Tides don't lie

Chapter 1- The one who is Always watching.

Everyone knew Aonung.

The girls of the village always seemed to gather wherever he was, laughter following him like the tide. He walked with confidence, shoulders back, chin high, always aware of the eyes on him. He did not discourage the attention. Why would he? He was strong, skilled, and the oloeyktan's son. It was expected.

You knew this. Which was exactly why you stayed far away from him.

You were not interested in being one of many. Not in whispered hopes or fleeting admiration. Bonds were sacred to you. You wanted something real, something chosen carefully, not a name passed between giggles.

That morning, while others lingered by the water watching Aonung spar with the hunters, you were inside the marui with Ronal. The scent of herbs filled the air as you ground leaves carefully, listening closely to her instructions.

"A healer must not be distracted by pride," Ronal said calmly. "Pain does not care who you are."

You nodded. "Yes, Tsahik."

Later that day, the hunters returned from the reef. Voices were loud, triumphant, until one shifted into concern.

Aonung was injured.

It was not serious, but it was enough to warrant Ronal's attention. A deep cut across his shoulder, bruising along his ribs. He complained the entire time.

"It was nothing," he insisted, though he winced as he sat. "I could have finished the hunt."

"You could have made it worse," Ronal replied sharply. She turned her gaze to you. "You. Come here."

Your heart skipped once before settling. You stepped forward calmly.

"You will treat him," Ronal ordered. "I will observe."

Aonung looked up when you approached. His confident grin faded slightly as his eyes met yours.

You did not react.

You knelt, assessing the wound with professional focus. Your fingers were cool and steady as you cleaned the cut.

"That stings," he muttered.

"It will," you said plainly.

He blinked. Most girls softened around him. You did not.

He watched you closely as you worked, noticing the way you avoided his gaze, the way you spoke only when necessary.

"You do not talk much," he said.

"I am working," you replied.

Ronal nodded approvingly.

When it was over, you stood and stepped away without another glance.

Aonung stared after you, confusion knitting his brows.

For the first time in a long time, someone had treated him like he was no one special at all.