Chapter 66

The man's statements immediately caused Heather to frown. How in the world did he learn of her abilities? Maybe through the guards, or perhaps he might have overheard their conversation if they had any, but even then, they could not have known about the extent of her powers.
Even here in Warsavor, people are aware of her gift of healing and not the other mystical skills she possesses. Further, the neighbouring man having knowledge of the defence mechanism of this cell gave her something to think about.
How long has he been here? Does he even have any special abilities that he might have sought to use? There were so many unanswered questions running through Heather's head.
“How do you know….?” Heather paused briefly as she searched for the appropriate words. She was unsure whether to inquire about his awareness of her abilities or the force that engulfed them all.
The man, however, saw her little pause as permission to talk.
“About your powers or the cells refraining anyone from using theirs?” As he spoke, he grinned.
The man had a polished appearance. He might have been mistaken for someone from royalty if he had not been in this prison.
There was some different kind of vibe emitting from him, similar to how she felt about Alexander. Despite being well-built, he was not bulky. He stood tall and gave an exceptionally polished speech. Though he appeared frail, that could have been from his extended stay in the dungeon.
Heather hesitantly responded, "Both."
She did not want to put her trust in the wrong person, but she would undoubtedly need a helping hand. This prison was a death sentence in itself. It was a methodical death.
“There are a lot of mystical creatures around the world, so one can never be too prepared. Additionally, when more people are added to the dungeons, the energy within them reforms, preventing us from using those abilities. Our energy would just continue to drain if we tried.” He elucidated.
“Our energy,” Heather repeated his words. "So, do you have any special abilities?" She inquired, curious.
“I do, my child, and you will eventually discover it in due course of time." He grinned glumly at her.
"How did you learn about my abilities? You appeared to be confident in my aptitude." Heather was forced to question him.
Even if she should have been cautious, what could be worse than being trapped in a dungeon?
“Because I am confident. You are special, Heather. You have always been. I am merely happy that I am finally able to see you.” He said.
Heather would have been able to see the faint traces of tears in his eyes if she had been closer, but she did not overlook the slight tremble in his voice. She was surprised and perplexed by it. The fact that the man knew her name rather shocked her. It was then that she realized that Heather was still not famously known in Warsavor and that if he had been down in Diadem's dungeons, he would have never seen her.
“How do you know my name?” She asked
In response to her question, he carefully moved to the opposite end of the cell and sat down. He appeared weary.
"Heather, I know much more about you than you ever could." He spoke simply.
Heather walked near him and sat down herself. It was only the grill that separated them. She felt at ease as she continued to study him. Unlike before, she did not feel threatened.
“I have a feeling that you will not reveal as of yet.” She stated.
He smiled. "Yes, but with time, everything will unfold itself. At present, you are not prepared to hear the truth."
Heather could not help but chuckle a little. Despite the gravity of her situation, she could not help but feel ignorant. Further, he reminded her of someone else.
Someone whom she trusts wholeheartedly.
"You make me think of Mabel. She shares your peculiarity. Similar to you, she never gives me clear answers, yet I still cling to her advice."
“You met Mabel? How is she doing? Is she alright?” His voice carried a sense of urgency. Heather could not recall ever hearing someone speak with such empathy, concern, and a pinch of love.
Not even Alexander.
“You are already acquainted with Mabel?” Instead, she questioned him.
“Mabel,” His voice was filled with affection as he spoke her name with a deep sigh. Even though he closed his eyes, she was still able to see the unshed tears in his eyes.
“You love her,” she stated. There was no question about the fact that this man was in love with that woman.
He gazed at her as he gradually opened his eyes. She received a little smile from him, but it was clear that he was sad.
"She is everything to me. How is she doing? When did you meet her? Please tell me about it. I wish to know everything.” He spoke with obvious desperation.
“She is ….” Then Heather halted. It dawned on her that she did not even know his name.
"I am not even familiar with your name." She sputtered.
“You can address me as Arkin,” he said, but not before taking a long pause.
“Arkin and Mabel,” Heather tested. “It sounds lovely together. Mabel never mentioned you to me. However, I always sensed a feeling of yearning when I was with her.”
“She could not have mentioned me, even if she desired to do so,” Arkin said.
“Why could she not? Does she not know about your love? Did you ever express your feelings to her?" Heather inquired. She wanted to learn more about him and Mabel.
