Hello, my lovely readers. I apologize for the extremely long wait. I did say there would be slower updates, although I wrote enough for there to be two chapters to expect the next one to come out shortly. Anyway, here is the new chapter, and I hope you all enjoy it.

It was sunset in the city of Qarth. Dany was sitting on the couch in her bed chambers, and Viserion was sitting on her lap, petting him as he purred. There were Dothraki guards around her; two were beside her, and another two were guarding her door. Her brother had just informed her of Jorah's betrayal and how he had been a spy for Robert Baratheon since they met him on her wedding day. Jorah had been giving information to the enemy and lying to them repeatedly. Dany needed clarification and needed to figure out what to make of this. How could she ever look at him the same way again? However, she remembered how Jorah had saved her and Rhaego from an assassination attempt when she was still pregnant. She wondered why he had saved her and had been banished from Westeros for poaching slaves. There were so many unanswered questions going through her mind.

Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by someone yelling at the door. Wondering what was happening, she asked who it was.

Rakharo opens the door, telling her, "The traitor wishes to speak with you. Shall I bring you his head?"

She would've said yes right away, but now, she wants answers: "No, let him in."

Rakharo seemed confused about why she wanted to see him, but his Khaleesi ordered him again to let Jorah in, so he conceded.

When opening the door, Jorah slowly walks in, his head facing down, filled with regret and shame. He stood for a minute but immediately fell to the floor, bowing to the Khaleesi, "I beg you. Before you kill me, Khaleesi, I beg you to forgive me."

"Why," Dany asked softly, "Why did you do it?"

Jorah trembles as his voice breaks, "Robert Baratheon said that if I gave information about you and your brothers, enough information, the punishment of my crimes would be lifted. And I would get to go home."

Home. That was the keyword for her. She remembers him saying he prays for home, as she and Areon do. What they all want is to go home.

"You told him… everything," Dany said, "You told our secrets to the man who killed our brother and stole our family's throne so you could go home…. But then we came to that marketplace. Where the wine merchant tried to murder me and Rhaego… you stopped it."

Jorah, still having his head low to the ground, softly said, "Yes."

Dany shakes her head ever so slightly with confusion, "Why?"

Jorah didn't say anything but stayed in complete silence.

Wanting an answer, Dany presses more, "Why did you stop it?"

Jorah slowly says, "Because I suspected it would be poisoned."

"Suspected," Dany repeated, "You didn't know it was?"

"No," Jorah shakes his head, "But I was afraid it was."

"Then why did you save me?" Dany wants to know more. You could've let it happen and had your reward of going home."

Jorah stays silent, shaking slightly, indicating he doesn't want to answer.

"Jorah," Dany says, "Tell me why? Why did you stop it if it would allow you to have your life back? Look at me and tell me why."

Jorah finally looked up to her, tears in his eyes that were shaking, "Because…. I couldn't bear the thought of you dying. Because…. You are so good and kind, with a gentle heart. So many people live and die once in a lifetime. When I look at you…. I still can't believe you are real."

It was then that Dany saw it. The look in his eye. She knows that look. It was the same look she had with Drogo when she fell in love with him, and now she sees it in Jorah. Jorah is in love with her.

Jorah immediately puts his head down, realizing she sees it, "I do not expect you to forgive me or allow me to live. I have betrayed you. I have betrayed your brother. I deserve nothing but death. I will not beg for mercy, for I do not deserve it. Whether by your Dothraki blades or another's, I am prepared to die and to accept the punishment I deserve."

Dany needs help understanding the situation. She wanted Jorah to pay for his betrayal, but now that she knows he saved her life, she feels conflicted. She still wants him to be punished for what he did, but at the same time, she can't bring herself to order his execution. Jorah has betrayed her, but he also shows her mercy when it matters the most.

She can only say, "You may go now, Ser Jorah."

Jorah looks up to her with surprise. He was expecting her to demand one of her guards to kill him, but she didn't. So, with nothing left to say, he obeys her. He gets up and leaves Dany alone in her room to contemplate what she learned. She now wonders what her brother must make of this.

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"They're demanding us to leave," Areon repeated to Xaro as they stood in his study, "It was their people who attacked me; Drogon was protecting me."

"According to your word, your sister, and your people," Xaro explains, "All foreigners to us."

