made me feel like the center of his universe—it was unlike anything I had experienced before. But the conflicting emotions within me couldn't be ignored. Amidst the warmth that swelled in my chest whenever I thought of him, there was also a tinge of frustration and confusion.

"Why is it so complicated?" I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible in the quiet room. Ren's presence had awakened a whirlwind of emotions within me, leaving me with a maelstrom of feelings that I struggled to understand.

"He infuriates me, and yet, I can't help but adore him." I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. It was true. Despite his stubbornness and the hurtful words he had uttered before leaving, I couldn't deny the deep affection that had taken root in my heart.

A surge of frustration coursed through me as I recalled his dismissive remark about our shared moments being mere consequences of a drunken encounter. The pain it caused was undeniable, casting a shadow over the budding connection between us. But even in that moment, I couldn't deny the spark of something more profound that had passed between us, a connection that went beyond physical attraction.

"It's like I want that moment to happen again, but without the influence of alcohol," I muttered, my voice barely audible in the quiet room. The words hung in the air, an admission I struggled to comprehend.

Stun!

A sudden jolt shot through me, and I sprang up from the bed, my heart pounding in my chest. The thoughts that had entered my mind were jarring, even alarming. How could I dare to entertain such a notion? I recoiled at the mere suggestion that I would desire a repeat of that fateful night, when the influence of alcohol blurred the boundaries of our connection.

"No, no," I whispered, attempting to dismiss the unsettling thoughts that threatened to consume me. I was adamant about the fact that I had not been assaulted, that Ren's actions had not crossed that line. Yet, the conflict within me grew stronger with each passing second.

Frustration and confusion mingled in my mind, weaving a tangled web of emotions. I tried to make sense of it all, to unravel the conflicting desires that pulsed through my veins. Ren's admission that his actions were a result of being intoxicated had cast a shadow over the genuine moments we had shared. But now, I found myself questioning the validity of his claim.

My mind raced back to that night, replaying the scene with vivid clarity. Ren, consumed by the effects of the alcohol, had bared his soul, revealing a vulnerable side of himself. Yet, he had also exhibited a clarity of thought, effortlessly resolving the problems that had perplexed everyone else. It was a dichotomy that defied comprehension.

"Phew."I stood up and walked over to the window, gazing out at the city below. The twinkling lights of Eldoria illuminated the night, mirroring the conflicting emotions within me. It was true that Ren's actions that night had been influenced by alcohol, but there was more to it than a simple mistake. He had shown kindness, compassion, and a genuine interest in me that went beyond his inebriated state.

A gentle knock reverberated through the room, pulling me out of my swirling thoughts. I approached the door and swung it open, revealing the towering figure of my friend, Barbara. She was known as "muscle mommy" among the guild members, a nickname that always intrigued me but remained shrouded in mystery.

"What happened?" I inquired, my voice laced with a mix of curiosity and concern. Barbara's lips curled into a wide grin, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

"Kid is back," she declared, her words hitting me like a rush of cool breeze on a sweltering day. Relief washed over me, easing the knot of worry that had tied itself tightly within my chest. Without a moment's hesitation, I dashed down the stairs, my heart pounding with anticipation.

And there he was, standing amidst the other members, Ren. A wave of elation surged through me as I locked eyes with him. His presence, as always, exuded a calmness that seemed to transcend any chaos or turmoil that life could throw our way.

"Good evening, Ana!" Ren greeted me with a casual wave, his easygoing demeanor unfazed by the inner turmoil he had unknowingly stirred within me. How could someone be so effortlessly cool, even after wreaking havoc on my emotions without physically being present?

A mix of emotions swirled within me—relief, joy, and an undercurrent of frustration. I couldn't deny the relief that washed over me at his return, a testament to the connection that had formed between us. But at the same time, a part of me couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance at his nonchalant attitude.

Nevertheless, I couldn't suppress the smile that tugged at the corners of my lips. It was good to see him, to have him back by my side..... I mean our side.

I approached Ren, my steps faltering for a moment as my gaze landed on an unfamiliar figure standing just behind him. Clad in a veil that concealed her features, she seemed to find solace in the protective shadow of Ren's presence. 

Questions flooded my mind as curiosity mingled with a hint of unease. Who is this woman? And why is she standing so close to him?

"Ren, good evening," I greeted him, my voice carrying a mix of warmth and curiosity. I couldn't help but feel a slight twitch at the corners of my lips, a flicker of unease that I struggled to suppress. "How was your journey, and who is this new friend of yours?"

Ren turned his head slightly, his eyes meeting mine. A soft smile played on his lips, but his expression held a trace of mystery. "Ah, Ana, this is the helper Leila that the merchant sent," he introduced, his voice holding a hint of affection as he glanced briefly at the veiled woman beside him. "She's going to accompany us till we deliver the package."

