All Rights Reserved

∞ | Chapter 4 - Decisions | ∞

Rebellion Lands

Soulmates.

Rhydderch had always thought that he would never see his soul mate again after meeting her for the first time. Seeing that he didn't really want her around.

But here she was, standing just right in front of him. She wasn't what he imagined his soul mate to be. Adrastea Bones certainly wasn't whiny or dependent on anyone.

She also wasn't an Affluent.

Rhydderch didn't know what to think. He was conflicted. He didn't have feelings for her, but he was highly intrigued. Rhydderch was never intrigued by anyone.People bored him. And they annoyed him. They were always predictable in their actions and thoughts.

It was also unexpected that she wasn't too fond of meeting him and Rhydderch was fine with that.

It made things a lot easier.

She wasn't unattractive, no. But she was not the prettiest woman he had seen and definitely not the ugliest. Her face was oval in shape and she had a light complexion, her hair was dark brown and done up in some form of complex looking braids. Her mouth was full and he could guess that the nicest feature she had were her eyes. They were grey in colour.

However, there was something off about her. Yes, Rhydderch thought she was brilliant. Brilliant enough to develop a cure for the deadliest poison around. But there was still the mystery of the missing people in Vonsworth.

Not that he cared about their lives or wellbeing. He hated unsolved puzzles and this was one of them.

It was too much of a coincidence. Rhydderch narrowed his eyes and pressed his lips together. She was hiding something and he was determined to get to the bottom of it.

To him, Adrastea Bones was an asset. A highly prized asset with her skills of being a healer and developing a cure but his gut instincts told him to be careful. And he understood them perfectly and was going to heed them. Rhydderch wasn't going to let someone he knew for about a day to have total knowledge about his operations even though she was his soul mate.

People couldn't be trusted. No matter how loyal they claim to be. That included family members. Blood was just blood and people were just people. That was all to it.

Looking at her, he could see there were hidden depths to her. She was hardened by the cruelty of life even though she held the somewhat esteemed job title of being a medic. Deep down, Rhydderch knew that the disappearance of the people in Vonsworth and the development of her cure were directly connected.

Research.

He scoffed. Research indeed. He tilted his head to see Darius sneering at the reunion of the two remaining members of the Bones family.

Darius never liked Edmond. But then again, Darius didn't like a lot of people except for Ava. Perhaps, that may be the reason why he resented Edmond seeing that he was Ava's soul mate.

The lack of any relationship between Edmond and Ava had no effect on both parties. It was proof to Rhydderch that you could still carry on without your soul mate and he took some comfort from that.

He didn't want anyone messing up his plans and something told him that she would.

However, Rhydderch couldn't help but admit - and admire - that the colour of her hair reminded him of chocolate.

Rhydderch visibly scowled as he shoved that thought away.

"Darius," he called and turned away and said man nodded and came towards him. Together they walked away from the remaining members of the Bones family to give them some privacy.Once they were a fair distance where there wasn't any chance of their conversation being overheard, Rhydderch stopped. "Keep an eye on the healer. She may have intentions to run off but I doubt she would."

Darius nodded and shifted his jaw. "Rhydderch, Valia said that..." he hesitated and Rhydderch clenched his jaw impatiently and annoyance. "What did she say?" he prompted, his voice taking on an impatient quality.

"Valia said that the healer is your soul mate," Darius continued stoically, his eyes avoiding Rhydderch's.

"What makes her so confident to have such a claim?" he questioned, the tone his voice took was deceptively calm and Darius regretted opening his mouth.

"She heard the conversation between you and the healer," Darius reluctantly explained quietly, his eyes were averted from Rhydderch as he stilled and waited for his response.

Rhydderch resisted the urge to glare but took a mild shot at him. "I also heard that Edmond and Ava had a special moment just the other day," Rhydderch said offhandedly. "Did you know that Darius?"

Rhydderch faced the man who had a stony expression on his face and smiled. "But don't worry about it, they're just soul mates so I'm sure nothing could have happened or maybe something did, they were a lot friendlier," he said carelessly but his dark blue eyes were cold and unyielding.

Hearing nothing in return, Rhydderch smiled - a smile that was more of a twisted smirk - and slipped his hands into his pockets and strolled off, leaving Darius behind.

* * *

"You're alive!"

Adrastea blinked, still in shock as she took in the man standing opposite her. A man who was her brother and supposedly dead.

