Star Wars: A dyad in the Force Chapter 61: Sense of Hollow Grief, a star wars fanfic

Warning: Major Spoilers of TRoS.

Note: This is a Reylo FanFiction (slow-burn)

「Act 61: Sense of Hollow Grief」

The Blossom Forest, Eanor, 37 ABY

And upon the forest floor so woven with ancient tree roots came a light filtered by the bouquet of foliage above: softened, verdant, and freshly aromatic. A forest was set there, in front of him. He held his eyes steady, but the only thing he could see was darkness and blood. Watching earlier Zorii drop into nothingness crept into him like the damp into bare timber.

'Goodbye, my beautiful girl...' Poe's mind was suffering from mental confusion; he wanted to tell Zorii so much she meant to him as a friend and like family, 'I loved you Zorii in a way I never imagined possible; you were a true friend, protected me and cared about me deeply...' he avoided tears because Zorii hated if others became emotionally about her misfortune 'Wait for fo me one day we walk together side by side my friend, I hope you have found peace!'

The woodland seemed ominously quiet. They paused, now that even the sound of their footfalls was silent; all that could be heard was the susurration of the leaves in the gusty wind. They never experience grief as bad before; even if most didn't know Zorii that well, her death was hanging in the air, reminding them how dangerous their mission was. They seemed lost now, as Ben was trying to lead through the Blossom Forest.

Vast was the forest coated by blossom trees, grasslands, and unique smells. A scenery that unreal, like it, had sprung from a fairytale and came to life. It held so much beauty inside, but only a few had noticed, as the rest were weary and heartbroken from losing Zorii. Their journey seemed now like it was standing on the edge of a cliff ready to fall into blackness.

The sky above them couldn't be seen; it was choked by the trees' thick branches and their blossom. The name that was given to the forest seemed to be right to the point. Blossom Forest, indeed it was. But there was something more surrounding it. Ben couldn't exactly name the energy field that was protecting it, but he could sense it. Rey felt it too.

They were calmed, almost hypnotized, but the longer they stared, the more they found themselves lost in the unknown Forest. Ben tried to recall what he had read about the Forest, but nothing was written about the Blossom Forest, only its name. They could be quickly walking in a trap, not knowing it. But everything seemed so peaceful and calm; Ben doubted any kind of evil at work there. He felt only peace and light.

"You have entered the realm of the Lady of the Blossom Forest." came a voice, and suddenly the group was surrounded by tall humanoids that were armed, deadly weapons were aimed at their heads, and everyone was taken by surprise, not fast enough to draw their weapons "Come now, she is waiting." added the man who seemed to be leading them.

Without many options, they agreed and followed the man whose name was Delmuth. Their vision was lost; wonderment at the vista spread before them. A Large Hill rose out of the woods several miles towards the South, many mighty blossom trees unknown to them upon the hill.

"Our Lady welcomes you to our domain!" Delmuth said as he walked between Ben and Poe, "It's been a while someone crossed our regions."

"We weren't expecting to find anyone here; we just needed access!" Ben explained as his hand was supporting his injured side. He had an odd feeling he could trust the man next to him. "I'm Ben Solo and Poe Dameron!" Ben gave him a fast update.

"Delmuth of the Blossom Forest, captain of the guard." he introduced himself. "From which parts of Eanor are you coming from? I thought you were looking for shelter."

Ben tilted his head, confused. "We aren't from Eanor, actually," he paused, trying to find the right words to explain from exactly they were, "We are from a galaxy far, far away," he cast a glance at Delmuth, noticing his disorientation.

"Then what brought you to Eanor, and specific to the Blossom Forest?" another male suddenly asked him, "We were used humans to cross our lands, but it has been years when someone to show up."

"We are on a Mission," Hux interrupted. "And Ben here knew exactly what he was doing; he brought us to your doorstep. Well done, Supreme Leader!"

Ben was taken back when he heard Hux calling him with that forsaken name since they had reached Eanor, Ben had almost forgotten part of his past. Their mission there seemed so important, he almost had forgotten he once was the Supreme Leader of the First Order, and bloody Hux found the right moment to remind him that. Hux never changed; he would show his bitterness even if they were in this awkward situation.

"A mission?" Delmuth question sizing Ben from head to toe, "Supreme Leader of?"

"I can't tell you about our mission," Ben said honestly. "We don't know how to trust anyone from Eanor. My apologies!" he offered kindly.

