Chapter 120: Future

Chapter 120: Future

A week of travel passed after Chance and Bella set out from the Brackern sect, though little of interest had happened in that time. Theyd said little, mostly focusing on travel and cultivation at night.

Even though theyd all survived with their lives, the looming threat of all the cultivators theyd come to make enemies of in the past months still sat at the forefront of their minds. Chance doubted that they were going to be able to take down Vex in the same way and something told him that even Lin would be far beyond their current abilities to handle if he decided that he wanted to swap sides.

Then there was the matter of Shae. If he was still alive, Chance doubted that he would have just given up on the hunt. Bella shared his feelings of tension, so they had been spending almost all their free time either deep in thought or within the embrace of cultivation.

But, as the Brackern Sect faded into the distance behind them, there was only so long the two of them could remain completely focused. Even though there were still threats looming in the distance, the horizon looked clear.

It feels like its been a bit since it was just the two of us, doesnt it? Bella asked after theyd stopped for the day to set up camp.

Weve been traveling alone for a week since we left, Chance pointed out with a laugh. But yeah, I know what you mean. It feels like a month passed between the last part of the Ancient Realm and dealing with the Brackern Sect, even though it was just a few days.

And its not like weve been doing all that much talking as of late. Walking in a straight line for days on end is surprisingly draining, Bella said. They were both silent for a few moments. Bella knelt by their unlit campfire and used a piece of flint from their travel packs to light a flame at its base. She leaned back and let out a huff. Has your cultivation been making good progress?

No major changes since we left the sect, Chance admitted as he sat down next to her, rubbing the back of his neck. The air between them was a little more awkward than usual and though both of them would have pointed to being tired, that had been a large part of why theyd been talking so little over the last week.

Without the imminent threat of death, Chances borderline-confession suddenly felt a lot more embarrassing to bring up, and the state of pure calm that hed had during the city seemed to evade him when he didnt have a major threat to contend with.

A breeze rustled through the clearing and the fire sputtered. Chance raised his eyes, letting them roam over their surroundings. It was nothing but grass and scattered, thin trees. Thats all it had been for the past week, and it didnt show any signs of stopping soon.

Theyd just been letting his karma guide them, but Chance was starting to wonder if their months of exile from Gleam would end up running out before they actually reached well, wherever it was that his karma was taking them.

But, once it does end, and if we survive what then? Vex will still be hunting us. Lin is still out there, and I dont even know what Yeos dealing with on his end. Theres something wrong with his dad, thats for sure.

And then theres me. Do I just keep trying to get stronger, or do I try to go find my parents? Or something else entirely? When Im allowed back to Gleam, do I even really want to go?

What are you going to do after all this? Bella asked, somehow landing on the exact same thing that Chances own thoughts were on.

I was just thinking about that, Chance admitted. Ill be honest. I dont know. Ive gone with the flow for so long that thinking about actually intentionally choosing a path is intimidating. Letting my karma just guide me forever is pretty tempting, but I know thats not the way to do it either. Its a tool, not a crutch.

Bella sighed and nodded. I know the feeling. At least youve got some direction though, right? You know you want to eventually find your parents.

Yeah. Chance caught the implication of Bellas words. And you dont?

Bella let out a huff, then looked back to Chance. If thats the case, why havent you said anything about what we talked about in the Brackern sect?

Chance froze. What?

You said you want to live in the moment, but you promised youd bring it up again once things calmed down, Bella said crossly. And you still havent. Whats going on?

I uh Chances ears reddened and he cleared his throat. waiting for the right time?

You basically already confessed! Bella exclaimed. The least you could do is actually follow up on it. Ive been waiting for a week, you know.

I didnt want to make things about me when we were talking about your future and stuff, Chance said sheepishly. And Ill admit that its kind of embarrassing. I felt a lot bolder then than I do now.

We are literally talking about it, Bella said. You started things. Finish them unless youve changed your mind?

No, definitely not! Chance said quickly, raising his hands. He mirrored Bellas huff, then shifted so he was looking straight at her. He steadied himself for a moment.

Bella basically asked me to confess, so that means she likes me back, right? Or am I reading too much into things and does she just want to clear the air? I

Chance, Bella said, her voice dangerous. She watched him through narrow eyes. Dont make me ask you again.

Fine! Ive developed romantic feelings toward you, Chance said quickly, practically forcing the words out before he could stop himself. The temptation to pull on his Essence to give himself courage was strong, but something about fully confessing while using magic as a crutch didnt feel right. If he was going to do it, then he was going to do it right. Im not sure if you feel the same way, but if you do

The rest of Chances sentence was cut off as Bella leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. His eyes widened and he froze for an instant. Then he sank into the kiss, wrapping his arms around her.

Bella pulled back a second later, just enough so she could arch an eyebrow at him. There. Hows that for a response? If you hadnt taken so damn long to ask, then you would have gotten it way earlier.

Point taken. Chances heart thumped in his chest like a runaway racehorse. He couldnt keep a grin from his face. Thats a pretty damn effective method of encouragement.

It is, isnt it? Bella asked with a wry smile.

She kissed him again.

And just for a little longer, neither of them thought about what the future held.