The veiled girl's eyes met mine from behind the veil, a gentle gaze filled with a mix of curiosity and gratitude. Despite the absence of words, there was a silent understanding between us, a recognition that our paths had intertwined in a way that we couldn't yet comprehend.

As I studied the veiled figure, a mix of emotions stirred within me. It was a cocktail of curiosity, uncertainty, and a flicker of possessiveness that I couldn't quite understand why I felt.

Suppressing my inner turmoil, I offered her a warm smile, trying to put my unease aside. "It's a pleasure to meet you," I greeted her, my voice laced with genuine warmth, waiting for her to introduce herself.

Leila's eyes sparkled with a touch of gratitude as she nodded softly. The enigmatic aura surrounding her only added to the intrigue, and I couldn't help but wonder what stories and secrets lay beneath that veil. 

"She doesn't talk," Ren explained, his voice tinged with sympathy. "The merchant informed me that she is mute."

A pang of guilt washed over me as his words sank in. I hadn't considered the possibility that Leila might be unable to speak, and my insensitivity left a bitter taste in my mouth.

"Oh! I am so sorry," I quickly apologized, my voice filled with genuine remorse. I felt a rush of empathy for Leila, imagining the challenges she must face in a world where communication through words is a fundamental part of human connection.

Ren proceeded to share the details of their journey, recounting the trials and adventures they had encountered. However, as he finished speaking, he abruptly excused himself, stating that he was tired and needed rest. Without another word, he ascended the stairs, leaving me standing there, a mix of confusion and frustration bubbling within me.

Was I invisible to him? Did he not care about my presence? The annoyance resurfaced, fueled by a sense of being dismissed and unnoticed. It wasn't that he hadn't spoken to me, but rather that his interaction felt no different from how he conversed with everyone else. 

"Ana! Come upstairs for a second," Ren's voice called out, and without hesitation, I found myself rushing up the stairs, my steps quick and eager. It was as if I had been waiting for that call, yearning for his attention.

Entering his room, I noticed that it was different from the one I had glimpsed during my visit on his birthday. Ren had never once complained about his living arrangements, always maintaining his easygoing demeanor.

"What?" I asked, my voice tinged with a sulky undertone that I couldn't quite explain. Why was I sulking? Was it because of his earlier words?

"Huh? Don't be so stiff," Ren chuckled lightly, his eyes meeting mine. Did he think I was being distant now?

"Why did you call me?" I inquired, trying to mask my inner turmoil behind a facade of indifference. I wanted to hear what he had to say, and then I would express my own thoughts. Perhaps if we could have a genuine conversation, we could talk for hours and bridge the gap between us. It would be fun, right?... Right?

"I think I might know how you can mend things with Ali," Ren said, his face adorned with a smug expression. His words piqued my interest, and my heart skipped a beat.

"Really!" I couldn't help but exclaim, a surge of hope welling up within me. After following Ren's advice and working hard to mend my relationships with Henry, Zark, and even Barbara, I had been hesitant to confront Ali. If Ren had a solution, it was worth considering.

"Yep!" Ren exclaimed, his eyes alight with confidence.

He proceeded to share his thoughts, explaining his strategy to mend the rift between Ali and me. It became evident that even during our journey, Ren had been pondering our team dynamic, specifically our unresolved conflicts.

"I don't think it'll work. In fact, it might only frustrate him further," I voiced my concerns, hesitant about the plan Ren proposed. It seemed risky, and I feared it could deepen the divide between Ali and me.

Sighing, I pondered the situation, my mind racing with conflicting thoughts. Ren stepped forward, his gaze locked with mine, and he spoke with a gentle determination.

"Ana," he uttered my name, his voice carrying a hint of sincerity, "believe me."

My throat tightened, and I could feel my heartbeat quicken. Was it anticipation? Uncertainty? The tension between us was palpable, but to my relief and disappointment, Ren calmly stepped back, breaking the intensity of the moment.

"When do I have to do this?" I finally asked, surrendering to the plan that Ren had devised. It was a matter of timing, and if we could resolve the conflict before leaving Eldoria, it would be for the best. Ren provided the necessary instructions, and I nodded, committing myself to the task ahead.

As I left Ren's room, my heart was filled with a mix of emotions—hope, nervousness, and a burgeoning sense of connection.

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I took a deep breath before entering the deserted hall, my footsteps echoing in the silence. The flickering candlelight created a mysterious ambiance, casting enchanting shadows on the walls. The air was heavy with anticipation, knowing that Ali was somewhere in this room, lost in his own thoughts.