Hux scuffed, "He was the Supreme Leader of the First Order; you never heard of us?"

"Us!" Rose rose her voice and leaped in front of Hux, pulling him back with her. "We have to talk about that 'us' part?" she ordered. Poor Hux followed, and he knew he had messed up again severely, and Rose would find a way to scold him again.

"We never heard of them," said the other male figure, "But our Lady might know!"

"Who is she?" Rey appeared next to them, asking curiously; she and Finn were following Poe, noticing how drawn he was into his grief. He hadn't comment or complained about anything all those hours they were hiking. Damn, he didn't even flinch when those armed guys ambushed them.

"Dathel is the Lady of our realm," Delmuth explained, "Not many are familiar with her name; she is known in the human world as the Lady of the Blossom Forest."

"Human world?" Ben quizzed as he rosed an eyebrow. "Aren't you humans?"

It took some time for the captain of the guard to answer Ben, "You surely aren't for Eanor; we are known as Fay in Eanor, our appearance is similar to humans, but our life span is way longer, and some of our strength and our abilities are way better." Delmuth explained with a superiority.

"Are you guys Force-sensitive as well?" Finn asked them and caught everyone's attention.

Delmuth shook his head, confused. "I'm unaware what you mean, my Lord, but we Fay have a special connection with our surroundings and every living thing. We do understand the forest, the trees, the animal, without the need to communicate."

"A special connection with nature; you guys are Force-sensitive!" Finn said again, proudly confusing all the armed men.

Ben rolled his eyes; sometimes, Finn was getting too hyper and happy about things without any specific reason. And they had already revealed a lot to those strangers, and as it seemed, Finn had just offered them free information. The enemy wouldn't even need to torture Finn ever; he seemed ready to talk without even being asked.

"We are what?" another armed man asked, rubbing his head.

Sunlight shined as the group climbed the twisting stair about the trunk of a tree, past glimmering lights of pink and grey. Everyone, amazed at the colors, as now Delmuth led them deeper into the forest and up the trees. Far above, the silhouetted shapes of the shadowy tree-branches loom. Passing many levels, and each would reveal its blossom in so many colors.

They reached the grand floor. They gather before the arch as the captain of the guard stepped to one side. A glowing Lady descends to meet them. They stared in awe. Ben offered a light bow, an action he only used whenever Leia had him met with royalty. Rey lowered her gaze at the dazzling lady in front of her.

"Your Enemy knows you have entered the Blossom Forest," came her voice, gentle like the wind. "What hope you had in secrecy is now gone."

Ben nodded slightly. If any of those creatures that attack them back in the gap managed to inform their leader, the enemy should know where they were. Ban already suspected that. "We were attacked in the gap of Celestial Forest, but the enemy didn't follow as here?" he wondered, gazing directly at the dazzling creature in front of him.

"They cannot cross our lands!" the Lady of the Blossom Forest explained, "Ben Solo Organa Skywalker. An unusual name," she pointed out, "Though you only comfortable with being called Ben Solo!"

Ben almost jumped hearing her pronouncing his full name, no one had for years, but that wasn't what bothered him, "How do you know my name?" he narrowed his eyes.

"We aren't a threat, Ben Solo!" Dathel said as he softly pushed her long blond hair revealing her face. "I know all your names, and you are welcome to stay in my realm. Tonight you will sleep in peace."

Everyone was speechless, gazing at her, as for Ben and Rey felt the Force around her being so vivid like a magnetic field. She smiled at them and knelt close to Poe. "Do not let the great emptiness of her fall, fill your heart, Poe, son of Kes Dameron."

Poe bowed his head, sadly. Her words brought him an uneasy comfort, but he didn't say anything. The loss of Zorii was still so near and cause his grief to become stronger. He felt Finn's hands rest against his shoulders for support.

The Lady stepped back, allowing them to take their leave. They had faced a lot through their journey, and they were weary, wounded, and hungry. They needed to clean and rest. Tents, clothes, food were offered to them. They were also told where they could find warm streams to a bath. And medical care was provided to the ones that were injured.

The night was still young; the howl of the winds was a thing of torment in the ears of Poe. He and the rest were guided towards the center of the city. Their tents, food, and clothes were offered to them. They were in a pavilion set among the trees near the fountain. They laid on soft couches as the maiden left food and wine for them.

All, except one, sat at the couches near the fountain. Poe didn't follow them. He needed time to think, to think about Zorii and deal with her death. He noted the tent in the east part of, outside the tent was standing a maiden that had just walked out of the tent.

