Chapter 100 Leaving the valley

Words : 886 Updated : Sep 26th, 2025

jolthar blinked, clearly taken aback, before letting out a low laugh. "well, i've heard a lot of things, but that's a first. do you always make declarations like this?" continue your adventure with empire raayani shrugged, her smile never fading. "when i see something i want, i take it. life's too short for hesitation, don't you think?" belan finally found her voice, muttering under her breath, "she's really doing this..." lysandra, equally stunned but unwilling to interrupt raayani's moment. jolthar, meanwhile, was recovering his composure, his smirk returning in full force. "and what makes you think i'd agree to that?" he asked, folding his arms. "you think i'm just going to fall in line because you're bold enough to say it?" raayani chuckled softly, a sound both alluring and dangerous. she stepped even closer, close enough that the heat of her presence seemed to radiate off her. "oh, i don't think, jolthar," she said, her voice dropping slightly, almost conspiratorial. "i know. you're intrigued by me. i can see it in your eyes. you're curious, and curiosity is a powerful thing." jolthar met her gaze, his silver-grey eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and challenge. "you're awfully confident, aren't you?" "confidence is what keeps me alive," raayani said with a grin. "besides, i don't have time to wait for the slow and the unsure. so, what do you say? be my man, jolthar. stand beside me, or stand behind me—your choice." the silence that followed was electric, the kind of silence that demanded an answer. jolthar tilted his head, his smirk softening into something more thoughtful. "you really don't hold back, do you?" "never," raayani replied, her voice firm. "and i won't start now." for a moment, it seemed as though jolthar might say something clever to deflect her, but instead, he shook his head with a chuckle. "you're something else, lady raayani. i'll give you that." her laughter rang out, rich and full of life. "oh, is that how it's going to be? fine, boy. i like a challenge. but don't take too long to decide. i'm not the patient type." she walked to him, standing just an inch away from him, her face closer to him. then he said, "no one said to wait. and i heard you have other toys to keep you busy." raayani could sense that he wasn't the type to share, and a sly grin spread across her lip. she leaned towards his ear and whispered, "i will make you mine, sooner than you expect." belan visibly paled seeing her mother; she shouted, "mother!!" raayani then kissed him on the cheek, her soft lips pressed against his skin as he could feel it longer than expected. she moved back, winking at him, "until next time, darling." eran replied, "only you are late; we are ready to leave anytime." - preparations for departure didn't take long. supplies were gathered, the knights gathered up, and final farewells were exchanged. as jolthar and eran prepared to leave, daus' young son ran up to them, his feet kicking up a cloud of dust as he hurried to catch them. he stopped before jolthar, his wide eyes shining with gratitude. "thank you," the boy said, his voice firm despite its youthful pitch. "for saving my mother." jolthar, his usual smirk softening into something gentler. "take care of her, alright?" he said, patting his shoulder. "she's lucky to have a brave kid like you." the boy nodded solemnly, his small hands balled into fists as if to seal the promise. daus approached then, his expression solemn but warm. "thank you," he said, his voice heavy with sincerity. "for everything. you've done more for us than we could have ever asked for." jolthar turned to him, his smirk returning. "just doing what needed to be done." daus said, "you don't forget that this tribe will always be ready to help out if you need one." eran rolled his eyes but said nothing, adjusting the strap on his bag. with their farewells said, the group began their journey back to the sandorme. drake followed closely beside jolthar, his massive form a comforting presence. as they walked, jolthar glanced back at the shrine one last time, his thoughts lingering on raayani's words and her enigmatic smile. he couldn't help but chuckle to himself. what a strange, fascinating woman, he thought, his smirk widening as the desert wind tugged at his hair. he didn't know if he would meet her again, but something told him that she would make sure to meet him. he climbed the drake's back and settled himself. at the entrance of the valley, all of the tribe members stood, waving their hands at them, saying their goodbyes. eran, noticing how they were so thankful towards jolthar, said, "quite the swordsman you have become. you proved it yet again. lady maena will be happy to hear of the successful completion of the mission." jolthar frowned slightly at the mention of lady maena, but he didn't let it show on his face. he simply smiled as they started moving out of the valley.

Chapter 100 Leaving the valley

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