She trembled a little. "Yes. But how are you alive?" She breathed out, her hands curling into fists and clenched them together to hide that she wasn't nervous

Adrastea had a photo of her family before they died and her brother may only be five in the photo but he resembled the man standing in front of her.

There was no doubt the man in front of her was her brother.

Edmond gave her a watery smile before pulling her closer. "I'll explain everything later. I'm just so glad you're alive! I thought you had died that night."

He enveloped her into a hug and Adrastea could feel her lips quiver from the very knowledge that her brother was alive and that she wasn't alone in the world. Yes, she may still be an orphan and came to terms with it years ago but it was still comforting and overwhelming to know that there was someone who would be there for her.

"Me too," she whispered and hugged him back. She was no longer alone anymore. Years of resentment for the hard life she had been given and the tears spent on her murdered family had made her grow up too fast.

There and then, she felt like an innocent child again, without the horrors of life she had seen and experienced while growing up alone.

"So how have you been?" Edmond asked as he pulled away slightly and looked down at her, the identical grey eyes he shared with her studying her carefully.

"I'm great. I'm a trained medic seeing I was a Medial. What about you? H-how did you make it here?" Adrastea questioned as Edmond led her towards the other tents where most of the people were.

"I ran off as soon as Mother died and have been on the streets. Not long after, an Affluent family took me in and became their servant. That family was one of a kind, they were extremely compassionate and they never mistreated me. I was thankful for that."

Adrastea nodded and Edmond smiled as he continued his tale. "Just two years ago, that Affluent family died and I got into some trouble. The twins helped me out and I joined the rebellion." He sighed and shook his head. "Enough about me, what about you? Have you found your soul mate?"

She could feel her smile wane a little at that. "I've been well. And yes, I've found him a little earlier."

Her brother's smile widened. "Really? Who is he?"

"Rhydderch, your rebellion leader."

Edmond's smile faded. "Oh," he said and a frown appeared on his face.

"Yeah," she offered lamely but pushed a messy lock of her hair that had fallen out of her braids behind her ear. "Well, what about you?"

"Me? Oh, yeah, I found her. She's in the rebellion as well but nothing ever happened between us. Ava and I are just friends as far as we're concerned."

Adrastea furrowed her brows. "Why? Is there something wrong between the two of you?" Edmond laughed and shook his head. His light brown locks fell across his forehead and he swept them away.

"No no. Just nothing happened. And we're okay with being simply friends." Edmond grinned and Adrastea nodded, still not too comfortable with him. She still had yet to fully digest that her brother was alive and well and was smiling down at her.

They walked in somewhat comfortable silence and a few of the people of the rebellion smiled and gave greetings to Edmond as they passed them. Adrastea could also feel some curious glances being shot her way, hence, her gaze remained on the ground.

"Adra," her brother started and she jumped at the distant familiarity of the nickname. "I would like you to be careful," he said nervously and she looked up at him in confusion.

"What's wrong?"

"Just be careful of Rhydderch," her brother warned quietly, his eyes darting around.

She could barely hear him due to his extremely low tone but she did. In response, Adrastea raised an eyebrow warily and curiously. "Why?" she started, "Is there a reason why I should be wary of my own soul mate?"

She contemplated telling him that she had no intention of going near the rebellion leader but held her tongue instead. It was her business and hers alone and she didn't have to tell anyone - not even Edmond.

Edmond shook his head, "No, but Rhydderch is the type of man who had gone to hell and when he came back, he brought back a piece of it with him."

She stared at him skeptically, her eyes taking in his tense and solemn features as they stopped in the middle of the path.

Somehow, those words sent shivers up her spine and it wasn't the good sort. It was as if something cold had wrapped around her heart and squeezed.

It ached.

Adrastea looked down at her blouse as if she could see through the material where she knew the words were on her ribs. Those words which showed that she was Rhydderch's soulmate. Just then, she felt a strange sensation of something tracing the words on her skin.

As if it was Rhydderch himself.

She shook her head and forced a smile on her face. "I see. From what I guess, Rhydderch and I would just be friends, I have things to do and my medical practice is back in Vonsworth."

Her brother paled and frowned, "You're not staying?"

Adrastea shrugged and looked down at her feet. "I-I don't know."

"You have me, come with us!" Edmond pleaded, his grey eyes begging.

"I know, but the people in Vonsworth need me," she said helplessly and her brother's eyes flashed. "The people here need you too! I need you! I just got you back! I can't have you disappearing from me again!"

