Betrothal's Price

Chapter 35: She Still Needs You

That night, Liam and Levi made camp in a small inconspicuous clearing. Liam had carried Isla part of the way as Levi led. When they got there, Liam gently let Isla stand, again.

He turned to face her, noticing her still very tearful eyes, “Hey, hey, it’s okay. I’m here.” He spoke softly as he slightly slouched over to be at eye level with her, and he began wiping her tears with his thumbs. “I’m here with you. Everything’s okay.” He assured her.

Levi prepared camp as Liam took care of Isla, giving her water to flush out the poison from the Salema Porgy fish.

By the time everything was prepared, Isla had fallen asleep with her head resting on Liam’s chest. Liam was sitting against a tree trunk, placing a blanket over her with his free hand and arm. He’d been whispering assuring and sweet words in her ear for a decent portion of the time it took Levi to ready a temporary camp. Though the moment Isla had laid her head on Liam’s chest, she’d fallen asleep to the sound of his heartbeat faster than a child to a lullaby.

Levi just came back with more firewood and knelt down to drop a few in the fire. “How is she?” He wondered softly.

Liam sighed, glancing at her for the third time to see how peacefully she was resting. “Sleeping peacefully, now. And not like she was in the cave. She’s been like this since she laid down. I wonder what she saw. I’ve never seen her like this.”

Levi picked at the fire with one of his swords. “Nor I. Sca- They have ways to turn a mere fear into a trauma. Whatever she saw has shaken her up, quite a bit. But she’s a strong woman. I know she’ll get through this, but it will take time. Luckily our storming to find her crippled your step-father’s forces. It will take time to regrow his army. Unluckily, we will need to use that newfound time to care for her.”

“It’s not her fault.” Liam whispered, getting slightly irritated. Then he calmed, “It’s mine. I let her get taken.” It didn’t feel good, knowing that this was his fault, but it felt even less good, remembering who’s forces the Scaths were.

“I see.” Levi nodded. “They asked you and you granted their request to take her.” He shrugged nonchalantly, which looked odd on him, of all people.

“What?!” Liam nearly sat up, but remembered Isla was sleeping on him. He settled back into position. “I didn’t- they didn’t ask me and I didn’t let..” He realized his point.

Levi shook his head. “You did not permit them. So it was not your fault. They merely caught the both of you off guard and took advantage of it.”

“Why didn’t she wake me? I could’ve helped her.” Liam asked as if he knew Levi had the answer.

Fortunately, Levi did, “I think you and I both know the answer to that.” He paused, waiting for Liam to pick up on it.

“Protection.” They said simultaneously.

“She didn’t want me to get hurt, so she kept quiet.” Liam looked at her even more worriedly.

“A little too selfless for her own good.” Levi pointed out as he poked the fire. “However, our escape was quite simple compared to what would’ve happened. While I am glad she is safe, they should’ve infected us. But they didn’t. They merely fought. We can thank the Source for that.”

“‘Should’ve' is a strong word, however you’re right. Right now, we need to take care of Isla. I hope she recovers well.” Liam practically crossed his fingers.

“It’ll take time, but she will. I know, you know that. But more importantly there may be a way to help her.” Levi explained with sureness.

Liam’s eyebrows shot up, “How?”