Fallen General's Omega (BL)
Chapter 146: Hatched you myself

Chapter 146: Hatched you myself

I tread carefully through the forest, my eyes scanning every leaf and vine for something new, something that might give me a lead. Most of the plants I’ve come across here are familiar, the kind that I’ve already meticulously cataloged in Noelle’s journal. It’s starting to feel like another wasted effort when I finally relent and head back toward my horse, ready to move on. But just as I’m about to swing myself into the saddle, something catches my eye—something peculiar.

I walk closer, my boots crunching softly over twigs and fallen leaves, and squat down to inspect this odd little plant growing amidst the underbrush. There’s something distinctly out of place about it, a memory tugging at the edge of my mind. I reach into my inner pocket, my fingers finding the worn leather cover of Noelle’s journal. With a practiced flip through its familiar pages, I stop when I find the drawing: Greater Water Dock. The greenish-red leaves and tiny clusters of pale green flowers stare back at me, a perfect match to the plant before me.

But it doesn’t make sense. Greater Water Dock should only grow near bodies of water, near ports or lakes. There is no way it should be here, so deep in the woods, thriving like this. Unless... unless someone planted it here.

And I know exactly who that someone is.

My heart pounds in my chest, the rhythm so loud it drowns out every sound of the forest around me. A surge of hope rises in me, so powerful it makes me dizzy. Noelle. This has to be his doing. The thought of him, the possibility that he left this as a sign, fills me with a desperate, aching joy. I clutch the journal tighter, my hands trembling as I take a deep breath to steady myself.

Without wasting another second, I rush back to my horse, my mind racing as I search the surrounding area. If this plant is here, there have to be more. I can’t let myself think that it might be a coincidence. I won’t. I need to believe that he’s out there, that he’s been leaving a trail for me.

And then, I see them. Four more clusters of Greater Water Dock, each leading further north. I almost laugh, a sound caught between disbelief and pure elation. It’s real. It’s him. Only Noelle would have thought to do something like this, leaving behind these small, precious clues.

A fierce wave of love washes over me, and I grit my teeth, determined. I love him so damn much, and now, for the first time in what feels like an eternity, I’m closer to finding him. I swing up onto my horse, my heart still racing, and set off in the northern direction, holding onto hope with everything I have.

After ten grueling hours of relentless riding, the small village finally comes into view. My heart, which had been pounding relentlessly in my chest, suddenly speeds up even more at the sight. I force myself to take a few calming breaths, trying to rein in the whirlwind of emotions crashing over me. There’s a mixture of hope, fear, and sheer exhaustion, but I can’t afford to lose my composure now.

The village is quiet, blanketed in the deep stillness of nighttime. No signs of movement, no welcoming lights glowing in the windows, just the soft rustling of leaves and the occasional creak of old wooden buildings. Roman, who has been my steadfast companion during this desperate search, pulls ahead slightly, his sharp eyes scanning for any hint of an inn. Given how small and isolated this place is, I doubt it has one, but Roman doesn’t give up easily.

Leona has been left behind to continue building her network of spies and assassins throughout Vitra. She’s too vital in gathering intelligence to waste her skills here. Raul, on the other hand, is not exactly suited for a subtle mission like this. His strength lies in... less delicate work, so he’s currently overseeing interrogations. Felix is with him, mostly testing his poisons on unfortunate captives. Raul insists Felix needs protection, but honestly, I think it’s the other way around. Felix is far more dangerous than he seems.

Roman eventually circles back, guiding us to a modest-looking pub that doubles as an inn. He dismounts smoothly and gestures for me to follow.

"This way," he says, his voice calm and unwavering.

I slide off my horse, my muscles aching from the ride, and make my way inside. The innkeeper barely glances at me as I grab a key from the counter, my exhaustion weighing heavily on my shoulders. Roman stays behind to sort out the payment and make arrangements for the other men traveling with us. It’s a relief to know that at least that detail is taken care of.

I trudge upstairs, the wooden steps creaking under my boots, and find my room at the end of a narrow hallway. The door swings open easily, revealing a simple but clean space. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding and close the door behind me, sinking onto the edge of the bed. My body is weary, but my mind is still racing, clinging to the fragile hope that brought me here.

I run a hand through my hair, trying to keep the doubts at bay. I’m so close—I can feel it. Noelle has to be here, or at least there has to be some clue, some sign that he passed through. I have to believe that, even if it’s the only thing keeping me going.

*

The morning has been nothing but a grueling exercise in patience, and by now, that patience has worn paper-thin. We’ve spent hours questioning every villager we could find, but each interaction has led to a dead end. I tilt my head back, squinting up at the blazing noon sun, and try to shove down the mounting frustration clawing at my insides. Maybe Noelle was never here. Maybe chasing every lead and terrorizing innocent villagers is just a pointless effort—a waste of precious time.

To calm myself, I retreat into the forest. The lush greenery stretches in every direction, a serene balm that helps soothe the raw edges of my temper. It makes me feel closer to Noelle, reminding me of the countless times he’d coaxed me into nature, insisting on showing me some rare plant or peculiar insect he found fascinating. I walk with my cane gripped tightly in hand, though I don’t need it nearly as much as before. Still, it’s a crutch I’ve come to rely on, the special wood now worn and the intricate carvings faded from use and time.

With a deep sigh, I lean against the nearest tree and pinch the bridge of my nose. The frustration won’t let go, an ever-present weight pressing on my chest. Until I see it—something that makes my heart stop and then stutter into overdrive.

No way.

No fucking way.

There, flitting between branches, is a bird. Its iridescent green and blue feathers glisten under the sunlight, flashing brilliantly with every movement. It’s unmistakable. I’d recognize that stupid, infuriating bird anywhere. Grape.

Excitement surges through me, but I force myself to temper it. It might be a similar-looking bird, and I can’t let hope blind me just yet. Still, I approach cautiously, stepping lightly over the forest floor. Before I can get too close, though, Grape look alike flies off, disappearing into the dense foliage. My heart plummets, and I sink to the ground, my back against a tree, utterly devastated. The brief glimmer of hope drains from me, leaving behind an aching emptiness.

I’m lost in that devastation for a few minutes, letting the reality sink in, when suddenly, I feel a familiar weight settle on my head. A chuckle bursts out of me, raw and relieved, as I reach up and carefully grab the mischievous bird.

"You audacious, infuriating little thing," I say, holding Grape in my hands. The bird squawks in indignation but doesn’t try to escape. Relief floods through me, making me laugh again, almost giddy with disbelief.

I stare at Grape, and there’s no mistaking it—this is him, all right. "I practically hatched you myself," I murmur, running a thumb gently over the glossy feathers. It’s not just any bird. It’s our bird. Noelle’s bird. And if Grape is here, that means...

My heart pounds, hope flaring to life once more, real and bright and undeniable.

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