Tears welled up in Xylia's eyes, her emotions threatening to spill over. The weight of her revelation hung heavy in the air, causing a knot of discomfort to tighten in Ezekiel's chest. He felt the world closing in around him as he processed her words.
"You know me!" he exclaimed, frustration and confusion intertwining in his voice. "What do you mean by this?"
Xylia's eyes pleaded with him for understanding, her anxiety evident as she nervously bit her lower lip. She knew the truth she held would shatter the delicate bond they were trying to rebuild, but she couldn't bring herself to continue the deception.
"Ezekiel, I would rather remain silent than lie to you again," she admitted, her voice trembling with sincerity. "I hated deceiving you from the start, and I want to take responsibility for my own actions. Please understand that my choices were mine alone, not a reflection of my entire group."
Ezekiel's anger still simmered beneath the surface as he spat on the ground, his frustration palpable.
He shifted his attention to his slumbering brother, his touch gentle as he brushed the young boy's hair with his finger. The weight of responsibility and worry hung heavy in his gaze.
"Do you know where they are?" he questioned, his voice tinged with desperation.
Xylia's urgency propelled her forward, closing the distance between them in an instant.
She could sense the gravity of the situation, the urgency of providing him with the information he sought. Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke, her words coming out in a rush.
"Yes, although the exact location is uncertain, they have moved to the capital," she revealed. "They shared their concerns about being threatened by individuals with supremacy."
Ezekiel's surprise was evident, his eyes widening in disbelief. How could Xylia possess such intimate knowledge of his parents' predicament? He scrutinized her closely, searching for any hints of deception or ulterior motives.
"Who told you this?" he demanded, his voice laced with suspicion and curiosity.
Xylia took a deep breath, her gaze unwavering as she met his piercing stare. She knew the significance of her answer and the weight it carried.
"I have my sources," she replied, her tone conveying both determination and secrecy.
Xylia's voice carried a mix of determination and compassion as she attempted to convey the depth of their cause. She knew that appealing to his sense of justice and the desire to protect their people held the potential to sway him.
"We have eyes everywhere, Ezekiel," she began, her voice soft but earnest. "We are not simply a group of individuals rebelling against the system. We are united by a common purpose—to shield our people from the injustices that plague this world."
His frustration and skepticism were still evident as he interrupted her, dismissing her idealistic notions. But beneath his dismissive words, Xylia sensed a glimmer of curiosity, a yearning for guidance in his quest for answers.
"I know you don't care about our ideals," she admitted, disappointment flickering across her face. She had hoped for a different response, a willingness to see beyond his own anger and pain.
However, Ezekiel's next words surprised her. His tone was firm, resolute, and it carried a weight of determination. It was a begrudging acknowledgment that he couldn't continue his journey aimlessly, without any concrete information or resources at his disposal.
"I can't keep moving like this, aimlessly," he confessed, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "You possess information, and I need it."
A mixture of joy and relief filled Xylia's eyes. She understood that his acceptance, though reluctant, was a step forward.
It was an acknowledgment that he couldn't face this daunting task alone and that he needed the support and resources that her group could offer.
"By joining us," Xylia explained, her voice tinged with a glimmer of hope, "you will gain access to a vast network of resources. Together, we can uncover the truth and protect those we hold dear."
Ezekiel, his resolve unyielding, made his conditions clear. He knew the gravity of his mission and the consequences that awaited him. It was an ultimatum, a stark reminder that his loyalty would only extend until his own personal mission was fulfilled.
"When I have avenged them, when justice has been served," he declared firmly, "I will depart from your ranks."
Xylia's disappointment was momentarily overshadowed by a flicker of understanding.
Xylia couldn't tear her gaze away from the tender scene unfolding before her. Ezekiel's gentle touch as he brushed his little brother's hair was a sight she never thought she would witness. For someone who had always worn a hardened exterior, the depth of love and emotion in his actions took her by surprise.
Lost in the moment, Xylia found herself momentarily speechless. She had known Ezekiel for a long time, but this display of affection was a side of him she had never seen before. It was a glimpse into his capacity to love and protect, a reminder that beneath the tough exterior, there was a heart that beat with fierce devotion.
"You love him," she whispered, her voice barely audible. There was a mixture of awe and tenderness in her tone.
Ezekiel's eyes met hers, and for a fleeting moment, the hardened walls around his heart seemed to soften. The intensity of his gaze held a wealth of emotions, as if the floodgates of his feelings had momentarily opened. It was a vulnerable moment, a rare glimpse into the depths of his soul.
"Nathan will live peacefully," he said, his voice laced with determination and a touch of sadness. "He deserves a life free from the burdens we carry. It is my duty to ensure that he finds that peace."
Xylia nodded in understanding, her eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and empathy. She recognized the weight of his promise, the sacrifice he was willing to make to protect his little brother from the chaos and dangers that surrounded them.
" of course, he will, of course , he will " she replied softly .