Warden turned, opened his mouth, but said nothing. He paused for a few seconds. "Don't let him run wild... but don't make him unsatisfied, either. Hell, I don't need to tell you all this. You know what you're doing.
This may play into what we planned on—"
We? Cassandra pondered how much she was included in that "We". It was mostly his plan; she was merely the organiser, while the mysterious Janitor was busy with his other tasks.
"—I have already been addressing some problems on the outskirts. But if you manage to move all the pieces yourself at the right time, we'll be able to strike the forsaken where it hurts the most."
Warden took a step to leave but stopped midway. He turned and met her gaze. Something about his look disconcerted her.
"Is there something you—"
"I came across the remains of one of your sisters," he said.
Cassandra opened her mouth and then fell silent, a realization dawning on her. A sharp pain struck her heart as he continued.
"I did not recognise her, but her dress code is the same," his voice was barely louder than a whisper.
"I understand," was all she managed. "I understand..."
"I'm sorry for your loss. If I had been an hour or two earlier, perhaps—"
"No, I mean... don't blame yourself," she interrupted, her voice trembling. "We came here knowing the dangers this place holds. Each one of us acknowledged our lives were at stake..."
Suddenly, Cassandra felt all too cold, her back shivering. Yes, they were prepared for the dangers, but that didn't make it easier to mourn her sister's loss. They might not have been related by blood, but they were bound by the rules and ethics of Azalea Garden. They had grown up together, and their company was the only family they had ever had.
What was worse, Cassandra did not know which of her sisters had fallen. Not all had joined this camp.
"T-thank you," she said, her voice quivering. Her palms clenched into fists. "Thank you for telling me. If it's not too much to ask, could you lead me to her remains? This hellish realm is no place for her to rest."
Warden stared at her for several seconds. He nodded and exited her tent.
***
Warden headed straight to his tent after delivering the heavy news. God, it was so terrible that he hadn't even recognised the woman as part of the Azalea group until he saw Lady Cassandra's attire.
His fatigue contributed, but largely, it was the horrendous sight that made it difficult. Warden felt an ancient rage boiling in his blood towards the forsaken.
"I don't want you going on missions alone and risking your life," she said without hesitation. "I acknowledge your skills, even if you try to hide them under that facade. But you can't handle everything alone. Look at your eye bags, man. You're exhausted. The only reason you keep going is because you're built like a great tree, full of life energy."
Warden nodded. How could he not have seen it? This girl was just as pure-hearted as June.
"Anything more you'd like to add?"
May stared at him. "Are you actually going to listen to my words?"
Warden shook his head, and the glare returned to her eyes.
"The forsaken are breathing down our necks, relentless in killing and tormenting people," he said. "May, I cannot stop just yet."
"We can always withdraw..."
Warden shook his head again. "Even with all this stress, I don't believe half of us would choose to withdraw from this space."
May frowned. "This is foolishness."
Warden agreed. "They are soldiers; even if they fall, they will fall fighting."
"That's a very cold thing to say," May whispered. Warden found himself at a loss for words. "If they are soldiers, then what are you? A soldier too?"
Warden let out a breath. "I'm trying to figure that out," he admitted. "Anyway, I won't bore you with any more details. Just remember, if you ever feel offended by my behaviour in any way, tell me."
"It's not you," she sighed. "I... I may have overreacted with everything that's been going on and how the rest of the people have been treating me."
"Did something happen?"
She remained silent.
"Did someone insult you?"
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Mass release 4/5
You have to wait a few hours for the last one... I really need to sleep now... Lol. Hope you enjoy this chapter... : )