Even though she considered him to be a complete stranger, she had curiosity about him. He gave her a sense of familiarity and comfort. Apart from Alexander, Mabel was the only one with whom she shared this emotion.
“Some stories are painful, and reliving the worst day of your life through words can make us vulnerable to the negativity around us. There are some pains that must be suffered in silence. She most definitely feels the same way about me, and I never had to tell her about my feelings for her to claim her as mine. She was more than ready to have a family with me and was well aware of it." With a little smile on his face and a far-off expression, he stated.
“What happened? Did the two of you never get the chance to fulfill your dreams?” She does not want dangerous difficulties in their story, particularly if their love for one another is genuine.
“Oh, we did get the chance to fulfill so many of our dreams. We did start a family, and we still are a family in more than one way, but unlike previously, we are disabled and are waiting for a chance to have our family back."
She was simply more perplexed by his statements.
“I do not understand.”
"Why do you not tell me how you met Mabel?" Instead, he addressed her with curiosity.
Heather did not miss their conversion's detour. It was another piece of evidence that something pertinent was happening that she was oblivious to now that she had met Arkin and spoken with him for a short time.
However, neither Mabel nor Arkin were willing to talk. They are not even willing to give a clue.
Mabel has always conversed in puzzles, and it seemed that Arkin was not only part of the pieces but also played a strong role. It was no coincidence that Mabel and Arkin were two peas in the same pot.
Heather made the decision to respond to his question for the time being rather than to press the issue.
“I met her through the Hans family. I was assisting them with medical emergencies. She resides in one of their guest cabins.” Heather replied.
“I am not surprised. You possess a precious gift that must not be wasted under any circumstances. The world needs more like you—someone who sees the good in everyone and does not hesitate to aid those in need. Life is precious. One must never take it for granted and waste it by doing evil." Arkin said. “And Hans are lovely people. The fact that my Mabel found a home with them and that you had the chance to work with them brings me a great deal of relief."
"It was a privilege for me to work with them. Everyone in the family loves Mabel, though. She is a wonderful woman. I consider her no less than a godmother." Heather said.
However, Arkin was looking at her with a distinct expression that she was unable to read. But what she was sure of was that his expression gave her positivity inside her.
“She is indeed a wonderful woman,” Arkin repeated.
“If you do not mind, can I ask you something?” Heather enquired. She was aware of the fact that she was about to encroach on his personal space while he was still a stranger.
“Heather, You can ask me anything you wish. Even if I am unable to provide you with answers to every question, I will try my very best.”
“Why have they kept you here? You do not appear to be someone with any criminal intent," Heather remarked.
“Just like you?” He reverted.
“I…” Heather was speechless, but he let out a chuckle and shook his head.
“I am paying the price of being related to my selfish and egoistical brother. However, I am confident that the truth will come to light and that everything in this world will change its course in the correct direction."
Heather wanted to sigh at his enigmatic words. Mabel and Arkin do not enjoy providing direct answers to her questions.
“What happened?” She tested, hoping to get clear words from him.
"Greed has the power to turn people evil, and that is what happened. He demanded control over all I possessed, and he acquired it through wrongful means. As a result, my family and the witnesses attesting to our destiny are made to suffer. I am afraid I cannot reveal anything more than what I already did."
“The reason being?” Heather wanted to cry.
She was desperate for answers, and it seemed that Mabel and Arkin were the only ones who could provide them.
"Because some resolutions are to be revealed and concurred in due course of time. And for you, I have a strong feeling that it is rather near. I apologize, Heather. I wish nothing but to tell you everything that I know, but I am sadly limited in how much I can do so. I do not possess much freedom."
When Arkin noticed the dread in Heather's eyes, his heart broke. However, fate was already predetermined, and nobody could change it. But he would use every effort and was willing to do everything in his power to comfort his child.
"Heather, do not be terrified. All you have to do is have faith in yourself and let time do its thing."
"Why do I think we are connected in some way? Mabel had been a constant in my thoughts throughout my entire stay here, and I had always felt a deep connection to her. Now, I feel the same connection with you. I know it's really naïve of me to speak my thoughts to you out loud, but I am at a loss for words. Like Mabel and Alexander, you inspire me to accept the unthinkable." Heather said.
Although she had little control over the words she used, she believed it was necessary to say them out.