Omega's Rebirth-Chapter 890: Detachment ()

Child...gone...

Those two words echoed repeatedly in Jian’s mind.

Offspring were so rare amongst his kind, he hadn’t expected it would happen so soon.

Or that the blessing he hadn’t even touched would be gone before he even knew of its existence.

A myriad of too many feelings churned within him. Regrets, self loathing, anger, and a melancholic form of relief all at once.

He’d lost something so precious already. Losing Neveah as well...he couldn’t even imagine it.

She was alive. That was already the greatest blessing he could dream of asking for.

But now, he wasn’t even sure how to comfort her.

He wasn’t even sure what to say.

"Veah..." Xenon broke the silence first.

Neveah stared at them, her eyes were cold. Too cold. Too empty.

Like her soul had been ripped right out of her and all that was left was an empty husk, staring back. Not even a flicker of recognition or emotion.

This wasn’t about lost memories. This wasn’t her being unable to recognize them. This was simply... detachment.

His heart constricted. He knew what was coming even before it did.

She shifted on her bed, with much difficulty. Her brows contorted in pain, the movement applying some pressyon her wounds, but she did, turning so she faced away from them.

He felt a piercing pain in his gut, like something sharp twisted even deeper.

So this was what rejection felt like.

It wasn’t a pleasant feeling. It was bitter and terrible, and far more daunting than all the battles he’d fought.

She hadn’t said anything yet. She didn’t seem to have any intentions of speaking to them. Maybe he was being too sensitive...all of this was too much for her, for anyone, truly.

"She needs to rest." Everon broke the tense silence before it could grow too heavy. "We should step out. Give her a moment to herself."

It wasn’t a suggestion. It was a statement. One that didn’t sit too well with Jian.

"I’m not leaving." Xenon frowned, "I’ll speak to Veah. You leave."

Jian stood frozen in place. Not because he didn’t want to close the distance...it was the only thing he wanted to do. But because he wasn’t certain he had the rights to.

He watched Xenon approach the bed without a second thought. Xenon leaned down, reaching for her, but she recoiled almost instantly.

A gasp of pain escaped her, the sudden movement triggering injuries that were yet to heal.

But it wasn’t just the physical wounds that tore at Jian’s heart, it was seeing her like this, and knowing her pain was deeper than they could ever understand.

Knowing that no one could go through what she had in these months, and come out the other side without being traumatized.

The wolf king...he hadn’t only taken away their child, he’d broken Neveah again. This time, even worse than he had years ago.

And he’d known it. Right before he died, when Jian’s eyes met his, the sinister grin on his bloodied lips was a message.

He’d left his mark... even if he couldn’t have her, he’d made sure she would never be able to forget this... forget him.

And in turn, his shadow would taint everything they had built this long. And heaven alone knew what came next.

"Xenon." Everon’s tone was low, but warning. Thick with displeasure. "Some things can’t be forced..."

Jian hated to hear it. Hated how right Everon was. This was an internal conflict. A battle she fought with her own inner darkness.

Neveah could only overcome this by her own strength. No matter how desperate he was to be of help, they weren’t needed.

Once again, there was nothing he could do to help her.

Helplessness... Jian hoped this feeling was one he would never have to revisit for however long he lived. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

But Neveah was strong. He’d watched her overcome every obstacle, every trial that had come her way, himself included.

And so he didn’t have the slightest doubt in his mind that she would get through this. And he was willing to wait, however long it took.

He crossed the room in a few strides, stopping by her bed. He waited a moment, and when she didn’t react, a small pang of relief curled within him.

He thought, ’There was still a part of her that yearned.’

Little gesture as it may be, it was enough. It was more hope than he’d known in months.

He leaned down, placing a light kiss on her head. "Take your time, beloved..."

He trailed off. Maybe it was selfish of him, but he had to say the words. He couldn’t let another moment pass without making it clear how much he’d longed for her.

"But not too much time. I...we, need you back. Desperately."

She didn’t respond, and he didn’t expect a response either.

"Xenon." He broke the silence finally, his tone pained. "Come."

Xenon hesitated for a long moment, and Jian didn’t press. He just stood aside and waited till Xenon could gather his wits.

Both men were different...loved differently too. For Xenon, walking away from what he desired was not a skill he was proficient in. Even when it was necessary.

This time, he would have to learn to be patient. Because what else could they do, but wait?

Finally, Xenon tore his gaze away from Neveah with much difficulty. "I’ll be right outside, Veah."

Jian strode out and Xenon joined him a moment later. The two exchanged a look, heavy with words neither were willing to speak.

But the words weren’t needed. Not between them.

"The aftermath of this devastation will need to be handled. There are still dozens of the tyrant’s loyalists." Jian said in a low tone, "Though these lands are no business of ours, King Nolan has requested our support. I intend to honour it."

"As you should." Xenon muttered,

A beat of silence passed where neither man said a word, but it was broken by Xenon’s words, "I’ll stay."

Jian headed a few paces down the hall, and paused, but he didn’t turn back, "I know."