𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅

chapter sixty-three

Emriana

My back ached against the hard wooden floor as I shifted unto my side. My fingers curled around the long pale fur as I changed my head position against the soft stomach. My whole upper body would move up and down along with each breath he took.

I couldn't move my hands much as both my wrist had been broken that day, so I just stayed still. Drakkar, Zander, and Zeke had been so helpful and had cared for me beyond what I could imagine. They insisted I stayed with one of them at all times in case I needed anything, which I hadn't realized how serious they had been about the "at all time" part of it. Nonetheless, I didn't argue. I loved having them around me.

Right now, it was the first time any of them had let me out of their sights in three weeks. Zeke had left a while ago, saying Zander would come in a few minutes, but that had been hours ago.

The animal's breath hitched as he woke up abruptly from his nap. He looked up at me and let out a low growl before lowering his head back on the carpet. He slept a lot and ate less than before, but the physicians had assured me it was normal after his injury.

"Good afternoon, Aki," the animal looked up at me once again at the sound of his name. I hadn't left his side since the incident, I wanted to be next to him at all times. I didn't want him to be lonely. The two of us were always together.

He let out a little growl, followed by a long exhale. I pressed a kiss into his stomach.

The ground vibrated as footsteps approached in the hallway. The hinges of the wooden door creaked a few seconds later as someone walked into the room.

"Why are you lying on the floor, Em?" I turned my head to see Lorino coming toward me, followed by Zander.

"I wanted to be with him," I replied.

"You must be uncomfortable. Why don't you lay in your bed instead?" He asked, and I shrugged.

"I'm fine. He likes the floor, so the floor it is," I replied, kissing the fur. Zander sat on the armrest of the sofa right next to where I was lying. I shot him a soft smile, to which he replied with a short nod like usual.

"Hi," I said.

"Do you want to tell her?" Lorino asked him, and I looked between the two of them with furrowed brows.

"Tell me what?" Zander shifted a little.

"Carlo was arrested last night," Lorino said.

"Oh," I said, pushing myself to a sitting position with my elbows.

"He admitted everything. You were right. The other guy was one of the men who tried to take you that night. I'm not sure how he knew you existed, but he definitely wanted you out of the portrait," Lorino explained, and I nodded.

"What did Dad say?"

He sighed.

"He was the one who placed him away for now, but he'll have him face a trial in the next few months. They just need more proof which will be easy once they find the other guy," he said, shifting his weight from one leg to the other.

"Dad's having a hard time, not gonna lie. He feels guilty,"

I frowned. "Why?"

Lorino shrugged

"He said something about it being his fault because of how he handled the whole thing with your mom," I nodded.

"I...It doesn't have anything to do with that,"

"That's what I told him, but he's still angry about it," I nodded.

My eyes flickered to Zander, whose focus was on the animal behind me. I had noticed a small change in how they interacted with the animal since that day. They were more careful around the tiger, knowing what he could do.