Chapter Fifty Four: Dehya: When I'm Not Around, You Actually.
Ye Xi gazed at Dehya, who was kneeling on the sand. Her eyes brimmed with tenderness, and her delicate face was streaked with tears.
He reached out and gently caressed her cheek.
In those breathtaking, icy blue eyes, tears had formed, glimmering like morning dew on flower petals or the clearest waves rolling onto a sandy shore.
"Dehya, why are you crying?" he asked softly.
With his fingers, he carefully wiped the tears from her lovely face. The wetness brushed against his skin, revealing the faint redness of her cheeks.
When she had rushed into the flames earlier, her body had been burned in several places her hands, cheeks, forearms, and shoulders.
Now, as she became aware of her injuries, Dehya felt the burning pain sear through her body. But her father's condition worried her far more than her own.
Ye Xi whispered soothingly, "Your eyes are beautiful. I don't want to see them filled with so many tears. Stop crying and go save Kusayla."
Before she could respond, a soft green glow illuminated Ye Xi's hands. The light radiated warmth, and Dehya immediately felt a soothing coolness. It was as if she were bathing in a refreshing spring, and the burning pain faded away.
She remembered!
The day before, when Jeht had been injured, it was this same miraculous light that had healed her wounds so quickly.
*[Primary Treatment]*
Ye Xi used the ability, and in moments, the burns on Dehya body were healed. The green fluorescence transformed into a viscous liquid, sliding down her honey colored skin and dripping onto her hands.
Dehya stared in amazement at the glowing substance pooling in her palms. The cool sensation spread through her fingers, alleviating the pain. This was the analgesic effect of *[Primary Treatment].*
"Go heal Kusayla," Ye Xi instructed. "The effect may be slow, but it will help him recover."
Dehya eyes sparkled with gratitude. She quickly moved to her father's side and placed her glowing hands on him. The light began to work its magic.
The burns on Kusayla body slowly healed, the scorched skin turning back to healthy red. This visible transformation left everyone around in awe.
"My God! What is this?"
"It's healing him! How is that possible?"
"Healing potions exist, but they have side effects, are expensive, and don't work this fast!"
"This... this is a miracle!"
As the group murmured in amazement, Kusayla injuries steadily disappeared. Soon, his face was clear again, and his breathing had stabilized.
"The leader is safe now!" someone exclaimed.
"He just needs time to regain his strength," Bashar added.
Although still unconscious, Kusayla was no longer in critical condition. The relief among his comrades was palpable.
Bashar turned to Ye Xi and said, "Dehya man, thank you for saving our leader! You're our great benefactor. If you ever need anything, come find us at Dakan Al-Ahmar."
"Hey! Bashar, stop talking nonsense!" Dehya snapped, glaring at him.
But Bashar ignored her. "Dehya, the case is resolved. From now on, we won't involve ourselves in dirty dealings. Idrisi and I will take good care of the leader. You should head back to the city you don't belong here with us."
Idrisi nodded in agreement. "We'll stay in the desert. If you want to see the leader, you can visit anytime. For now, go with your man."
"It's not what you think!" Dehya protested, her cheeks flushing. She stole a glance at Ye Xi, who appeared unfazed.
"What's on your mind?" Ye Xi asked.
"I want to travel with Jeht at night and return to the city as quickly as possible," Dehya replied. "If I stayed to catch up with Kusayla, I'd delay the journey."
Ye Xi smiled. "Then come with me."
Turning back to Bashar, Dehya instructed, "Send a letter to Humayi's family in the city. Let them know where I'm working."
"We will," Bashar replied.
"Wait... what?" Dehya said, confused.
Idrisi explained, "Your job was arranged by the leader, Mr. Shazaman. He asked him to ensure you stayed out of the desert's dirty dealings."
"What?!" Dehya exclaimed.
"The leader saved Shazaman's family. To keep you from being dragged into the darkness of the desert, Shazaman agreed to his request," Idrisi added.
Dehya glanced at the unconscious Kusayla and muttered, "Stupid old man."
Turning back to Bashar, she said firmly, "Take care of Kusayla. I'll contact you later."
With that, Dehya returned to Ye Xi's side. Together, with Jeht, they mounted the ruin guard and headed toward Kawan Station.
As the towering figure of the ruin guard disappeared into the desert horizon, Bashar turned to Kusayla, who had been feigning unconsciousness.
"Leader, Dehya gone now," he said softly.
Kusayla opened his eyes and let out a long sigh.
"Leader, this might've been your chance to reconcile with her. Are you sure about this?"
Kusayla shook his head. "I'm not her real father. I picked her up as a baby, but I couldn't give her a good childhood. What's the point of reconciliation? Compared to a failed father like me, it's better for her to stay with someone who can truly make her happy."
He recalled the day he found Dehya a tiny baby lying in the desert, nearly buried in sand. Her cries were so loud they interrupted his drinking. That was the day he accidentally became a father.
For years, his comrades had helped him keep this secret, ensuring Dehya never discovered the truth.
"She has the freedom and kindness we've only dreamed of," Kusayla said with a wistful smile. "Her future shouldn't be burdened by people like us."
The men of Dakan Al-Ahmar bowed their heads in silence.
Suddenly, Kusayla laughed. "By the way, did any of you get a good look at my son in law? I didn't open my eyes in time!"
"He's a strong young man, Leader!" Bashar exclaimed.
"And clever, too! He probably knew you were awake!"
