Chapter 73: Chapter 73

~O'LEAN~

The second Natalia pivoted away, I moved an inch to stop her from leaving. However, a whisper from Alia halted me. The young girl had tripped; her hands were wrapped around her knees, and the way she stared at me made me pause.

I pursed my lips, my gaze lingering in the direction Natalia had fled. Letting out a resigned sigh, I forced a smile and crouched down where Alia was.

"Can you walk?" I questioned. She shook her head slowly.

"It's difficult since my leg's been aching," Alia responded.

Patting her hair, I grabbed her hands gently, helping her to her feet. She winced, holding onto my shoulders, her fingers digging in.

I didn't hesitate to wrap my arms around her waist and lift her up. I drew her closer, her head resting on my chest and her arms crossed around my neck.

"Are you comfortable?" The question came out smoothly. Alia smiled, telling me she was fine.

I made my way to the healer's wing where one of the healers would tend to her wounds. As I passed through the wings, the stares I received were quite unsettling.

Unbothered by their prying glances and whispers, my attention never left Alia. I just didn't want her stay here at the pack to be uncomfortable, but I really needed to speak with Natalia.

"Ahem… Biggie," Alia whispered. I jolted back, realizing the healer was around. Clearing my throat, I gently placed her on the bed.

"She fell down; kindly check her injuries to see if they are serious," I uttered, breaking the silence in the room. The healer raised his brows and then nodded.

He went straight to his duty. He took care of Alia tenderly and cleaned her wounds.

"She is malnourished, Delta. She needs good food and rest," the healer informed me. My gaze slid over to Alia, who gave me a tight smile.

I bobbed my head. "She is my responsibility and I will make sure she gets what she needs at all times," I answered.

The healer stared at me, then at Alia, then back at me with furrowed brows before smacking his lips. "Alright then, Delta. I'd better take my leave to see other patients." He packed his equipment, closed the bag, and exited the room.

Alia stretched her hands forward. "Come on, Biggie, you have to take me to my room!" she said teasingly. I made a playful scowl, earning a laugh from her.

"Don't tell me you are already tired?" she taunted. I rolled my eyes in response. "As if?" I snorted.

She laughed and made such a dramatic expression, like she was daring me. I sighed. Just as I was about to carry her, Alia made herself comfortable, startling me.

She had wrapped her arms around my neck. "Now, do the needful!" Her tone was laced with a commanding order, and if it weren't for her joking expression, I would have flicked her forehead with my fingers.

I did as she said and took her to the assigned room, one that was in my wing and not far from my chamber. The sideways stares from people didn't stop, but Alia's safety rested on my shoulders.

After tucking her into bed, I took a few steps back. "Have some rest. In an hour the maids will bring you some food," I said.

Alia forced herself to sit upright. I darted forward to help her. "What are you doing? Can't you see that moving recklessly will cause you more pain?" I cautioned through gritted teeth.

She made a sulky face. "You were trying to leave; I wanted to stop you," Alia replied, her hands sliding under her chest, a frown settled on her face.

"You could have just said so! Why do you want to stop me? You heard the healer — he said you need rest."

She shifted, now facing away from me; Alia was looking everywhere except where I was standing. "I don't want to be alone! I need some company, and you are the only one I know and trust in this place."

I kissed my teeth, making a hissing sound. I needed to go and meet Natalia; I knew she had wanted to speak to me, but with Alia there she had just retreated.

I had spent countless hours trying to get Natalia to talk with me, and I did not want to miss this opportunity. I didn't understand why she had gotten angry, but we needed to speak.

Alia studied me; her eyes were filled with uncertainty, and it was like she was… scared.

But why?

My irritation subsided as I took a seat beside her. "You can't go back on your words, O'Lean. You said I was your responsibility and you have to take care of me," I could hear the tremble in her voice.

She clasped her hands over mine. "I am terrified!" she admitted.

"There is nothing to be afraid of, Alia. I am here… with you. This place is safe," I reassured her.

She bit her lower lip. "To you, O'Lean, this place may be safe, but not for me. They don't know me — look at earlier…" she trailed off.

I knew what she wanted to say.

"It's okay. I will stay here!" It came out as a promise.

Her eyes lit up. "Thank you!" she said gratefully.