— That's why I want you to come with me.
Caden froze, stunned by the sudden request.
— With you? he repeated, caught off guard.
Caden froze, stunned by the sudden request.
— With you? he repeated, caught off guard.
Bella nodded confidently, a determined smile on her lips.
— Yes. I need to join my friends, the ones I told you about… They're like us. And I'd like you to come with me.
Caden frowned slightly, trying to understand where she was going with this.
— Why? he asked, intrigued.
— Because we need you, Bella replied seriously. This evil that hunts us won't disappear on its own. And if you stay here alone, you'll be in danger. Those who attacked us might come back.
She paused, searching for the right words before continuing more softly:
— The woman from your dream told us: we must fight together. So, Caden… will you join us?
Her tone left no room for doubt. Caden lowered his gaze for a moment, thinking. Ever since he had discovered this strange mark on his skin, he had been searching for answers. This sign, this power… it all felt like a maze he struggled to navigate. And now, an opportunity had presented itself. A chance to understand. To discover who he really was.
He looked up and smiled.
— Of course. I have nothing to lose here anyway. All I've ever wanted is to uncover the mystery of this mark. And now, I finally have a chance to do it… plus, with my best friend by my side. So, why would I hesitate?
Bella's eyes widened, then a bright smile spread across her face.
— So… when do we leave, partner? he asked with a wink.
A spark of joy lit up Bella's face, and she couldn't contain her excitement. In a spontaneous gesture, she threw herself at him and hugged him tightly.
— Thank you, Caden! I'm so happy you're coming with us!
Caught off guard, he let out a small laugh and teased:
— At this rate, I might need special training to handle your surprise attacks.
Bella blushed slightly and stepped back, embarrassed.
— Oh… sorry, I…
— Don't worry, he interrupted with a smile. I'm just glad there are no more secrets between us.
He returned her embrace sincerely, and Bella timidly responded to the gesture. But suddenly, a flash of lightning split the sky, followed by a rumbling thunder, making them jump. They exchanged a look before bursting into laughter, breaking the tension that had settled between them.
After this moment of closeness, they decided to prepare for their departure. Each took turns showering before sharing a simple but warm dinner.
When bedtime came, Caden improvised a makeshift bed with some cushions and insisted that Bella take the real bed.
— Are you sure? she asked hesitantly.
— Bella, after everything you told me today, trust me, sleeping on some cushions is nothing, he joked.
She smiled before slipping under the covers.
— Goodnight, Caden.
— Goodnight, Bella.
As the rain drummed against the windows, Caden closed his eyes. His journey had only just begun, and he had no idea what trials awaited him. But for the first time in a long while, he felt ready to move forward.