Chapter 655
Riana’s meeting with Cliffman had, in truth, been unnecessary. Whether or not Cliffman joined our side didn’t really matter. Still, Riana had chosen to meet with him.
Watching her, I found myself considering something similar. Perhaps I was allowed to do it, just once. After all, I had always only approached tasks with a clear purpose. Perhaps I could meet someone simply because I wanted to see them.
Like Riana, I had been afraid. I feared Adriana might be angry with me.
But just as Cliffman hadn’t blamed me, neither did Adriana.
I had the audacity to voice my desire that Adriana leave the battlefield, but she had refused, just as I’d known she would. If the argument were that no one should have to fight, then there wouldn’t be a single soldier in the Allied Forces. No one would feel compelled to fight out of necessity. It was only natural for Adriana to reject my selfish plea.
I hoped she would make it through. I hoped we all would—Adriana, myself, and everyone else. But a promise to survive did not ensure survival. Despite such vows, someone would inevitably fall. That was the harsh reality of war and battle.
“Are you okay?” Harriet asked, after we returned to Rajak.
“Yeah, well... I’m fine,” I replied, trying to sound convincing.
Harriet studied me closely. “You look worse,” she said, concern etched on her face.
Did I really? Her worried eyes searched mine as she gently placed a hand on my cheek.
Riana had seemed somewhat relieved after her meeting with Cliffman, but my heart felt heavier after meeting with Adriana. We had not engaged in any argument; instead, she showed genuine worry for me.
I should have felt better, but instead, I felt even more down. Still, I didn’t regret meeting Adriana.