Sitting. Waiting. Hoping for some news. Being stuck in the Lethicine Section waiting for information on Ayanna was probably one of the most painful things I had ever endured.

I stood up and started pacing within the oppressive green walls. Like a caged animal, I prowled around the confines of the room. I should have gotten involved sooner. I was a coward. She was close to death when I finally found Andre and the group of Balten.

My legs had collapsed under her weight.

Why wasn’t I stronger?

“Sit down, Ali.” Andre’s voice grated against my ears, its calmness almost mocking my turmoil.

“How can I?” I spat back.

“You can’t help her by working yourself up.”

“I can’t help her at all.” I growled, the frustration boiling over.

He was worse than me – he never even tried to find out what was going on. As always putting his own safety over Ayanna’s life.

“This is your fault.” I screamed, my voice cracking with the intensity of my accusation.

Hurt flashed across his face, but it did nothing to stop the tears streaming down mine.

“You should have done something.”

“Ali, this isn’t anyone's fault but the people who did this to her.”

His words struck me as hard as any hammer could because he was wrong.

“It was my fault.”

“No, it wasn’t.” Andre got up, wrapping his arms around my shaking body.

I shoved him away brutally.

“It was. It was my fault.” My voice was hoarse, every word scraping against my raw throat.

I tasted the snot and salty tears trailing into my mouth. My hair stuck to my face as my hands lay uselessly by my side.

“I watched, Andre.” I croaked, barely audible. “I didn’t do anything but watch.”

“Ali…” he trailed off, his voice losing its strength.

“See?” I whispered, broken and defeated. “I am a monster.”

“Ali. You. Are. Not. A. Monster.” He enunciated each word with a voice as strong as steel. “The only reason she might survive is because of you.”

“And if she doesn’t?” I sounded so fragile, so irreparably shattered.

“If she doesn’t, you gave her a chance.” He grabbed my hand in his warm one. “Not many people would have risked their life for basically a stranger.”

I couldn’t respond. Overcome with immense guilt, I slid to the ground, hugging my knees to my chest. This was all too much. I had not cried as much as I had in these past few days in the last six months.

But through it all, he never left my side. He was a steady comfort, now with his arm draped over my shoulders, holding me close. He had seen some of the worst of me and he kept coming back.

Andre had been there for me.

Hours passed with no word. The silence was agonising, each tick of the clock clutched at my heart.

Until the door slammed open, and in stormed an orcan as furious as the Greek Furies, his blue hair identical to Ayanna’s. Zicco’s eyes found mine, blazing with hatred, and he directed every bit of his rage at me. Standing up was a mistake; the next thing I knew, my back was kissing the cold wall. Pain reverberated through me at the impact.

“This is ALL your fault!” he screamed into my ear, his ringed knuckles connecting with my jaw.

I tasted blood, as sharp and bitter as my guilt.

I didn’t fight back. Even as Andre tugged on his arm, desperately pleading my case, I knew he was fighting a losing battle. I had accepted my fate. Zicco’s burning eyes remained fixed on me, his fist relentless.

“STOP!” a commanding voice cut through the chaos.

Reluctantly, Zicco released me. I slid to the floor like a sack of potatoes, but not before he delivered a vicious kick to my ribs.

“Zicco,” the elderly orcan growled, “that human you just beat to a pulp saved your sister’s life.”

But I wasn’t concerned with my injuries.

“Is she alive?” My voice was tender, a fragile piece of hope lacing my words.

“Yes, Ali.” He smiled at me, his face softening as he walked over. Groaning, he bent down next to me. “Every Fiola is in your debt.”

“No. It was my fault.” I couldn’t shake the overwhelming guilt.

His papery-soft hand rested atop mine, a touch as gentle as a loving grandparent.

“Don’t be a fool,” he sighed. “Those blasted rebels are to blame.”

Zicco suddenly pushed me aside, forcing Elynn to face him. “I need to see Ayanna.” Pain filled his voice, raw and desperate. “Please, can I see my sister?”

Understanding filled his warm brown eyes. “Follow me,” he said, glancing at me. “All of you.”

Relief flooded the room when Elynn informed us that they had successfully closed the wound and that Ayanna was now awake. Although he mentioned that her recovery would be slow—Borcans took much longer to heal than humans—and that she should avoid any fighting for at least nine months. But at Zicco’s pointed look, I assumed that wouldn’t be happening.