"I have placed some clean robes inside. Soap and towels can be found in the main hall. Feel free to leave your attire there after cleaning up. You can rest in this tent. The streams are located South-North. Do you need anything else, my Lord?" she asked politely.

Poe bowed slightly. "Thank you! That is more than enough."

The maiden nodded and left.

He stepped inside the tent. It seemed that tents were set up to be shared with everyone. Poe let his hand rest against his waist, searching for his blaster, but he recalled he lost it. He took off his jacket and threw it against the bed. He sighed and grabbed the clean robes, without even noticing; the type of clothing. He strolled over, where the main hall was. The dazzling folks cast a few glances in his direction but ignored him.

Poe picked up soap and towels. He walked south and turned to the north. Finally, he had reached the streams. He was drained, and his brain was still wheeling, emotionless. Lost in memories, he stood there, staring at the calm waters. They were so clean and perfect, like crystal cold water.

Dameron stripped-down his clothes. His left feet softly touched the surface of the water. It wasn't cold; he was wrong. It was warm. Poe grabbed the soap and swam deeper inside the stream. The water touched his skin softly. The light waves stroked against him. He felt his muscles yank. His bones cracked. Every part of his body was softening and relaxing. However, his heart was heavy against his chest.

When he was done cleaning himself, he slowly stepped outside, picked up his towel, and dried himself. Then he wore the long silk robes that were offered to him. Such bizarre attires, they were so soft made out silk, and the color was a grey-blue, nothing his human eyes had ever seen. He wore them covering himself. Poe was too worn to complain. It was the first time he was wearing such attire. So soft and clean that it made his skin soften under it.

Some were settling down to rest in the tents, and others were still sitting close to the fountain. They had already cleaned themselves and eaten. Now they just needed to rest. A strange melody as background sound could be heard, and the wind was only making the sound melancholic. Finn was wearing a silver robe of velvet-like attire. It seemed so formal, like any attire he ever owned. But he seemed to like it.

Poe left his dirty clothes to be washed as he had done the rest with their attires. Then step after step, slowly, he returned to the tent on the Eastside. His gaze was lowed; he wasn't paying any attention to his surroundings. For the first time in his life, he was lost. Zorii's death made him face depression sooner than he expected.

Suddenly, he slammed against someone. It took Poe a moment or two to realize what had happened: He lifted his gaze, only to find out it was Finn. He stared at him with an empty look. Finn dropped his gaze against him, cocking his head. Noticing he was wearing silky robes of ethereal fabrics, which gave him a mystical air. Few layers were made of silk with wide sleeves.

Both remain there, gazing at each other with blank stares. Poe didn't joke as usual, and Finn didn't complain. He felt his chest tighten. His emptiness was slowly retreating. And signs of strong emotions were emerging to be read by Finn. The sudden thought of Zorii tore his heart. It distressed him than ever before.

A tear appeared at the edge of his eye. It slowly ran against his face, surprising even Finn. Poe lowered his gaze, and more tears appeared. There was no way he could stop them. And honestly, he wasn't sure if he wanted to. He felt the sorrow fill his heart up. It was suffocating him. A range of emotions erupted inside him. Waves of emotions took him over.

A tremendous sadness took over Finn, as he could now feel his emotions. It was one of those times were accidentally Finn used the Force and sensed Poe's feelings. There was only grief. So much grief. He never expected to find it inside Poe. 'Did he loved Zorii that much?' Finn thought, and the thought saddened him and, at the same time, made him feel a bit jealous. Finn knew, 'Everyone grieves in their way and at their own pace.'

His wide black eyes were simultaneously dry and leaking. His throat thickened; a heavyweight was stuck against his chest. Finn turned all his focus on him. His friend needed him, and this time, he would be there for him. He didn't speak. No words were needed here. He softly lifted his left arm, moved it under Poe's arm against his side, and let it rest on his back. His touch was light; Poe could barely feel it. Memories of Zorii slowly filled his mind.

Unexpectedly, Poe leaned against Finn. His head rested on his chest. Finn's right hand now rested against the back of his head. His left hand was softly tapping his back. The emotions became stronger, heartbreaking. Poe's eyes became redder. His chest arched more as he clinched against him. They stood like that for a long time.