As I approached, I could see Ali sitting alone at a table, his face partially obscured by the dim glow while looking at the bottle in front of him.

The sight of him in that moment stirred a mix of emotions within me—anger, frustration, but also a flicker of hope that we could mend what was broken between us.

Summoning all my courage, I made my way towards him. The clacking of my heels on the polished floor seemed amplified in the stillness of the hall. With each step, my heart pounded in my chest, unsure of what awaited me.

Ali's eyes met mine as I took a seat across from him. His expression was unreadable, guarded. It felt as if an invisible wall had been erected between us, and I was determined to break through it.

"Hey," I called out, my voice filled with a mix of determination and trepidation. "Do you mind talking for a bit, I can't sleep at all."

There was a brief moment of hesitation before Ali responded, his tone curt and distant. "I have nothing to say to you, Anabelle."

My frustration surged, and I refused to back down. I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the table, meeting his gaze unwaveringly. "Well,how can a coward who used to pee his pants till he manifested his core be brave enough to face me, don't talk just pour me a drink. "

Ali's jaw tightened, his eyes flashing with a mix of anger and disgust. I knew it was a damn bad idea, Ren! Save me.

"Fuck off, I don't care if you are here to mock me." he cursed, his voice laced with bitterness. 

My heart sank at his words, realizing the depth of his hurt. But I couldn't let that deter me. Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself, ready to confront him head-on.

Taking a deep breath, I looked into Ali's eyes with sincerity. "Ali, I want to apologize. I never meant to hurt you."

Ali's eyes narrowed, his anger intensifying. "Sorry? That's all you have to say? You think an apology erases the damage you've done?"

Now I felt a surge of frustration, my own anger rising to match his, it's the same as Ren said "Well, what do you want me to say, Ali? Should I grovel at your feet? Beg for forgiveness like a child? Maybe that's what you're looking for!"

His voice dripped with sarcasm. "Oh, how generous of you, Anabelle. Offering me a chance to witness your impeccable acting skills. Bravo!"

I scoffed, unable to hold back. "Impeccable acting? Coming from the master of bottling up emotions and pretending everything is fine!" I feel angry and light at the same time.

Ali's nostrils flared, his fists clenched on the table. "You don't know a thing about me, Anabelle. You think you have me all figured out, but you're so blinded by your own selfishness!"

A smirk played at the corner of my lips. "Selfishness? Oh, please. Coming from the person who used to be terrified of spiders and couldn't handle his own shadow." It's funny that I still remember the moment like it was something that happened yesterday.

Ali's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're really going to bring up my fear of big spiders? Well, let's not forget your irrational fear of clowns!"

I raised an eyebrow, ready to retaliate. "Oh, so now we're exchanging childhood fears? How about the time you cried like a baby when a butterfly landed on your nose?"

Ali's face flushed with embarrassment. "That was one time! And let's not forget your spectacular display of clumsiness when you tripped over your own feet in front of the entire guild!"

Laughter escaped my lips, despite the tension in the air. "Ah, yes. The legendary stumble that still gets mentioned at guild gatherings. At least I can admit to my clumsiness, unlike someone who's too proud to admit their faults!"

Ali's gaze hardened, his voice dripping with venom. "I may have faults but I don't betray my friends."

Shook*

I winced at his words, realizing the weight of his accusation. It hit me like a blow to the gut, shattering the lingering fragments of my defensive facade. I had betrayed his trust, and there was no denying it. The playful banter now felt like a sharp dagger between us.

"I... I know, Ali," I stammered, my voice trembling with remorse. "It was never my intention to betray you or our friendship."

"Who cares now, you can have fun with your new friend right,we are not needed anymore you'd be fine even without us." Ali spat these words, each word felt like a stab in the heart.

I furrowed my brows in confusion, trying to make sense of Ali's words. "New friend?" I repeated, 

"Don't try to play innocent. It seems like you've been enjoying yourself ever since that kid came around. We all became invisible to you the moment you met him."

Ali's words cut through me like a knife, leaving me breathless and filled with regret. His disappointment was evident, his voice heavy with a mix of anger and sorrow. I could see the hurt etched on his face, the longing for a genuine connection that seemed to have been shattered.

I felt a sharp pang of disappointment as his words pierced through me. He believed that I had cast aside our friendship without a second thought, that I had chosen someone new over the bonds we had built together. The truth was far from that, but it was clear that I had failed to communicate my intentions and feelings to him.

Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I locked eyes with Ali. "Ali, I never meant to make you feel that way. I never intended to replace our friendship with anyone else. Ren is... ."

Ali's gaze softened, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his features. "Then why did you never come to me? Why did you make decisions without even talking to me first?"