She softened and gave him a tentative smile. "I know. I'm glad you're alive as well." Sighing heavily, she reached out and squeezed his hand. "Let me think about it?"

Edmond nodded, his head hung in disappointment that she was giving him a definite answer but stepped back as he took a quick glance at his watch.

"Stay the night here and don't go back to Vonsworth. The city has fallen but Murstein Keep has not. It isn't safe until the Valiant are defeated and Regnant Mabuz is in our custody. I'll set up some living arrangements for you."

Adrastea nodded, her thoughts falling to her medical practice and to the people she knew. Were they still alive? Were they injured in the fight? Or were they celebrating the fall of Vonsworth?

"Good, let me know your answer by tomorrow, will you? I've to go, duties and all but if you need help, just say my name and people will help."

She smiled and Edmond gave her one last hug and a relieved smile. "I'm just really glad you're alive. After all these years."

"Me too," she murmured in his ear and with one last smile, her brother hurried off.

Since she was alone and was obviously staying the night here, Adrastea decided to look around. Yes, she may be on unfamiliar grounds but at least she would be safe.

Briefly, she wondered how did her brother have the authority to set up living arrangements for her until she remembered that the people they had walked past earlier had nodded their heads in acknowledgement towards him. He probably held some position in the rebellion, she decided and glanced around the camp.

Or maybe, he figured that she was Rhydderch's soul mate, he would be able to get good living arrangements for her.

Whatever it was, Adrastea was grateful. It definitely wasn't a mistake to come here like she had thought earlier back in the tent when she realised that the rebellion leader was her soul mate. She had discovered that her brother was alive and well and it comforted her as she really wasn't alone in the world any longer.

As Adrastea observed the rebellion lands around her, she could see that the people here were... happy. There were groups of them eating together, she could see some children playing and people being just content in life.

Yes, some were injured and some were dead but the people were happy to fight for a cause they believed in, even if the end result was death.

Adrastea didn't know what to make out of that.

She understood that not everyone would make it out alive and it saddened her to know that those who died fighting would never experience the freedom they would get if the rebellion won. However, that was the reality of the situation they were in now.

After a while, Adrastea realised she was somewhere familiar and taking a better look, she realised she was back at the exact same tent where she gave the cure to Valia's brother.

Speaking of the cure, her bag was in Rhydderch's tent.

Great.

From where she was, Adrastea decided to check on Valia's brother to see if the cure was healing him nicely. Entering, she could tell she was the only one in the tent beside Valia's brother.

Checking his palm, a smile crossed her face as she realised that her cure had worked once again. His veins had turned back to the usual blue-green colour instead of the crimson shade it had been before. Peering at his face, Adrastea was also pleased to note that the dark circles around his eyes had faded. Yes, he was healing nicely.

"Who are you?"

She jumped and whirled around defensively, her hands reaching out for a weapon instinctively. Her eyes landed on a small girl, no older than the age of seven who was blinking up at her in curiosity.

"I'm just a healer here," she offered and tried to calm her leaping heart.

The girl smiled, "I want to be a healer too!"

Adrastea couldn't help but let a fond smile form on her face as she bent down and greeted the girl. "That's great. What's your name?"

The girl blinked and grinned shyly, her big brown eyes staring up at Adrastea at what seemed like hero worship. "Lya."

"My name is Adrastea, where are your parents and what are you doing here?"

The bright smile on the girl's face dimmed. "Vyctor is my friend and Valia told me he got sick and Mum and Dad are gone."

Adrastea forced herself to keep her composure along with the smile on her face and did her best not to pull Lya into a big hug. "I see. Vyctor is your friend?"

Lya beamed toothily, "Yes! He gets me sweets!"

"That's lovely. But I can say that Vyctor would be getting well soon. Maybe by next week!"The little brunette grinned and out of curiosity, Adrastea pressed. "What happened to your parents Lya?"

"Like Vyctor," she mumbled and it felt as if someone had punched her in the gut. Adrastea paled and she knew that what Lya meant was that her parents being fed the poison for sport.

She had heard of instances where this happened.

Right there and then, Adrastea had her answer.

She would stay here with them. She could help people who were poisoned by the deadly Bloodberries along with being an additional pair of hands to heal the sick and wounded.

She wasn't that needed in Vonsworth anymore. It had been captured by the rebellion and the people there would have better lives. She also wasn't the only healer in the city.

Additionally, her brother Edmond was here as well. Yes, she would stay.

However, she couldn't help but wonder if there was also another reason as to why she would come with the rebellion.

