Chapter 211 - 212
Ricky stepped outside his house into the cool morning air. He walked through the village, his sharp eyes scanning the familiar paths and clearings. Adam was nowhere to be found.
A knot of unease tightened in his stomach. He made his way to his younger brother’s house, which was just a short distance from his own.
Edward was surprised to see his older brother, the village chief, at his door so early in the morning. He saw the worried look on Ricky’s face and immediately knew something was wrong.
"Big brother?" he asked, his voice serious. "What is it? Is something wrong?"
Ricky’s voice was low, filled with a father’s concern. "Edward, you know Adam. You know how eager he has always been to become a hunter. I’m afraid he might have gone into the jungle alone."
Edward was shocked. "Is Adam not at home?"
Ricky shook his head grimly. Edward didn’t hesitate. He grabbed his heavy axe from its resting place by the door. "You should go to the place he always goes," he said.
Ricky looked slightly embarrassed. He looked at Edward and admitted, "That’s why I came to you. I thought you might know where he goes most often."
Edward understood immediately. Ricky had never given Adam the same amount of time and attention he had given Anastasia. He had trained his daughter relentlessly, pushing her to become the warrior she was today.
He had supported her ambitions, even if he had never acknowledged her achievements to her face.
But Adam... Ricky had mostly ignored Adam. He had been too consumed by his duties as chief, too focused on his daughter’s training.
As Ricky explained his fears, Edward saw the weight of his brother’s responsibilities. He saw the regret in his eyes.