"You all invited us to the city," Areon reminds him. Everyone practically gave us a parade when we came here. And now they want us gone?"

"I'm sorry, Your Grace," Xaro says with sincerity, "I wish there were another way."

"Don't act like you care because you don't," Areon rebukes him fiercely, "You're just disappointed because you won't get to my dragons."

"Right now, the Pureborn, the rulers of the city who wish for you to leave now, initially wanted you dead for destroying the House of the Undying," Xaro tries to explain, "And, yes, you were attacked first, and your dragon was defending you, it doesn't change the fact that they stood with Qarth for many years. I persuaded them not to act and allow you to leave with your lives."

"Just like that," Areon asked, "Just leave with nothing. Will they at least give us food, clothes, or tents for the journey? Where are we supposed to go?"

"I don't know, but they simply want you to leave immediately," Xaro tells him honestly.

Areon couldn't believe it. When they came here, they were honored as royalty. They gave a feast in his honor, and now they want him gone after their people attack him. No. This is unacceptable: "I want to speak with the Pureborn."

"Your Grace," Xaro tries to stop him.

Areon, however, would not be moved, "I want to speak with them now!"

Xaro bows his head and leaves the room, unable to convince Areon to change his mind. Areon, left alone, feels his breaths becoming shaky. The revelation that Jorah has been banished from Qarth leaves him feeling lost and unsure what to do. After everything he and his people have gone through in the Red Waste, he had hoped for a better future, but now it seems they are back where they started. Areon is left feeling hopeless, needing to figure out where to turn next.

"They're not going to give you anything," a woman's voice was heard.

Areon turns around to see it is Jerika Longwaters at the door, "What they want is you gone, and they will do whatever it takes to make that happen."

"We'll be gone when they give us the proper help we need," Areon sharply tells her.

"The Pureborn are descendants of Qarth's ancient kings and queens," Jerika tells him, "When the Dothraki destroyed other Qaathi cities in the Century of Blood, the Qartheen were forced to look to the sea for their city to prosper from trade between the Summer Sea to the west and the Jade Sea to the east. They won't take kindly to you because you brought Dothraki to their gates."

"I didn't see them so averse to us when we came here," Areon challenges.

Jerika shakes her head, "That is because they wanted your dragons, but now, seeing the damage they can and have done, they want nothing to do with you. Miraculously, they haven't sent any assassins to kill you."

"Well, what am I supposed to do," Areon turns to her angrily, "They're practically kicking us out to the street."

"I can help you," Jerika tells him, "I can get you ships for Pentos where you will have Illyrio Mopatis waiting for you."

"You can get me ships," Areon asked skeptically.

"I can," Jerika insists, "With enough food and equipment for you and your people, but you'd have to leave now."

"I don't believe you," Areon says, walking to the window to admire the view of the city.

"Areon, this is the best I can offer you," Jerika tries again, "Trust me that-"

"Trust," Areon suddenly yells. I can't trust anyone, more so to some than others."

Jerika sighs, "You're referring to Ser Jorah."

Areon looks at her angrily, "You knew, didn't you? And you didn't say anything?!"

"We were keeping an eye on him," Jerika gently explains. We knew he was a spy to Robert, but when we saw he defected to you, we thought it would be more crucial to keep a close eye on him to see his reasons."

"And what are those reasons?" Areon asks.

"It might be for your sister," Jerika answers, "It seems he has been quite taken with her. He did stop her from being poisoned."

"You said it wasn't," Areon reminds her of their first meeting.

"Yes, but he wasn't aware of that," Jerika counters, "meaning as far as any of you were aware, he saved her life."

"It doesn't matter," Areon said with anger, "You may have tampered with the poison, but as far as he was concerned, he gave our secrets to our enemy who wanted us dead."

"So, he can go home," Jerika reminds him. King Robert promised to pardon Jorah's crimes against the realm if he did what he was told. Did you honestly expect him not to do so? You should know what it is like to be far from home and finally have the opportunity to return to it."

"Don't compare me to Jorah. Dany and I never betrayed anyone to reach our home," Areon shouted. "I don't care whether we go to Westeros or not. I only want a safe and secure home for my sister and me."