During the walk over, Zicco hadn’t stopped glaring at me, smirking at my bruises, and interrogating me about what had happened. I explained everything—my inability to get involved, the snide comments about him, their hatred towards the Orc.

Surprisingly, he listened. Guilt crept onto his features, probably because he hadn’t been there—a feeling I knew all too well.

Reaching the door, I hesitated, unsure if Ayanna would want to see me. When I looked back, I saw André’s encouraging smile, his electric blue eyes sparkling with reassurance.

Stepping through the door, I saw Zicco and Ayanna wrapped in an embrace. Her skin was unnaturally pale, her frame withdrawn as she tucked her head into the crook of his neck. Whispering words into her ear, Zicco let a few tears escape before hardening again when he took in her full appearance and her beaten frame.

She finally noticed us, leaning awkwardly at the door, feeling out of place and intrusive. I was about to leave them in peace when her soft voice brought me back. “Did they do that to you?”

I could have laughed, but instead, I looked directly at Zicco when I said, “Yes.”

I knew he wouldn’t want her to know. He didn’t regret it, but we both knew she didn’t blame me. At least, not yet.

André stiffened at my lie, clearly wanting me to tell her the truth.

“Thank you so much,” she smiled. “I don’t remember what happened, but I know you saved my life.”

“I should’ve done more,” I said, my voice cracking.

“You gave me my life,” she replied, looking at her brother with so much love it broke my heart. “I couldn’t ask for more.”

“I—”

She cut me off. “This isn’t even your world, and you could’ve died saving someone you hardly know. Don’t even think of feeling guilty.”

I nodded, my throat too tight to speak.

“So, how did you save me?” she asked, curiosity mingling with gratitude in her eyes.

“I stole the busol we made yesterday.” A shadow of a smile tickled the corner of my mouth.

Her laugh filled the room, a beautiful sound that took a violent turn when she started coughing. Zicco hastily handed her some water as Elynn told us we should leave her to rest.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” I told her softly.

André nodded at her, exchanging unspoken words as we walked out, leaving the two siblings to talk.

‘Ali.’ Elynn called.

‘Yes.’

‘Next time you want something ask.’ He smiled. ‘The Busol isn’t cheap.’

‘I’m sorry.’ I looked down.

‘But it is not more expensive than Ayanna’s life.’

I nodded leaving the elderly orcan.

Before I could turn in for the night I was stopped by Elra, Wren and Tyke, each one's expression grave.

Anger bubbled in my veins as they came closer.

My feet moved of their own accord as I went right up to Tyke’s scarred face spitting at his feet.

‘Where were you!’ I growled.

They had no reply.

‘She asked you a question.’ André snapped, showing a rare glimpse of his anger.

A joint force of anger against the three people meant to protect us.

‘We are increasing security and your training.’ Wren told us as if that helped while still not answering.

‘I ask you again. Where were you?’ Venom laced my words in a deady grasp.

‘I can not tell you.’ Tyke didn’t even flinch, remaining emotionless.

‘So you get us to train. As if it is our responsibility to save your people.’ André shook his head, ‘Ayanna would be dead if not for Ali.’

‘Ayanna would be dead if not for Elynn.’ Elra grinned cruelly.

‘Elra.’ Wren warned.

I laughed a cold laugh.

‘You are right. But where were you? You haven’t answered my question. You didn’t protect Ayanna. I am a human. I shouldn’t need to protect you.’

‘Well you didn’t protect her. You stood by and watched.’ She bit back.

‘You still talk a lot for someone who didn't even turn up.’

‘Ali.’ Tyke faced me, ‘The tour of the sections has been paused. Tomorrow at dawn we will train you. Both of you. Then the Orc shall decide what he sees fit to do.’

‘Why train us?’ I was confused. I just want to go home.

‘Because we can’t guarantee your safety.’ Wren admitted.

‘You aren’t helping Ayanna.’ I pointed out.

‘Ayanna is well trained but she was outnumbered and lacked any weapons.’ He replied.

I snorted, ‘Will we be given weapons then?’

‘Yes.’ Tyke finished.

Elra looked up at him in shock, ‘but —’

A look cut her off.

‘Goodnight humans.’ Wren dismissed us.

---

Author's note

Thank you so much for reading.

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