CHAPTER 322: SHARED MEAL ( THE NOVEL IS BACK)

Isiah decided to take Ciel with him as they began to explore the vast forest surrounding them.

It was a dense wilderness, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city they had left behind.

The absence of any other human presence in the vicinity provided them with a sense of relief and tranquility in this otherwise unknown territory.

The idea of finding privacy in this secluded wilderness was their primary objective, as Gregory had suggested.

The concept of "Triavert" was a bit enigmatic at this point, leaving them with more questions than answers.

How to reach this elusive destination or even decipher its exact location remained shrouded in uncertainty.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the towering trees enveloped them in a canopy of lush greenery.

Shafts of sunlight pierced through the thick foliage, creating dappled patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor.

The air was alive with the symphony of chirping birds and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.

Isiah and Ciel walked in silence, their footsteps softened by the thick carpet of fallen leaves.

Each step took them further into the heart of this natural wonder.

Isiah and Ciel walked in silence, the forest enveloping them in a serene embrace. The only sounds were the soft rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds.

Ciel had grown since their last encounter, his once-childlike form now resembling that of a ten-year-old boy.

His golden hair cascaded down his back in a cascade of shining strands, and his bright blue eyes, though dimmed slightly from their previous innocence, still held a gentle warmth.

He had also become noticeably taller, a testament to the passage of time.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, Ciel suddenly broke the silence with a simple declaration, his sweet voice cutting through the stillness.

"I am bigger right now, and I can protect myself from danger."

Isiah couldn’t help but smile at Ciel’s words. It was a welcome sign of progress, a hint that the boy was regaining some of his confidence.

He replied reassuringly, "You are not going to be in danger anymore. You are with me."

However, the mention of danger seemed to trigger memories of the torture and trauma Ciel had endured in the past.

His gaze shifted away, and he added quietly, "I will learn to protect myself."

Isiah understood that Ciel was determined to prove his strength and resilience. He simply nodded in response, but he didn’t like that .

In that moment, as they continued their journey, Isiah led them to a cluster of fruit-bearing trees. He watched as Ciel, without seeking assistance or using his magic, approached the trees with newfound confidence.

With his taller frame, he easily reached the ripe fruits, plucking them skillfully from the branches.

The forest provided a bountiful harvest, and Ciel gathered a generous supply of fruits. His increased size and strength made the task considerably easier.

Once satisfied with his haul, he turned without consulting Isiah and made his way back towards where Lexie and Eijar were waiting.

Isiah didn’t want to argue with Ciel or exert his power or protectiveness; he simply followed the young boy back, knowing that Ciel was still traumatized by all that had happened since they arrived in Afan.

As Ciel returned to where Lexie, and Eijar were sitting, he wore the most adorable smile on his face, clearly proud of the fruits he had gathered.

Without hesitation, he placed the assortment of fruits on Lexie’s lap.

Lexie, however, appeared momentarily lost in thought. Eijar’s words about her being the only girl around for miles seemed to have left her surprised and confused.

Her eyes glistened with her tears as if she were lost in contemplation. It took a gentle clap of Ciel’s hands in front of her eyes to bring her back to the present moment.

With a warm smile, Lexie finally acknowledged Ciel’s offering.

"You brought all of this?" Her astonishment was evident as she looked at the generous quantity of fruits he had collected.

Ciel was so proud , he kept on smiling at her as he approached Eijar to describe everything that happened in their journey .

Isiah remained nearby, observing the interactions between the three of them. He didn’t immediately join in, choosing to watch as they shared the fruits.

Lexie summoned a basket, and both Eijar and Ciel eagerly indulged in the delicious harvest.

However, Lexie decided to save some of the fruits for later. She took a portion and stood up, approaching Isiah with a sense of purpose.

As she drew closer, she noticed his slight annoyance and decided to break the silence.

"Please have some," Lexie said softly, extending her arms towards Isiah, offering the fruits as a gesture of kindness and connection.

She understood that while Isiah might not always express it openly, he too had his share of burdens and struggles.

This small act of sharing was her way of bridging the gap and showing her support.

Isiah, with his gaze fixed on something in the distance, seemed to ignore Lexie’s offering. His attention remained distant, and he didn’t acknowledge her gesture.

It was as if he had withdrawn into his own thoughts, shutting out the world around him.

Lexie felt a pang of disappointment but didn’t press the matter further. She withdrew her extended hand slowly, her expression showing a mixture of understanding and concern. Lexie returned to the others,sitting near Ciel and Eijar.

Ciel continued to enjoy the fruits, seemingly unfazed by the brief interaction between Isiah and Lexie.

Eijar, on the other hand, observed the dynamics within the group with a keen eye, her reptilian gaze betraying a hint of curiosity and concern.

You should eat first before thinking about him," Eijar admonished Lexie, her tone laced with an almost motherly concern, albeit a harsh one.

Her reptilian eyes bore into Lexie’s, as if she could see through the layers of confusion and unspoken emotions that plagued the young woman.