"I know," Jerika tries to calm him, "And we can help with that. You can trust that,"

"Trust! I've never been able to trust anyone in my life," Areon suddenly shouts. "I don't want anyone's trust because I don't have room for it, especially with your family. Don't pretend you want to help me out of the pureness of your heart. You want me to be king to fulfill your selfish desires. Like everyone else, you want to use the Targaryen name for your benefit. But you won't be able to because I cannot be king. I'm not the person you want on the Iron Throne because I'm nothing but a helpless boy who can't even protect his sister from anything. So leave your plans and ambitions behind and stay away from me. Now go!"

A bit frightened by his voice, knowing there was no talking to him right now, Lady Jerika decides to leave him be, walking out of the study as Areon keeps looking out the window, contemplating what to do next. However, as she walked away, she thought about what he was saying. 'I can't be king'. 'I'm nothing but a helpless boy. Usually, people say they don't want to be kings or might not lead a nation. They would have a sense of doubt, but with Areon, it is with certainty. And she wonders why.

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Xaro took great care to ensure that Areon was dressed to impress for his visit to the Pureborn audience. Areon was adorned in the finest silk robes, elegantly embroidered with intricate gold and silver thread patterns. A few gold rings adorned his fingers, giving him a regal and refined air. A turban was carefully draped over his almost bald head, strikingly contrasting his flowing robes.

As he made his way to the Hall of a Thousand Thrones, Areon couldn't help but be awed by the grandeur of the Pureborn's domain. The hall was magnificent, with great wooden chairs rising in curved tiers from a marble floor to a high domed ceiling painted with scenes of Qarth. The chairs were immense, each fantastically carved, adorned with intricate gold work, and studded with precious stones such as amber, onyx, lapis, and jade. The overall effect was breathtaking, and Areon couldn't help but feel humbled by such luxury and splendor.

Once Xaro made his name known, Areon came up to the thrones, trying his best to look confident and brave when, in reality, it all went away in an instant.

"You wish to speak with us," one of the Pureborns said in a firm voice.

"Y-yes," Areon tries to say, bowing his head. I apologize for the abruptness, but I wouldn't have come before you if it wasn't urgent."

"Say what you want," Another Pureborn tells him, not wishing to deal with formalities.

Areon nods, "I understand that you wish for my people and me to leave Qarth as soon as possible."

"Your dragon has destroyed an ancient building that belonged to the city," One of the Pureborns recalled.

"Yes, but I should have you all know that what happened was not out of malice or ruthlessness," Areon explains, "The Undying Ones were attacking me."

"So you say," A Pureborn challenges.

Areon looks at him, "Not what I say, it's what happened. The Undying Ones were trying to kill me, but my dragon killed them in self-defense."

"If I recall correctly," One of the Pureborn spoke, "You went to the House of the Undying willingly."

Areon admits, "Yes, but"

"And you brought your dragon in with you," the Pureborn cuts him off, "Why is that?"

Areon tries to come up with an answer, "I thought it would be safe."

"Safe," Another Pureborn said, "Safe for whom."

Areon takes a deep breath, "I wasn't sure if I could trust the Undying Ones."

"And yet, you went there willingly," the Pureborn reminds him, "You took the blue elixir before entering. Why if you did not trust them."

Areon stutters for a bit, unsure how to explain the answer, "I-I had a dream."

"A dream," A Pureborn repeated skeptically, "You went there because of a dream."

"I don't have regular dreams," Areon tells them, "My dreams come true. Prophetic dreams, just like my ancestor Daenys the Dreamer."

"The Dreamer," A Pureborn gives a mocking chuckle, "A maiden daughter of a weak dragon lord family of Old Valyria, foreseeing the Doom before it happened. An old legend."

"It's not a legend," Areon said, taking a few steps forward. It's true. The Doom did happen as she predicted, did it not?"

"Or she just happened to say she dreamt it after the Doom to justify her family of leaving their home," A Pureborn suggested, "Either from banishment or cowardice."

"Why else would they need to run," Areon questions them.

"Regardless, we are not here to discuss dreams," A Pureborn returned to the main point, "The House of the Undying has been destroyed; the warlocks are dead."

"Because they attacked me," Areon said again, "They wanted my magic. They said their magic has gotten stronger since the dragons returned."

