When Silence Was Loud

Chapter 10

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"You little pest!"

Noa jolted awake, startled by the loud crash and the sharp cry of pain that followed. His heart raced as he quickly sat up, still groggy from sleep but alert enough to recognize that something was wrong. His eyes focused on the scene before him: Eve was bowed low to the ground while Kubek stood over her, his foot grinding a fish that Eve had evidently been eating into the dirt.

Kubek's voice was harsh. His outburst was unlike the usually composed scout, and it took Noa a moment to fully comprehend what was happening.

Eve let out a soft whimper, clearly in pain and fear. The sight of her cowering like that sent a surge of protective instinct through Noa, snapping him fully awake. He clenched his fists, the haze of sleep evaporating as anger flared within him.

"Kubek!" Noa's voice was sharp as he stood, walking to them and pulling the older ape away from her. "What do you think you're doing?"

He glanced over at Noa, his face twisted in defiance. "She stole food, Noa," he said, pointing at the crushed fish beneath his foot. "I caught her nibbling at it while we were resting. I was just trying to—"

"Trying to what? Punish her? Over a fish?" Noa's voice cut through Kubek's explanation. He moved closer, placing himself between Eve and Kubek. "You have no right to treat her like this."

The ape's face darkened, but he took a step back, lowering his gaze. "I was just trying to teach her a lesson, Noa. The echo needs to learn that she can't just take what she wants."

Noa felt frustration as he stared at Eve's trembling form. The way she bowed so low to the ground, as if trying to make herself as small as possible, struck a chord in him. It wasn't just the incident with Kubek that troubled him, but the realization that this might not have been the first time Eve had faced such harsh treatment.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside him. It was just now that it became clear to him that Eve's instincts to cower and submit like this had been ingrained in her. The thought made Noa's hands curl into fists. Was it the apes who were supposed to protect and care for her have been the ones who made her like this—afraid, submissive, and conditioned to expect cruelty?

He'd seen glimpses of this kind of behavior before, small moments of teasing and exclusion from the other apes in the Eagle Clan. Anaya and Soona had always been quick to intervene, their protective presence a constant shield for Eve. But now, with them back in the camp and him responsible for her safety, Noa couldn't help but wonder if things like this had happened under his watch without him knowing.

He stood tall, his gaze firm as he spoke. "I'm the one responsible for her," he repeated, ensuring his words held weight. "And as your leader, I order you not to do this ever again, Kubek. Whatever she does is my responsibility. If you have a problem with it, then consider me at fault for her mistake. Is that clear?"

Kubek's nostrils flared with restrained anger, but he nodded, his tone stiff as he replied, "... I understand, Noa." There was a brief pause before he added, "We should get going. The sun's been up for a while now."

Noa glanced outside, noticing the light streaming into the cave. As Kubek turned to leave, Noa took a moment to collect himself. He rubbed his face, trying to calm the frustration that lingered beneath the surface. Perhaps Eve's hunger had driven her to act out of instinct, seeking food in accordance to the clan's early routine of feeding time. 

He crouched down beside Eve, his voice soft as he urged her to get up. "It's okay now, Eve. Kubek's gone outside. You don't need to be afraid anymore." But Eve remained curled up, unmoving, her body still tense with fear.