NOTHING TO FIND

ARIANNE POV

It was getting really harder to stay by myself and without Ivan. The problem wasn't just the fear of the unknown now, the fear was not knowing anything at all. I know Ivan and Kiran can handle themselves just fine, it was also a huge relief for them to have Tag'arkh with them. I just don't like not knowing.

I wanted to communicate with them or at least see for myself what was happening. Because I was worried I couldn't really focus on anything.

This morning, during the usual morning assembly Ivan usually attends to, my mind drifted off so many times at a point, Yasmin had to jab me, much to Dahlia's dismay. The jab pulled me back, and I forced myself to focus, to listen to the murmurs of the crowd, the steady rhythm of voices discussing the day's tasks. But it was hard. Every time I closed my eyes, I imagined them—Ivan and Kiran—facing whatever dangers lay ahead. I could almost hear Ivan's voice, calm and steady, trying to reassure me from afar.