"Which just proves it," a Pureborn said, "You and your people are dangerous. Your dragons are dangerous. You will leave Qarth either willingly or by force."

Areon wanted to defend himself, but since he wanted to leave to escape more dangers in the city, he sighs with acceptance, "Very well, but we need supplies for the journey. Or any aid at all."

"Perhaps you could ask your friend," A Pureborn stated, "Xaro Xhoan Daxos is more than capable of that."

This made Areon mad, "But,"

"That is our final word," A Pureborn finished the conversation.

Areon was now mad to furious, "Your people promised us sanctuary and protection, brought us to your city, paraded us through your streets, held feasts in our honor, and now you want to send us away for the deaths of queer warlocks! They attacked me, and my dragon defended me! Perhaps I should bring him here to burn this building as well!"

Once those words were said, the guards immediately came with weapons ready.

"You dare threaten the Pureborn," A Pureborn retorts, "You will leave our presence now and never return, and if you are seen in this city by dawn, we shall have your heads!"

Areon was eager to continue, but the guards closed in on him. Realizing it was a pointless battle, Areon reluctantly conceded and left the Hall of A Thousand Thrones, seething angrily.

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Ser Jorah found himself drowning his sorrows in a bustling tavern in Qarth. The place was packed with drunken men, boisterously laughing and enjoying their drinks. Women were also present, some sitting on men's laps or whispering sweet nothings in their ears. Jorah, however, was lost in his thoughts and paid no attention to anyone else in the tavern. He had betrayed his Khaleesi and his King, and it was a miracle that he was still alive. But instead of trying to redeem himself, he was consumed by shame and guilt.

At first, he didn't care about the Targaryen siblings. To him, they were just the children of a dead dynasty that could never rise again. They were the offspring of the Mad King, and he believed they were better off dead. However, as he got to know them better, he grew attached to them. In particular, Daenerys reminded him of his first wife, Lynesse, in appearance, but she was kinder and gentler. He witnessed her defending women and children in the Lhazareen Province when the Dothraki were attacking it. Although he knew she was too young for him, he was aware that older men had married young girls before, but he didn't see it happening in their case.

With Areon… He just saw him as some exiled prince, but when seeing how Viserys was with him and how he was treating him, Jorah couldn't help but feel sympathy for Areon. The Beggar King would yell at him, beat him, and throw him to the ground. Areon was visibly bruised, and it was clear that he was in a lot of pain due to the physical abuse he endured from his older brother. However, when Khal Drogo started to train him, Jorah could see Areon getting stronger and defying Viserys.

Jorah initially thought Areon was mad when he told him about his dream of dragons returning, much like his father. He was sure of it when he saw Areon walking to the burning pyre of the dead Khal Drogo, carrying long-dead dragon eggs. However, seeing Areon survive the pyre with baby dragons in his hands the following day proved his dreams had come true. Jorah couldn't believe it, but it was clear that Areon was not an ordinary boy. There was something extraordinary in him, and maybe he could even be king.

Unfortunately, none of that matters now that Jorah's betrayal has been revealed.

"Ser Jorah of Bear Island," His thoughts were interrupted, causing Jorah to look to see two tall, dark-skinned men standing behind him. "You must come with us."

"Under whose orders," Jorah drunkenly asked.

The men didn't answer as they picked him up forcefully, dragging him out of the tavern. He tried to fight them off, but he was too drunk to do so. The two men kept pulling him out of the tavern until they reached some horses and other men with armor and swords waiting for them.

One of the men said, "Either you ride, or we take you by force."

Jorah attempted to free himself from the grip of the men surrounding him. He found himself outnumbered, with eight men armed with swords against him. Jorah had already betrayed the Targaryens, and he believed that they would likely kill him for it. So, he thought, why not let these men put him out of his misery? Jorah drew his sword to attack, but before he could move, one of the soldiers hit him on the back of his head with the hilt of his sword. The blow caused Jorah to fall, and everything went black.

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Areon stood in his room, looking out the window at the city of Qarth. Drogon, his dragon, perched on the windowsill. The young Targaryen was deep in thought, wondering what to do next. The entire city wanted him to leave and be thrown out into the desert, all because Drogon had killed the warlocks and destroyed the House of the Undying. However, the warlocks try to kill Areon and take the dragon for themselves, and Drogon only acts in self-defense. The damage caused by Drogon had frightened the city's people, leading to their demand for his banishment. Areon needed to be more knowledgeable about what he should do and where he should go. How would he, Dany, and their people survive in the desert? Xaro had offered to provide them with food and provisions, but how long would they last for the long journey ahead, and where would they go?