* * *

"I see."

Adrastea stared at him with narrowed eyes as she took in her surroundings with quick glances before her eyes would ultimately land back on to him.

"What made you change your mind?" A knowing smirk was on his lips and she debated on ignoring him or answering him with her countenance intact. She decided on the latter.

"I feel that I do not wish to discuss my reasons," she replied smoothly and Rhydderch cocked an eyebrow before his dark eyes met hers. "Of course."

"Your brother has requested for your tent to be near his for the time being but I feel that placing you near the medical tents would be better?"

She nodded, "Yes, that is fine."

"Good," he cleared his throat and got to his feet. "There is something else that we have to discuss."

Adrastea tensed and eyed him warily. It was a relief that he hadn't demanded her to share his living arrangements just because they were linked but she should have known. Rhydderch wasn't that interested in having a soul mate and neither was she.

"What is it?"

"Regarding your reason for staying, I feel that it is best if no one besides the inner circle should know about your cure."

"Why?"

"What you can do is what I would consider an advantage for us. The Affluents nor the remaining Regnants should not know about this. You are what I think will help us win," Rhydderch explained and Adrastea nodded. She understood.

Chewing her lip pensively, she leant back on her seat, she questioned, "Well, what can I say about my reasoning to stay?"

"Say you're a new healer who has come to help us with our cause. And the other reason why you're here," he drawled lazily and Adrastea froze. "What other reason?"

"That you're my soul mate."

Her eyes snapped up to his in shock. "I thought you weren't interested in one," Adrastea demanded, her heart racing. Surely, he wouldn't do or expect anything from her, would he?

He raised an eyebrow and shifted his jaw. "I can assure you that nothing has changed. I just do not want the rest of the people to know about the cure. After all, people talk and news travels fast."

She couldn't help but blurt out an extremely naïve question. "You don't trust your own people?"Rhydderch shrugged carelessly but his dark eyes stared her down. "Would you?"

He had a fair point, not that she was going to tell him. He reeked of arrogance and condescension. But clearly, the rebellion leader could read people extremely well for he smirked once more.

"It's good to know that you're bright enough to understand that."

Adrastea could literally hear the sarcasm in the voice he used and she resisted the rapidly growing urge to shoot him a dirty stare. That would undeniably be childish.

Who the hell thought that pairing her and the awfully arrogant man in front of her together was a good idea? It was even worse when they were expected to be a perfect match!

Adrastea decided to ignore him before getting to her feet. "I have to go back to my medical practice in Vonsworth. Some of my things are there."

Rhydderch nodded and once again, she was struck with the realisation of how good looking he was. It really wasn't fair that along with his looks, he had a perfectly charming personality to go along with it.

It was fortunate that neither Rhydderch or her had any intention to pursue anything. Adrastea was a hundred and one percent sure she would strangle herself if she had to deal with him on a daily basis.

"Alright. I'll bring you there once the situation is under control. Unfortunately, Murstein Keep is holding off better than I expected but the rest of Vonsworth has fallen."

She nodded and a question popped into her mind. "Why aren't any of your inner circle members and that includes you involved in the fight?"

The rebellion leader raised his brows and got to his feet and slipped his hands into his pockets and it only then did Adrastea realise how tall he was.

"I am, just not on the front lines unless necessary. I plan out when to attack, how to attack, where to attack along with other things. Jarek got injured, Valia is more of a liability than an asset as Vyctor is hurt. Darius is currently back in Vonsworth, two more are out at Murstein Keep. Edmond is out managing the people. Does that answer your question?" His tone was light, his voice silky but Adrastea could tell that it was also a warning.

She wasn't an idiot so she nodded. "Yes."

"Good." He smiled, showing a perfect row of pearly white teeth but yet in the dim light of the tent, he looked absolutely feral.

* * *

A/N: Hi lovelies! The next chapter is here!

I would really really appreciate it if you could vote and leave a comment and it would be really cool if you could tell me your thoughts and feelings to the chapter as well on the characters. I kinda need the comments and if you have a question! Don't hesitate to ask! I would try to reply ASAP!

I know that they are all given but these are like an encouragement for me to know that there are people actually reading this new territory I'm in. Also, let me know what you think of the new cover and the improved synopsis! Additionally, I've shifted the book's genre to Fantasy instead of Adventure because I think its more fitting? :") Anyway, have a great day and thank you so much for reading!

P.S. This chapter is dedicated to the lovely @BellaxLuv for her many many comments! ;)