As the group shared stories about Ye Xi, Kusayla turned to the massive gully in the sand the aftermath of Ye Xi's attack.
"By the desert... that's incredible!" he exclaimed, eyes wide. "This man truly is a miracle worker."
"Hahaha!" Kusayla laughed heartily. "With him by her side, I can rest easy. May the desert bless them both!"
"Go! Go back to camp and drink!"
The men cheered as Kusayla spoke.
"Let's go! Drink!"
"Back to camp!"
"Captain, no more heroics in the future! Tonight, you're fined drink a few extra rounds!"
A group of old comrades linked arms and headed into the desert's depths, their laughter echoing in the night.
---
The desert was pitch-black under the night sky, but the moonlight bathed the sands in a silvery glow, making it resemble a sea of light.
Panting, Dehya hurried back toward the campfire. As she approached, the crackling of flames reached her ears.
"Hey! I'll find a cave to rest in, and you two can stay here being so sweet!"
"This is too much!"
Dehya burst out in irritation the moment she returned.
Earlier, they had planned to travel back to the city, riding the ruin guard. But with the sun setting quickly, navigating the desert at night became too risky. The group decided unanimously to camp and continue their journey at dawn.
Dehya, knowing of a nearby cave marked by Candice, had volunteered to find it. But upon returning, she stumbled upon a scene that made her fume.
Jeht was nestled against Ye Xi's chest, looking blissfully content.
"The desert is so dark, Master. I'm scared! But if I can hear your heartbeat, I won't feel afraid~," she cooed.
"Scared of the dark?" Dehya rolled her eyes. "You've lived in the desert all your life. How can you be afraid of the dark?"
Ye Xi sighed, pinching Jeht cheek gently. "Alright, stop teasing her."
In truth, Jeht wasn't scared. She was sharing her plans with Ye Xi, filled with hope after achieving her long-awaited revenge earlier that day. Having slain Mishal, the man who had haunted her for over a decade, Jeht finally felt free.
She told Ye Xi she would stay by his side and help him build a future. She even joked about wanting many children to create a big, happy family.
Ye Xi, understanding the emotions behind her words, had patted her head approvingly a small but meaningful gesture of affection.
As Jeht got up and brushed the sand from her clothes, she whispered to Dehya, "You know, I consider you a good friend. If it weren't for that, I'd never have let you get close to Master especially not tonight!"
"Huh?" Dehya was caught off guard. But seeing Jeht earnest expression, highlighted by the campfire's glow, she couldn't feign ignorance. She nodded and replied softly, "Thank you. I've always thought of you as my best friend, too."
She understood how important tonight was for Jeht. After finally achieving her revenge, Jeht was likely overwhelmed with joy and eager to express her gratitude to Ye Xi.
"If you really think of me as a best friend, don't waste my time," Jeht teased. "You, the mighty 'Flame-Mane,' are so brave in the desert, yet you hesitate when it comes to love. Should I stay and help you? Master won't refuse~."
Dehya face turned red. "No need!" she replied firmly, marching toward the campfire.
Each step felt heavier than the last as her heart raced uncontrollably. She wanted to speak but felt as if her lips were glued shut.
Watching Dehya awkward movements, Jeht couldn't help but smile slyly.
---
"Master Ye Xi, um..." Dehya stammered, finally breaking the silence.
Ye Xi, who had just taken out a skewer of grilled meat for a late-night snack, paused and looked up.
"Yes? What's the matter?"
Dehya gritted her teeth and sat upright. She raised her head to meet his gaze but quickly looked away, overwhelmed by the intensity of his star-like eyes.
"I... I was thinking..." She hesitated before blurting out, "Jeht has a Vision... and her swordsmanship today was incredible."
Ye Xi nodded. "I taught her that. It was her reward. Why?"
"I... I want to be stronger too," she mumbled, her voice barely audible by the end.
But Ye Xi heard her clearly. With a playful smile, he said, "Didn't you once say that strength is something you earn with your own fists?"
Dehya face burned, her earlier boldness replaced by embarrassment. It felt as if the afternoon's fire hadn't yet cooled.
Unable to hold it in any longer, she burst out, "You idiot! You're so annoying! I couldn't speak properly earlier because of you!"
"And now I regret it!" she continued, her words tumbling out in a rush. "So much happened today, and I don't know what to do next... I just want to protect the people around me. And... and you."
Ye Xi looked at the shy and flustered Dehya and chuckled. "Alright, Dehya, I'll give you the chance to grow stronger."
"Really?" Dehya eyes lit up.
"Yes, when we return to"
"Now!" she interrupted, her determination catching Ye Xi off guard.
"This is the desert, after all!" she declared. "I'm the daughter of the desert! Everything feels natural here!"
Ye Xi raised an eyebrow. "Dehya, you're such a double standard."
Dehya leaned in, her voice softer now. "I don't know what I did wrong today, but I'll try my best to make it up to you, okay?"
Ye Xi sighed. "Alright, alright. Just calm down."
As she rested her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat, Dehya felt an unfamiliar sense of peace.
For years, as a mercenary, she had lived without a true home. Her sense of security had always been bravado, a shield against the uncertainties of desert life. But here, with Ye Xi, she found something she hadn't even realized she was missing.
"I feel at ease when you're here," she whispered. "Even when I'm at my most lost, you make me feel like everything will be okay."
Ye Xi smiled gently. He understood what Dehya was trying to say, and in his arms, the fierce 'Flame-Mane' seemed more like a gentle, trusting cat.
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