The Dreamer's POV

Chapter 166 Luke's Return

The darkness of the night was only punctuated by the soft flickering of the campfires that dotted the encampment.

Soldiers, who moments ago were going about their nightly routines, now stood in silent anticipation, their eyes fixed on a single figure at the center: Theo.

In the midst of them all, Theo felt the weight of hundreds of eyes on him.

With his disguise shed, the very men and women he had spent days covertly observing, now observed him.

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The cool night air wrapped around him, but it did little to calm the storm of thoughts swirling in his mind.

His heart raced, not from the immediate attention but from the uncertainty that plagued him.

'Where is Luke?' he wondered.

It had been hours since they were separated.

Theo remembered the last moment they had shared, and how he had given the order for everyone to protect him.

That meant Luke must have known some sort of danger associated with what was going on.

'The city being in flames… it's definitely something dangerous.'

Theo had many theories about what could be happening, and why. His most valid one, and the worst-case scenario, had to do with the Nine Headed Dragon Alliance.

The mere thought of such a swift retaliation on their end sent shivers down his spine. Still, he did his best to brace himself and not give in to fear.

Instead, he decided to channel those emotions to others in the form of worry.

'Why is it taking him so long?' Theo's worry for Luke was genuine.

They had only known each other for days at most, but there was something about Luke that made Theo feel like he was someone he wanted by his side.

Perhaps he had always been one who felt enamored by strong individuals… or maybe Luke truly was someone trustworthy.

He did save his father and helped the Lyma Family in so many ways. That alone made him their savior.

As the heir to the family that had been helped so much by one man, Theo considered it only natural that he would feel such concern for Luke.

However, even as thoughts of Luke threatened to consume him, a deeper, more personal fear gnawed at Theo's heart.

His family.

The vivid memories of his father's proud face, his mother's warm embrace, and the playful laughter of his five sisters echoed in his mind.

The Lyma Capital was their home, and now, it was ravaged in flames..

"Are they safe?" he murmured, his voice barely a whisper.

The quiet night amplified his inner turmoil. His solace lay in his hopes that the walls of the Lyma Estate had protected them, that their home remained a sanctuary amidst the chaos.

'Hopefully, in the case of an attack, they reach the Shelter on time…'

In that dark moment, he found himself silently pleading to whatever deities might listen.

'Protect them. Let them be unharmed. Let them be safe.'

Whether it be the Goddes of Light Iysa, or the Great Monarch of Darkness, Kollungr. Anyone who would ensure his family was safe.

'Luke… please… don't let them die.'

But as the moments stretched on, the unease in his heart only grew, gnawing at his very soul. Surrounded by the hushed presence of hundreds, Theo felt utterly alone, trapped in the prison of his thoughts and fears.

Finally, taking a deep breath, he lifted his head, eyes glistening with unshed tears, and stared at the star-filled skies.

"I should probably—"

"The Leader is back! I can see him from a distance!!!" One of the people who kept watch suddenly exclaimed.

'H-huh?!' Theo's mind sparked.

The whispers swiftly began to spread through the encampment like wildfire.

"He has returned?!" Someone exclaimed.

"Finally!"

"I would have gone to find him if that hadn't ben the case."

The hope in those three words "Luke has returned!" caused a stir among the weary soldiers, hearts lifting with anticipation.

Theo's heart wasn't just lifted; it soared.

Every worry, every thought that had been consuming him, seemed to hang in the balance in that single moment.

Without hesitation, he rose, his boots crunching the dry earth beneath as he quickly joined the assembling crowd.

Every head turned in the same direction, looking to the horizon where a solitary silhouette grew steadily larger.

The steady rhythm of hooves approached, and soon, Luke's familiar figure came into view. He looked every bit the warrior Theo remembered, though weariness was evident in the slouch of his shoulders and the strain of his face.

As Luke dismounted, his eyes scanned the gathering, resting briefly on Theo.

Without thinking, Theo broke away from the crowd and ran towards Luke. He stopped a few feet from him, searching Luke's eyes, looking for answers, for assurance.

"Luke," Theo breathed, his voice trembling, "how did it go? My family... are they alright?"

But Luke's eyes, usually so full of life and warmth, were now clouded.

He looked at Theo, but his gaze seemed distant, burdened. The silence between them grew heavy, almost palpable, as the seconds ticked by.

The surrounding murmur of the troops faded into the background.

Theo felt a cold dread creep up his spine. "Luke, please," he begged, his voice more desperate now, "tell me they're okay."

Before Luke could reply, a strong hand landed on Theo's shoulder.

He turned to find Drius, his face a mask of concern and sorrow.

"Theo," he said gently, "you need to calm down. We should discuss this privately."

Theo's eyes darted between Luke and Drius, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

The weight of unsaid words pressed down on him, and he could feel his heart pounding loudly in his ears.

'N-no… that can't be…'

Finally, Luke spoke, his voice low and raspy.

"I agree," he whispered, the pain evident in his tone. "Let's talk, away from the others."

The trio moved away, leaving behind the anxious murmurs and the watchful eyes of the troops.

As they walked, the night's shadows seemed to wrap around them, as if trying to shield them from the impending revelations.

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[A/N]

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