Aidan's heart sank, the crushing weight of Matthew's rejection in his mind.
"As much as I want to believe you…" Matthew's gaze softened for a brief moment, but the resolve in his eyes remained unshaken. "My mind just can't accept it. It's too much. Too far beyond reason."
Aidan's head dropped in disappointment. This wasn't the answer he'd hoped for, though deep down, he had known it was the likely one. Even so, a part of him had hoped—had desperately wished—that Matthew would believe him, or at the very least, ask more questions, dig deeper into his story.
But this…
This was worse than he expected.
Matthew stood there for a moment, his gaze lingering on Aidan. A wave of discomfort washed over him, the feeling like an invisible weight on his shoulder.
Without saying another word, Matthew turned away, his back to Aidan now. He didn't want to see that look on his face anymore, didn't want to feel the guilt that pricked at him, like a needle under his skin. It was easier to leave now. He would just keep an eye on Aidan to stop him from any reckless action.
Matthew stepped forward two steps before he stopped in his tracks. His face glanced upward, his eyes widening in surprise.
Aidan was already trying to piece together a new plan, his mind racing despite the ache of disappointment still fresh.
Then a shadow fell over him.
He looked up—eyes widening slightly—to see Matthew standing before him again, his figure outlined against the bright morning sky.
"I'll help you," Matthew said.
His voice wasn't commanding or firm like usual. It wavered—uncertain, as if the words surprised even him, his face clearly showing his own surprise.
Aidan frowned, his brows drawing together as he stared up at Matthew.
Matthew wasn't the kind of man to change his mind on a whim. His decisions were derived from reason, from discipline, from a mind trained to weigh risk and then decide.
"Why?" Aidan asked, his voice steady, but his eyes locked onto Matthew's with quiet intensity. "Give me a real reason. Not some excuse about a whim or a gut feeling. That's not you. That's never been you."
Matthew's eyes narrowed, irritation flickering beneath his usual composure. He stared at Aidan for a long moment before letting out a slow, sharp breath.
"Just like you didn't tell me the whole truth," he said, his voice low, "take it as me doing the same."
His tone shifted—calm to somber. "Beggars don't get to be choosers, Aidan. You asked for help, and I am giving it. Don't test me on how much I'm willing to overlook."
Then his eyes grew cold. All the warmth drained from his expression, each word grim as he spoke.
"I swear on the Dravis name—if you try to move without me, even a single step outside this estate, forget the Dark Forest. You won't be leaving Wilson Castle at all."
Aidan exhaled slowly through his nose, his shoulders lifting in a faint shrug. His gaze dropped to the grass, watching it sway in the breeze. The morning wind brushed against his skin, cool and light, while rays of sunlight poured over him.
Then, still staring at the ground, he spoke—his voice laced with dry sarcasm and the faint sting of self-mockery.
"Beggars don't get to be choosers," he muttered, before lifting his gaze to meet Matthew's. "If I had a choice, I wouldn't be here… would I?"
Matthew let out a short snort, the corner of his mouth twitching in annoyance. He didn't reply—just turned his head, catching movement from the corner of his eye. A cluster of recruits was making their way across the field, laughter announcing their arrival.
With a sharp click of his tongue, mildly irritated, Matthew shifted his gaze toward the lone tree at the edge of the grounds. He didn't wait. He just started walking.
Aidan's eyes followed the recruits, then flicked back to Matthew's retreating figure. No words. Just a nod, and he followed, understanding the conversation was halted for a moment.
Matthew lowered himself onto the grass without a word, legs crossing in one smooth motion. Aidan followed, settling beside him with a quiet thump.
For a moment, Aidan tilted his head back, eyes tracing the canopy overhead. The sunlight filtered through the leaves in scattered patches. The wind rustled the branches, and something about it—the scent of bark, the hush of shade—eased the tightness in his chest.
Aidan inhaled once again, slower this time. There was something about this tree, something grounding. Maybe that's why he and Zane always ended up here, lying back in the grass like it was theirs alone.
For a moment, Aidan's eyes drifted to Matthew beside him. He didn't say it, didn't even want to admit it to himself… but he missed Zane. Maybe just a little. Very. Very little.
Aidan shook off his thoughts, shifting his position slightly before speaking.
"The first part of the plan is finding someone who can protect me—and guide me—to the Dark Forest."
He paused for a moment, his gaze distant.
"The second part… is getting permission to leave the Human Empire. I can't just vanish without a word. It wouldn't work—and it'd only make my family worry."
Matthew gave a slow nod before asking, "Is that all?"
Aidan scratched his head. "Is there supposed to be more?"
Matthew stared at him, brows furrowed in disbelief.
"What about logistics? Supplies? Artifacts to protect you in the Dark Forest?" His voice sharpened with each question.
Then, after a beat, he leaned forward slightly, eyes locked onto Aidan's.
"And more importantly—what exactly is your objective in going there? Those visions, that calling you spoke of… don't tell me you intend to walk blindly into the Dark Forest without truly understanding what any of it means?"
"Ahh, about those... I did give them a thought. But honestly speaking, those aren't the plan—they're just a part of the plan."
"For logistics, supplies, and artifacts—if I get permission from my parents, that's pretty much a done deal. My mother alone would pack enough for a year, let alone a few weeks."
"As for artifacts, I'm actually more concerned about having too many. I doubt she'll leave my entire safety in your hands, even if she trusts you."
"As for what I intend to do... that's something I can't share right now. Just trust me."
Aidan's voice carried a sincerity and hope in it.
Matthew was already having a bad feeling about this outing.