His question hit me like a ton of bricks. In my pursuit of finding my own path and seeking solace in Ren's presence, I had unintentionally neglected Ali. The realization weighed heavily on me, and I felt a deep sense of remorse.

"I... I thought you were pushing me away," I admitted, my voice filled with a mix of regret and sadness. "You seemed distant, and I thought I was becoming a burden to you. I didn't want to intrude or make things worse."

As the weight of his disappointment settled upon me, a wave of realization crashed over me that He was right. I had acted without considering his feelings, without seeking his input or even giving him a chance to be a part of the decision-making process. I had let my own insecurities and desires guide my actions, neglecting the bond we had forged through years of friendship.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I grasped the magnitude of my mistake. "No, Ali, you're wrong," I managed to choke out, my voice quivering with sincerity. "I never wanted you to feel like you're not needed. I never wanted to hurt you."

Ali's expression softened slightly, but the pain lingered in his eyes. "Anabelle, actions speak louder than words," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of disappointment and longing. "You didn't even give me a chance to be there for you, to help you through your struggles. You made the decision on your own, without considering how it would affect our friendship."

His words pierced my heart, and I felt a deep pang of remorse. He was right. I had shut him out, believing that I could handle everything on my own. In doing so, I had inadvertently pushed away the one person who had always stood by my side.

Tears streamed down my face as I reached out to him, my voice filled with desperation. "Ali, I'm so sorry."

Ali's gaze softened, and a flicker of hope appeared in his eyes. He took a step closer, his voice laced with a mix of vulnerability and longing. "Anabelle, I want to believe you. I want to believe that our friendship can be repaired. But it will take time and effort from both of us. I need to see that you're willing to let me back in, that you trust me enough to share your burdens."

With renewed determination, I nodded, my voice filled with sincerity. "I promise, Ali. From this moment forward, I will never make such a decision without consulting you, without considering our friendship. I will do everything in my power to earn back your trust."

Tears streamed down my face as I stood there, overwhelmed by my emotions. After a few minutes, Ali's expression softened, fatigue etched on his face. He reached for a nearby bottle and sighed, his voice weary. "Sit down," he said gently, surprising me. "You wanted me to pour you a drink, right?" I nodded, still trying to stifle my sobs, and took a seat.

Ali poured me a drink, his movements deliberate and careful. He broke the silence, his voice filled with remorse. "I'm sorry for what I said earlier about Ren."

"Ren?" I asked, puzzled by his apology.

"Yeah, I realized that my frustration wasn't really about him. It was about the fact that you approached him first instead of coming to me."I listened intently, finally understanding the root of Ali's hostility towards Ren.

"Hey, Ali," I called out, my voice trembling slightly.

"Hmm?" he responded, looking at me with a mix of curiosity and weariness.

"What do you really think about Ren?" I blurted out, unable to contain my curiosity any longer.

Ali paused for a moment, contemplating his answer. "Honestly, I didn't know what to make of him at first. He seemed like a mysterious and suspicious kid. But as we spent these few days together, I've come to realize that he's incredibly intelligent for his age. When that merchant sent that girl to us, I was at a loss, but Ren handled the situation with remarkable skill."

As Ali praised Ren, a sense of pride swelled within me, accompanied by a newfound appreciation for Ren's capabilities.

"Yeah, it's incredible," I agreed, my voice filled with awe. "Ren possesses a level of maturity that surpasses his age."

Ali chuckled, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Exactly. It's hard to believe that there's a ten-year age gap between us when we interact with him."

His casual mention of Ren's age difference with me stirred a complex mix of emotions within me. It annoyed me.

Everything fell into a hushed silence, and I took a leap of faith to break the ice.

"So, how are things going between you and Barbara?" I asked, a mischievous glint in my eyes.

Ali flinched, and a deep blush crept up his cheeks, betraying his embarrassment. He had always been like a brother to me since childhood, so I knew all too well his feelings towards Barbara that had developed over the years.

"That's not something you should be concerned about!" he blurted out, his words accompanied by a swift gulp of the drink in his glass. Steam seemed to emanate from his reddened face. I couldn't help but giggle at his adorable reaction; some things never change.

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[A/N: Hehe... hehehe, I have some exciting news for you all!

1) First of all, thanks to all you lovely people, we reached 300k views yesterday! That means we gained nearly 100k views in just 6 days.

2) Get ready for the 25th of this month, because I'll be releasing a bunch of chapters all at once! I'm feeling so happy, and I want to share that happiness with you.

3) Now, this one may or may not make you happy, but let me tell you that for the next thirty to forty chapters, you won't be getting other characters' points of view. (I can change this decision if you want.)

4) And finally, this news will surely make you ecstatic...

I love you guys, I really do.]