Chereads / Heartbound: The Game of Hearts / Chapter 3 - First Steps in the Game of Hearts

Chapter 3 - First Steps in the Game of Hearts

Amara took a deep breath. She felt fear rising within her, but also a new determination. "Yes," she said. "I'm ready."Kael turned and smiled. "Good. Then let's begin."He led her out of the inn and into the bustling streets of Atheria. The city was an overwhelming sight. Majestic buildings of marble and gold soared into the sky, flying carriages hovered above the heads of the people, and everywhere there was a colorful hustle and bustle. Amara felt like she was in a movie, in another world.Kael explained the rules of the Heart Hunter game to her. Every heart you won brought you closer to the goal of becoming Heart Monarch. There were different ways to collect hearts: through seduction, through manipulation, through true love."Most Heart Hunters choose the easy way," Kael said. "They play with the feelings of others, break hearts to achieve their own goals. But you, Amara, are different. You have the ability to heal hearts, to awaken true love. That is your strength."Amara was unsure. Could she really do that? Could she give love to other people after all the pain she had experienced?Kael led her to a small shop decorated with hearts in all shapes and colors. "Here you can track your progress," he explained. "Every heart you win is registered here. And the more hearts you collect, the higher you rise in rank."Amara entered the shop and marveled at the variety of hearts. There were hearts made of glass, gold, stone, each one unique and beautiful."Your heart is still empty," Kael said. "But that will soon change."He showed her a small, silver amulet in the shape of a heart. "This is your Heart Hunter amulet. It will help you feel the hearts of others, read their feelings. Always wear it."Amara accepted the amulet and put it around her neck. It felt warm and reassuring on her skin."And now?" she asked. "What should I do?""Go out into the world, Amara," Kael said. "Find people who need your help, who are looking for love. Show them that there is still hope. And don't forget: you are not alone."With these words, he left her alone. Amara stood in the middle of the busy street, the Heart Hunter amulet around her neck, feeling a mixture of excitement and fear rising within her. She was in a new world, with a new destiny. And she was ready to face the challenge.But where should she begin? Kael's words echoed in her head: "Find people who need your help." But how was she supposed to recognize these people?She looked around. Everywhere she saw people laughing, talking, flirting. Couples holding hands, friends hugging. Amara felt like an outsider, lost in this world of love and happiness.Suddenly, her gaze fell on a young man sitting alone at a table in a street café. He looked sad, his shoulders slumped, and he was staring at his empty glass. Amara felt a pang in her heart. Could this be one of the people Kael had meant?Hesitantly, she approached the table. "Excuse me," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "May I sit with you?"The man looked up. His eyes were dark and melancholic. "If you like," he murmured.Amara sat down opposite him. "I'm Amara," she introduced herself."Liam," the man replied."You look sad," Amara said cautiously. "Is everything alright?"Liam sighed. "I just went through a breakup. My girlfriend left me."Amara felt her heart go out to him. She knew exactly how that felt. "I'm so sorry," she said. "I know how painful that can be."Liam looked at her in surprise. "You do?"Amara nodded. "I've just been through a breakup too. My... my boyfriend cheated on me with another woman."Liam's eyes widened. "That's terrible! I... I can imagine how you feel."Amara felt a connection forming between them. They told each other their stories, shared their pain, their disappointment, their anger. Amara felt Liam's sadness slowly turn into gratitude, gratitude for her understanding, her compassion.Kael's words came back to her: "You have the ability to heal hearts." Could this be the beginning of her new destiny?She decided to try Kael's tips. She smiled warmly at Liam, lightly touched his arm as she spoke. She tried to make him feel understood and valued.Liam smiled back. It was a hesitant smile, but a smile nonetheless. Amara felt a small triumph. Had she done it? Had she healed Liam's heart a little?She was so engrossed in the conversation that she didn't notice Kael, who had sat down at a nearby table and was watching them. He sipped his wine and amused himself at Amara's clumsy attempts to implement his tips.Liam stood up. "I should go," he said. "Thank you for the conversation, Amara. It did me good.""You're welcome, Liam," Amara replied. "I hope to see you again."Liam nodded and left. Amara watched him go, a feeling of satisfaction flowing through her. She had healed her first heart. Or at least taken the first step towards it.Kael came to her table. "Well, how's it going?" he asked with a grin.Amara told him about her conversation with Liam. "I think I managed to cheer him up a bit," she said proudly.Kael laughed. "That was very nice, Amara. But let's be honest: that wasn't exactly the fine art of seduction."Amara felt herself blushing. "What did I do wrong?" she asked sheepishly."Everything and nothing," Kael replied. "You showed compassion, but you didn't recognize his true needs. You listened to him, but you didn't make him feel special.""But I did..." Amara began.Kael interrupted her. "You tried to apply the tips I gave you. But you didn't understand them. It's not about reciting a few catchphrases or mechanically imitating gestures. It's about touching the soul of the other person, awakening their deepest desires."He leaned forward and looked deep into her eyes. "You have the potential, Amara. But you have to learn to control your gift. You have to learn to truly see the hearts of others."Amara felt her heart beat faster. Kael's closeness, his gaze, his words - everything about him acted like a magnet on her. She felt an attraction she couldn't explain."I will help you," Kael said softly. "I will show you how to conquer the hearts of others."He took her hand and led her back to the street. "Let's do some practical exercises," he said. "And this time I'll show you exactly how it's done."Amara followed him, her heart full of excitement and curiosity. She would learn from the best Heart Hunter in Atheria. She would learn all his tricks and secrets. And she would change this world.