"I just want you to supply me with some type of shirt and a pair of trousers!" Rey demanded as she was at the main hall talking to a maiden. She was given a bizarre red and black robe, with multiple layers, that made her feel so uncomfortable wearing them. And of course, she couldn't forget Ben's astonished gaze when he noticed her wearing this 'freaking' outfit.

'Stupid Solo' was busy with bandaging his wound, but still, his piercing gaze made her feel so childish. She would easily argue with him, but the moment wasn't right; everyone was still in conflict from Zorii's death and if their mission could be accomplished. She needed to keep her mind busy because she was feeling anxious, as well.

"I'm sorry, my lady. I can't give a male's attire to a woman," answered the maiden respectfully.

She rolled her eyes, irritated. She had enough worn these royal robes that made her look so ridiculous. Honestly, the robes were terrific and looked great on her. But she just wanted to wear something more comfortable. "I didn't say I want a male attire!" she said louder "I just need a pair of trousers. Don't you have any?"

"I don't have such a thing, a pair of trousers for a woman." the maiden answered.

"If you don't give me the damn trousers, I will take it myself!" she threatened her.

"Padrriel, give our guest what she asked for!" Delmuth said as he suddenly appeared behind her.

Rey glanced at him, remembering he was the captain around those parts. "I was just explaining to the maiden. But she doesn't seem to understand." Rey hissed.

"My Lady, imagine if all our guests wished to be treated like that?" he responded and stepped next to her.

Rey hated to agree, but the captain was right. "I get it!" she said as the maiden finally gave her a black shirt and a black pair of trousers. "Thank you, it wasn't that difficult, was it?"

Delmuth smirked lightly at her behavior; the maidens in Eanor were always acting formally, with respect. Although their guest seemed polite, she was rough on the edges. "Why would you, though, wish to wear male attire? Those robes suit you well!" he complimented her.

Rey sighed, "It's just comfortable, and in case I need to run or fight, it aids in smoother moves. Your robes are beautiful; they aren't helpful, though."

"Are you planning to use your weapons, Lady? There is no threat here!" Delmuth questioned as they strode around the western parts of the Blossom Forest.

Rey had to turn and face him; his appearance was so dazzling. Everyone around those parts was. "No, I'm not using my weapons only if I have to." Rey said, "And I hope we won't have to use them."

"My Lady, there is peace in our lands. If you ask around all the refugees that found shelter here, they will assure you." the captain told her, "My lady, how should I call you?"

"Then, it's the truth about the enemy and spreading darkness around Eanor?" Rey asked him, bringing their walk to a pause. "Rey, my name is Rey!"

Delmuth leaned against the nearest tree narrating through the stories Rey didn't know, "Delkor showed up years ago from nowhere. He befriended the King, became one of his close people. It didn't take long, and he brought war inside the Kingdom. He was driven by something strong and dark, it didn't take him long, and he became the Ruler of Eanor. At least the rest of the North Regions believes he is the King now. But there is still war out there. Some of our kin and humans fight him, but his powers are getting stronger. Eanor will not survive through this darkness. Most of the people ready fell under its spell; the trees and animals are dying. We can feel it in the air, on the earth... It's poisoning us..." He took a small breath recollecting his thoughts, "Lady Rey, I don't know why you reached Eanor, but those are dangerous times you chose to visit."

Rey listened carefully and took notes of what Delmuth told her, "It's because of our mission. We needed to come, destroy it. That darkness you feel, it's not only affecting you. We believe it's affecting the whole galaxy. And you are right. We felt it too that there is new darkness rising. "

Delmuth was speechless; this small group accepted such a mission to come and fight the darkness surrounding Eanor. "These confusing times, my Lady, not many are brave enough to accept such a mission." he stared at the woman before him for a moment before he continued, "A rising darkness you say, my Lady, I'm afraid it already fully grown. It just takes time to cover Eanor."

Rey tilted her head a bit confused; she still believed that their Enemy had not reached its full power. He would need the Sith's Soulstone, and thankfully that always was kept secured with the droids. That meant that Delkor couldn't reach his full potential yet.

Meanwhile, on the silver lake-side air was pungent with the fragrance of some time of jasmine. This was a natural basin filled with Krystal waters, luxury addition to a formal garden by an earl with copious leisure time for the Fay of that land. Ben heard a call towards those parts, and after he had, washed, taken care of his wound, and changed to similar red and black robes as Rey wore, he strode towards the lake.

