Hidden Pathways (BOOK 1)

Shadow Reckoning - Chapter 124

"What should we do now, captain?" Qarek's inquiry hung in the air, his voice carrying a mix of urgency and determination.

He continued, his words reflecting the weight of their impending decision. "Should we confront Haerak ourselves when he arrives here?"

The tension in the room was palpable as Seraphina voiced her concerns, her words tinged with nervousness. "You guys aren't going to kill him... right?" she asked, her eyes darting between her companions.

"Well, that depends on the captain's decision. When the moment calls for it the---" Qarek began, but Ruby'ck interjected, her voice firm and unwavering.

"No. There has to be a way where it doesn't involve bloodshed, no blood needs to be spilled anymore," Ruby'ck asserted, her words carrying a sense of conviction.

Ruby'ck's sentiment was met with agreement from Zach, his voice echoing with determination. "She's right, there's no more need for bloodshed. We'll talk to him, because, there's one thing I want to know coming from him. One thing that will change this whole complexity revolving around his mysteries and uncertainties," he declared, his tone resolute.

"What is it, captain?" Qarek inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"I'll ask him what caused him to think that it is our fault despite us mainly targeting the kingdoms and not the villages," Zach explained, his words reflecting his strategic approach to the situation.

"Oh, that's a great idea," Qarek acknowledged, nodding in agreement.

"See, I told you, Qarek. There's always a better way where it doesn't need violence. Violence must always be the last resort, and will only be used for protection," Ruby'ck affirmed, her words resonating with the shared values of their group.

Ruby'ck's voice softened, her eyes reflecting a depth of emotion as she continued, her words carrying a poignant weight. "We've seen enough pain and suffering, enough loss and heartache. It's time we choose a different path, one of understanding and compassion," she said, her voice trembling slightly with the weight of their shared experiences.

"As much as we've been hurt, as much as we've endured, let's not become the very thing we fight against," Ruby'ck urged, her words a solemn reminder of the importance of preserving their humanity in the face of adversity.

"Our strength lies not in our ability to wield weapons, but in our capacity to seek peace, even in the midst of chaos," she concluded, her voice filled with a quiet resolve that resonated deeply with each member of their group.

A hushed stillness settled over the group, their attention drawn to Ruby'ck as she spoke with a commanding presence, her words cutting through the tension like a beacon of wisdom and guidance.

Each member of the group stood transfixed, their eyes fixed on Ruby'ck, absorbing the weight of her message and the depth of her conviction.

"In a world consumed by strife and conflict, it's easy to lose sight of our humanity, to succumb to the darkness that surrounds us," Zach began, his gaze locking with Ruby'ck's, a silent acknowledgment of their shared commitment to a higher ideal.

"But her words remind us that even in the face of adversity, even when the path ahead seems fraught with uncertainty, there is always a choice," Zach affirmed, his voice unwavering as he spoke from the depths of his heart.

"We can choose to rise above the chaos, to embrace compassion and understanding, to seek peace instead of perpetuating violence," he concluded, his words ringing with a quiet resolve that resonated with each member of their group.

Qarek, Yzavynne, and Seraphina exchanged stunned glances, their eyes reflecting the gravity of Zach and Ruby'ck's words.

Qarek broke the heavy silence with a startled exclamation. "I'm... speechless."