Chapter 14: Jealousy?
Liora sat on the riverbank beside Edmund and Edward, sipping iced tea as her gaze lingered on the boat drifting leisurely in the river. Onboard, Seraphina, Alex, and Tyson were fishing.
The two men shared quiet sips of wine, their expressions heavier than the idyllic scenery suggested.
"Three years, Ed. That's all we've got left," Edmund's gaze drifted to the boat, where Seraphina was Trying to catch fish and Alex and Tyson struggled to catch the rod. "Time is slipping away faster than we can grasp. I can't help but wonder... how much longer before the people lose hope? Will they even trust our leadership in the darkest time?"
Edward's composure remained steady, "People become resilient when they get something to fight for. But this time, the stakes feel... insurmountable."
Edward's fingers tightened around his glass as he gazed at the horizon. "Still, I can't help but worry about the youth. They carry more weight than we realize. Tyson, Alex, Seraphina—they're growing up too fast, and for what? A bloodbath? It's not a future; it's a curse."
Edmund nodded solemnly, "They don't know how much they're being prepared for. None of them do. But they'll be ready when the time comes. I trust you'll make sure of it."
Edward smirked faintly, though the worry never left his face. "So, are you really stepping down as president?"
Edmund chuckled, taking another sip. "Yes, my friend. It's time for the old guard to step aside and let the new generation take over. I've earned my retirement and I am planning to enjoy it to the fullest."
"Sounds boring to me," Edward said, leaning back and swirling his wine. "I don't want to die on Earth."
Edmund paused, "You're still haunted by the past, aren't you?"
Edward's gaze darkened, his voice quieter now. "They're nightmares, Carver. Things I can't let go of. Friends I couldn't save."