He gazed across the wind-ruffed surface to the lily pads in bloom, their white or magenta petals catching the breeze. He inhaled slowly. Peace. A little piece of heaven through the darkness they had walked through. It was worth spending a small amount of time there. He felt at ease there, although his heart and mind were still carrying his past and wrongdoings. Of course, he had not forgotten all the misdeeds he caused through the galaxy. And even if a few years had passed and he didn't pay his price, he was still alive, roaming freely through the galaxy.

"You aren't lost. Though you keep wandering..." suddenly came her voice soft as a summer breeze "Your past leaving you in the silence of serenity and despair. But you keep it close, reliving it," the Lady of the Blossom Forest made her presence known "What the world has become, in all my years I haven't crossed with someone like you, Ben Solo."

Ben noted her presence through the Force before Dathel revealed herself, but her voice and words surprised him. "I'm impressed!" Ben said, his voice calm and firm as he kept standing there, gazing at the lake. "No one has been able to get out of me that part of my mind."

She slowly walked towards him, smirking at his response, "'Nay, there was a change, Rey! You two are connected! I never grasped the entity of such a strong bond." Her voice, now, was clear and musical, but deeper than women won't.

He already figured out that strange Lady knew enough about him lying to her would be a mockery towards the kindness and hospitality that was freely offered to them. "We called it a dyad in the Force. A connection not seen for generations." Ben defined what his connection with Rey was, "You know about it?"

"I'm not fully familiar with the Force or the Dyad, but we do know about bonds," Dathel said as she reached Ben and stood next to him, gazing at the lake in front of them, "Usually bonds like those grow between mates. However, I never experience something as solid and powerful as your bond."

Ben offered her a slight nod, he understood what the Lady of that realm told him, but it didn't surprise him. Deep down, he knew there were not more things that could surprise him. Ben had already witnessed enough of the evilness and the darkness of this world in his short years. Enough of the light, and although he knew there were so many things he didn't know, he firmly believed that nothing would surprise him.

"Child, walk with me," she said, gesturing him to follow her "you don't seek to see, things that were, and things that are, and things that yet might be..." Dathel spoke suddenly after a short time of silence. "I can see through time, and if you wish,"

Ben turned and followed behind her heels; he chuckled and interrupted her. "Lady Dathel, I already know my past; I chose my present wisely, as for my future," Ben paused awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "As for the future you say, there is only one thing to do; to pay what I own."

Dathel had already recognized Ben's awareness of the choices he made and would make. He was a rare individual, one she had not seen for years. "I've seen darkness before, evilness in all forms; you had your close encounters with the Dark Side. Though you never totally gave in, there was conflict, torture, and pain as long as you had walked through that path. You freely gave too much to the shadow lingering in the depths of your mind, and in the end, you fought it, sacrificing more." she softly smiled, "The balance you are seeking, a necessity of your world. Though the pain and torture you have chosen to repay and repair for your wrongdoings, a pathway towards your downfall."

Ben's eyes narrowed. His reply sounded bold and route than he expected to be, "It doesn't matter where it will lead me, to my distraction... I just want to redeem for all the evilness I caused, and I know whatever my offers it will never undo my past."

"You need to reconsider your ways to reach your final objective, Ben Solo," she said.

The Skywalker boldness was still a significant part of Ben and the Solo stubbornness, as well. Ben's quality became solid these days, and his personality was still building. Even confident as he seemed about himself, Ben was fully aware of his past. Today, a being as fair as the Lady of the Blossom Forest, so wise and unrealistic at the same time, advised him to overthink his choices. Anakin had similar reactions to his preferences, even Luke. What was he supposed to do? Ignore his past? Try to find happiness? Live on with his life as nothing happened? Maybe they were strong enough to take that alternative; Ben couldn't even attempt to think that way.

"I properly will spend enough time dealing with my thoughts." he acknowledged but disagreed with her. "For now, we have an important mission ahead of us."

"Your quest is known to us," said she, looking at Ben. "We'll speak about more openly through the days to come. Yet know this, not in vain will it prove, maybe, that you came to this land seeking to bring an end to this evilness. We have dwelt for many years, together through ages of the world we have fought the long wars. But none like this one."

Ben stopped and turned facing her; the robes he wore span along with the air, revealing a perfect fit to his large and tall figure. "We'll accept your counsel, Lady Dathel, because we desperately needed," Ben admitted even if it hurt his pride. He knew the mission was close to failing, and he wouldn't sacrifice anyone other from the group.

The Lady of the Blossom Forest smiled, "You will have our guidance and counsel through the days to come. It's time to rest for the night; you already are too wary."

