" You have to spend the night here at least, the weather is cold and you can't just get him outside, tomorrow i will show you everything that you need to know " Xylia suggested .
Xylia's suggestion hung in the air, and Ezekiel considered it for a moment. Despite his reluctance to trust her completely, he knew that she had the upper hand in terms of information and resources.
The prospect of spending the night in a safe place for his little brother's sake was hard to ignore.
"Fine," he finally replied, his voice gruff. "But don't think this changes anything between us. Tomorrow, you better have answers."
Xylia's mind was flooded with memories of the years she spent clandestinely watching over Ezekiel. It was a secret burden she had carried, torn between her duty to the group and her growing attachment to him. She had seen him grow, witnessed his struggles and triumphs, and felt an inexplicable connection that transcended her initial mission.
Each time she observed him from a distance, her heart ached with the weight of secrecy. She had witnessed his moments of vulnerability, his determination, and his loneliness. Xylia had become a silent witness to his life, always torn between her loyalty to her group and her longing to be there for him.
Ezekiel was about to cover Nathan with a cover that she handed him when he noticed the look in her eyes .
She seemed so soft in her dealing with him, not like she was acting around Frank , her colleague from the group .
So he said firmly :" You keep acting as if our lives are not in danger, are you stupid or just too crazy !"
Ezekiel's words pierced through Xylia's fragile composure. The accusation stung, but she understood the source of his anger. It was the same anger that had fueled her determination to protect him all these years.
"No, Ezekiel," she responded, her voice laced with sincerity. "I'm not ignorant of the dangers that surround us. I've seen the atrocities committed by those in power, the oppression and injustice that our people face every day. That's why I've dedicated myself to this cause."
She took a step closer, the vulnerability in her eyes mirroring his own. "But in the midst of this fight, I see you and your brother. I see the love and the compassion you have for each other. It reminds me why we're fighting in the first place. It's not just about tearing down a system, but about creating a world where people like your brother can live without fear."
Xylia trembled , she blushed then retreated and said:" I just never thought that this day will come "
" Again with this nonsense , what do you mean !"
" Ezekiel, can we be friends !" she asked, her heart almost stopped .
Ezekiel glared at her, he never had friends in his first life and also in this life too and he never thought of the word until she just said it .
She was shy of asking him , yet she was determined because she knew that he had no friends at all .
He was not going to accept her closeness to him , she had to ask for at least being a friend to him at least .
his face was stoic as he said :" Friends! "
" Yes ! you and me ! I promise you , I will make sure to be a good friend, " she said with anticipation and excitement .
" I don't want to, " he replied .
Xylia's heart sank as Ezekiel's words pierced through her hopes. She had mustered the courage to ask for friendship, hoping to bridge the gap between them, but his rejection left her feeling vulnerable and exposed.
"I understand," she replied softly, masking the disappointment in her voice. "It was a foolish request. I shouldn't have presumed to ask for something that you're not ready to give."
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she fought to maintain her composure. Deep down, she knew it was a long shot. Ezekiel had been through so much, carrying the weight of his past alone. The walls he had built around himself were formidable, protecting him from further heartbreak.
But the sting of rejection cut through her, reminding her of the loneliness he had endured all these years. She had hoped for a connection, someone who understood the struggles he faced. Someone like her.
"Ezekiel," she spoke hesitantly, her voice quivering slightly. "I know you've been hurt, and trust doesn't come easily for you. But I want you to know that I'm here for you, regardless of whether we're friends or not. I care about your well-being and the safety of your brother."
"As I said, I am here for the information. There is no other person in this life that I care about except for Nathan. Friends, I don't want them. If you are still willing to help me, even after hearing my words, then it only proves that you are naive and incredibly weak," he spat, his anger fueling his harsh words.
Xylia felt the sting of his words, but she refused to let it break her resolve. She understood the pain that lingered within him, the walls he had built to shield himself from further hurt. She couldn't force him to trust or open up to her, but she would not allow his anger to push her away.
Her voice remained steady, devoid of any hint of hurt. "Ezekiel, I hear your anger, and I understand your need to protect yourself. But remember, strength isn't just about building walls and shutting people out. It takes courage to let others in, to lean on them when times get tough."
She took a step closer, meeting his fiery gaze with unwavering determination. "I may not be able to fully comprehend your past or the pain you carry, but I am here to support you. Whether you choose to accept my help or not, it doesn't change my commitment to keeping Nathan safe and ensuring justice for those with supremacy."
Ezekiel's anger flickered, momentarily interrupted by a glimpse of confusion. He had expected her to back away, to retreat from his volatile emotions. But her persistence unsettled him, making him question the boundaries he had set.
"You think you can understand me?" he scoffed, his voice laced with skepticism. "No one will ever understand weight I carry."