He is reminded of the painful memories of when Willem Darry passed away. He and his siblings lived with him for several years while still young. Areon, Viserys, and Dany were happy with him. Willem Darry had rescued them from Robert Baratheon's wrath after their mother died. He smuggled them to Braavos, where they felt safe. However, everything fell apart when he died, and the servants took anything valuable. They were thrown into the streets with nowhere else to go, forced to sleep on hard, dirty concrete, huddled together for warmth as the bitter wind howled around them. They were forced to live like beggars, moving from place to place. Areon remembers those nights of starving for food, crying every night, and hoping someone would help them. But no one ever came. All those feelings came rushing back to him now, so much so that the only relief he could get was the lullaby his mother would sing to him.

"Firebreather, Winged leader, But two heads, To a third sing," He sings, "From my voice: The fires have spoken, And the price has been paid, With blood magic, With words of flame, With clear eyes, To bind the three, To you I sing, As one we gather, And with three heads, We shall fly as we were destined, Beautifully, freely."

When he finished singing, Drogon nuzzled his hands, chirping a bit. Areon couldn't help but chuckle at the little dragon, wondering what would have happened if the dragons had never been hatched. Right now, they are the cause of Qarth banishing them, yet they were the reason they were welcomed in the first place.

"you've always remembered that song," a voice was heard.

Areon turns back to see Dany coming into the room.

"It always relieves me," he tells her, "It reminds me of her."

Dany hums as she walks up to Areon, sighing, "I wish I could remember her. And her singing."

Areon didn't say anything as he kept his mind off to other memories, "Remember when we lived with Willem Darry?"

"I remember," Dany said with a longing voice, "He was always kind to us. He kept us safe when we were little. And then he died."

"And then the servants threw us out, taking what they can get like vultures. Forcing us to the streets," Areon remembers. "I can still remember when I was sleeping on the stone ground and bracing the cold nights, starving with nothing to eat but scrapes. It was all so long ago. And now it's happening again."

"No, it's not," Dany tells him.

"How do you know," Areon turns to her, "It's the same way. The city invited us to stay, and now they want us gone."

"We can find a way for refuge," Dany tells her, "What about Jerika Longwaters? She can help."

"We can't trust her," Areon shakes his head.

Dany asks, "Why? Her family wants to help us."

"How can we know for sure," Areon argues, "For all we know, this could be a trap."

"They knew that Robert was going to kill me when I was pregnant with Drogo's child," Dany reminds him, "They knew and stopped it from happening. Them….and Jorah."

Areon looks at her with confusion, "They tried to poison you because of Jorah."

"Yes, but then he stopped it," Dany reminds him.

Areon couldn't believe what he heard, "Are you defending him?"

Dany shifts slightly, stuttering, unsure what to say, "He helped us many times."

"He betrayed us," Areon exclaimed.

"Because it was his only chance for home. The one thing he prays for," Dany said, "The one thing we all want. You can't blame him for being desperate enough for that. And even so, he still saved me from the poison attempt. He knew it would destroy his chances of returning home for us. He's still the man you know he is."

"What I know of him is that he gave our secrets to our enemy," Areon argues, "He told Robert Baratheon that you were pregnant with Khal Drogo's child. He almost had you killed."

"And saved me," Dany argues back, "Saved us. He was with us at the Red Waste. He was with you, training you when he didn't have to. He could've killed you with his blade and made it look like an accident, but he didn't. We don't have much reason to trust him, but trust what he knows. He wants to stay by our side and help us."

Areon sighs, turning from her, not wanting to hear more.

Dany, however, continues, "I know you don't trust him anymore, but trust me. Trust me that I am right. Please. He can help us now by giving us plans to survive because he's done so before. He ran from Westeros and was able to survive. We need him. Please."

Areon thought about it for a moment. It was true that Jorah stopped the poison attempt, or he believed it was poisoned since, according to Jerika, it wasn't. He has experience living on the run, but how can Areon trust him after what he just learned?

