Army of True Salvation

Veon was stunned when he received the slap from Shannara. He stood up and he grabbed her hand, stopping her. He was also wondering why he stopped her.

"Stop, Veon," Shannara said angrily as she strongly shook her arm for Veon to let go.

"Sorry," he apologized and Shannara gave him a sharp gaze.

"Yes, I do love you… but I don't want to look stupid being a hopeless romantic," Shannara said and Veon just looked at her. "I don't want to be stupid. I don't want to hurt myself more because of the feelings I have towards you," she added and this time, her eyes started to water.

"Shannara…" Veon just said her name, unsure of what to say. He was about to wipe her tears when Shannara just swatted his hand away as if it was a fly.

"Don't touch me," she said sharply and Veon looked hurt. He was guilty and he was sorry. "I already hurt myself by loving you. I don't expect myself to get hurt once more," she added and this made Veon confused.

"What do you mean?" Shannara forced herself a smile.

"Because of my stupidity of loving you, I've hurt myself, knowing that you love someone else. I know Sheloah's the one you want," the girl answered and this made Veon irritated. He was being paired to Sheloah.

Again.

"I already accepted that we'd only be friends. Stop asking about my feelings. It is none of your concern," she said finally and this made Veon touch her shoulder.

"I didn't mean to hurt you, Shan. I—" She did not let him finish.

"I know," she sighed as she shook her head. "I love you, I do… but it would be best if I just stop these feelings. It would just hinder me from becoming a strong person."

Shannara saw Dannie and Tyler returning with their water and she waved to them, acting as if nothing happened between her and Veon so the others would not get suspicious.

"Sorry." Veon didn't know what to say. "But you're right. We're still friends," he added and Shannara smiled.

"Yes. Now let's forget that we ever had this conversation. But having this conversation made me feel at ease, you know? Now I've said the things I had in my mind."

What Shannara said made Veon realize how determined she was in forgetting her feelings towards him.

"Falling in love is a foolish thing to do."

'What did Shannara mean by that?'

Veon did not understand. Why did she say that? Did she not want to fall in love again?

Veon sighed as he sat down. He was surprised to have seen Isobel awake when he took a glance at her.

"It's like watching a movie," she teased and Veon just squinted his eyes at her. He did not expect her to be eavesdropping.

"I thought you were asleep," Veon said and Isobel laughed slightly.

"How am I going to sleep? You guys were right beside me and your voices were quite loud," she explained and Veon just shook his head in disappointment.

Dannie, Tyler, and Shannara returned and they gave the two their water bottle. They took another five-minute rest before continuing with their journey.

"Shall we," Dannie asked and everyone nodded, ready to head out.

'Sheloah, wait for me.'