Fall of the Forsaken (on hold)

chapter 21

–Azriel–

stepping inside the cavern with the humans, those around Elazar's den made way for the humans and their equipment. 

our healers greeted the doctor although they seemed hesitant. The birth of a kit was something outsiders were often not permitted to see much less interfere with but considering the circumstances and the fact humans are different, we planned this all out ahead of time. 

as the doctor and his team entered the den I glanced down at Alita who seemed to be nervously watching the other humans, including the scientist. I also couldn't help but take note of how she protectively held her stomach while looking towards him.

my eyes moved to the scientist who was too enthralled by the cavern and the rest of the tribe– to care about us. Alita's brother as well as his mate were standing off to the side keeping watch over him and his two assistants and he called them. 

I wasn't sure as to why Alita felt so uncomfortable around him but I knew that whatever the reason, it couldn't mean anything good. 

putting my arm over her shoulders I steered us towards Elazar's den. she briefly looked at me with confusion etched on her face as I stared ahead.

“Is something wrong?” I questioned.

immediately I could feel her body tense in my hold as she averted her gaze. “Alita, did he do something to you?” My tail curled as I felt my animosity towards the scientist grew. 

“I'm fine Azriel.” She murmured.

stopping us both in our tracks I pulled her off to the side out of view before we entered Elazars den.

spinning her around to face me I kept Alita pinned between me and the cavern wall. “Do not lie to me– I can sense something is wrong! ever since that human appeared you have grown weary and tense. you hold yourself protectively and watch him with extreme care, as though you are afraid!” her eyes widened as she pressed her lips into a thin line. 

“if he did something to you–”

“he hasn't.” She stated plainly. “he has not hurt nor touched me, Azriel I promise.” She attempted to reassure me.

We stared at each other for a long moment as I searched her face for any signs of decievement. reaching up with her small hands she grabbed my cheeks pulling my face down close enough so that our foreheads touched. 

“You know I wouldn't lie to you about something like this. Humans just don't always get along okay? yes, I don't like that he's here and yes I'm– concerned… but it's okay because I have you and everyone else here with me. I know you'll keep me safe so please, don't worry about me.” 

my tail relaxed beneath my cape as I sighed and closed my eyes. 

pulling Alita into an embrace I nuzzled the top of her head as she leaned into me and clung to my sides. “I will trust in you, just as you have trusted me.”

“Thank you.” 

Pulling away from one another, Alita smiled and held my hand before pulling us along towards Elazar's den. 

Upon entering we watched from the side as the doctor and his team worked to set up the equipment and get things situated. Kora laid upon the center of her and Elazars bed, panting and sweating with Elazar sat crouched at her side providing as much comfort as he could to his small mate. 

it was concerning to see kora so pale and looking sickly but Alita didn't seem concerned.

giving my hand a tight squeeze she pulled away to move to kora's other side, I stuck close, standing behind her while doing my best to keep out of the way.