Ben bowed slightly, offering her goodnight, and turned around, taking his leave. His encounter with her was necessary, but that didn't mean it wasn't confusing. He was not sure what was so special with him, and lately, from Force-Ghosts to fascinating powerful being reached out to him. But Ben didn't complain; he would accept all the help of this world or another if it would aid them to return to their galaxy in one piece.

"Lay down my lightsaber. Who permitted you to touch it?" came suddenly Ben's voice; he had just stepped into the tent that was given to them, there he found Rey standing next to the bed, observing his old lightsaber. "It's still unbalanced, and I haven't connected the crystal yet."

"You will repair it, though," said Rey as she turned and faced him. "You believe we will need to craft our lightsabers for the success of the mission?"

Ben sighed and stepped towards Rey, took the lightsaber from her hands, and placed it inside his bags. He nodded and sat down on the bed. "We don't know exactly what we are facing; I agree with Anakin when he said we would need our lightsabers."

Rey observed Ben for a few moments before she finally made up her mind to reveal to him what she kept hiding inside her bag. She grabbed two of the pieces and handed him part of her older fighting stick and the crystal -she had found inside Palpatine's temple, inside a chest. No one noticed back then when the scavenger grabbed the crystal as it seemed to call out for her. Rey sat on her knees next to Ben. "Will you help me craft mine," she asked for his help. "I have read Luke's texts, I studied and know-how a lightsaber is crafted, but I cannot connect the pieces. I have tried before."

Ben dropped his gaze against the part that Rey gave him when the memory of how she obtained the crystal reached him, he seemed troubled and disappointed, but he felt nothing sinister from the crystal. "The scavenger still lives inside you," he sounded cold and distant, "But the crystal you 'found' is a fine one you can use to build your lightsaber, and I'll help you." Ben returned the pieces to her, "It will take time, though!"

"I didn't exactly scavenge to collect the crystal," she corrected him as she accepted the pieces back and hid them inside her bag. His answer to receive to help her brightened her face; the cold approach he had towards her after entering the tent made her believe he would decline her any help. But Ben was like always surprising her. "Thank you!" she whispered and picked up her bags from the bed and placed them on the ground. She wanted to change in the shirt and trousers given to her, but now with Ben around, she simply gave up and would sleep wearing those uncomfortable long robes.

She pulled up the covers and climbed under them. She laid on her left side, turning her back on him. Leia's lightsaber was located next to Anakin's at the small table placed in-between their beds. They both had left their belongings in the same tent and hadn't noticed. Rey closed her eyes weary; she was she could sleep for ages.

"Wait! Are you going to sleep?" Ben puzzled as his eyes dropped against her frame that was climbing up the bed. He only noticed that the robes offered to them had the same colors, fabric, and design. And that Rey chose to sleep in the same tent as him. What was she doing?

"Yes. I'm tired. If you would stop the stupid questions, I could get some sleep," she mumbled, stretching her legs along the bed, getting comfortable under the covers.

"In here?" Ben sounded baffled, pinning his eyes against her.

"Don't!" she demanded him to stop. "I want to sleep. Yes, isn't this my tent. I'll sleep here!"

Ben lifted an eyebrow. "You are brave, aren't you? Sleeping in the same tent as me."

"Minor details, like those don't bother me. Just let me sleep!" Rey murmured as she yawned.

Ben seemed half jolt and half curious "People might talk; you forget I'm a male. Rumors could spread about you?"

Rey was ready to get up and hurt him badly, she wanted to sleep, and Ben was mocking her, "I do not care what others say. Rumors... are rumors; they'll never be close to the truth. Should you be more worried than I?

"Me... worried? No one would speak an ill word about me," he said.

"Let them! I don't care! Good night, Ben!" she added, slowly drifting asleep.

Ben's cheeks dimpled, and the corners of his eyes wrinkle, and a smile was formed on his face. He shook his head at her bold reaction, but Rey was always fearless and daring like that. "Goodnight!" he answered and climbed on the bed, and leaned against it. A few moments later, he drifted asleep as well, as he was exhausted.

「Upcoming Chapter: Act Sixty - Two」

Okay, guys, that's all. I hope you enjoyed reading the 61st chapter.

Thank you all so much! Stay awesome! Stay sweet!

And be nice to each other, see you soon, in the next chapter!

Feel free to Review and Follow the story!

Feedback is always appreciated!