Unsure what to do, Areon sighs, "I'll put some thought into it."

Dany wasn't satisfied with the answer, but it was enough considering how her brother felt about it, so she relented.

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Jorah saw nothing but darkness until he started to come to. His vision was still blurry, but he could tell he was being dragged by two men wearing silver armor into a sitting room and placed on the couch. Once they were done, the armored men went to the door as if guarding it when a woman entered the room. She slowly went to the chair before the couch, sitting down with her legs crossed, waiting for Jorah to come to his full senses.

"Ser Jorah of Bear Island," the woman's voice said, "My have you fallen."

Jorah groans as he tries to sit up, "Is that why I am here? For your amusement."

"One would be more cordial to someone trying to help you," the woman said.

Jorah's vision becomes more apparent as he sees the woman before him. She was beautiful, with light blonde hair, brown eyes, and fair skin. She was wearing a black and white Qartheen dress.

Seeing he was in the precise sense now, the woman introduced herself, "I am Jerika Longwaters, Ser Jorah."

Jorah's eyes widen, "Lady Jerika."

"You know my family," Jerika stated, "More importantly, my brother."

Still stunned, Jorah tries to speak: "Y-yes. He's a strong man. I also know his wife, Hellen Baratheon. He's the brother of King Robert."

"The King you served for as a spy to the Targaryens," Jerika says, "Until you stopped the poison attempt on Daenerys Targaryen's life."

"Is this where you deem me a traitor," Jorah guesses bitterly.

"It's more like being curious," Jerika clarifies. We've known for some time that Robert promised your pardon if you do what he says. So that would bring up the question. Why?"

Jorah didn't answer. He looks away, causing Jerika to look at him intently.

"You had a chance to go home, but you didn't take it," Jerika states, "and that was before the dragons returned. Why did you do it?"

"Is it that far from possibility that I had qualms about murdering a mother and her child," Jorah bitterly spat.

"You fought with Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon against the Targaryens," Jerika reminds him. It would be best to consider them enemies, but you still stand by them. Is it because you've grown close to them? I know Areon has been training with you for a long while now. Was it Daenerys?"

When Jerika said that name, Jorah cringed a bit, giving her the answer, "You care for her, don't you?"

Jorah hesitantly looked at her, "Not just that."

"Then what," Jerika asked.

Jorah asks, "Why does it matter to you?"

"Because I want to know why you started as a spy against them only to become their fiercest protector," Jerika tells him.

Jorah sighs before looking away. He didn't want to say, but seeing he was being forced and the guards were still at the door with weapons, he wouldn't be surprised that she got the truth one way or another. "When I saw them. I saw nothing but the Mad King's children. They are trying to reclaim the dying dynasty from long ago. But as time went on, I saw good children. They were kind people who wanted nothing but to be safe. A brother and sister who protect each other, no matter the costs. Who wants to go home."

Jerika nods, "A desire you are too familiar with."

Jorah continues, "And when I saw Areon go to the pyre, I thought I saw a mad boy going to his death. But when the next morning came, when I expected to see a pile of charred bones, I saw him. Unharmed and unscathed, with three baby dragons singing. It changes a man."

"I can imagine," Jerika guesses.

Jorah then looks to her, "I don't know if he will be King of Westeros like you claim your brother wishes. I don't know if that is what he wants. But I know he must have been destined for greatness. And I seek to make sure that happens."

Jerika slightly eyes him, "Do you think he can be king of Westeros?"

Jorah pauses for a moment. He knows what Jerika and her family want from Areon. If they went to Viserys, there was no question he was unsuited for the crown before he died. Areon, however, he can tell there was something different about him. And with that, he says, "I know he can."

Jerika then asks, "Why?"

"Because he is kind, compassionate, protective of the people he cares about and keeps going through hardships like we did in the Red Waste," Jorah explains, "Many men would've given up, but he pressed on until we found shelter in this city. I also saw him protect his sister from Viserys even though he knew the Beggar King would hurt him, but he did so anyway. I know he can."

Jerika can see the sincerity in his eyes. She can tell he wants to be by their side. He could be helpful to them and the future. The question is whether Areon will be forgiving or not.

The next chapter will be posted in a few days. Please follow, favorite, and share your thoughts on this chapter.