Episode 16

Noah

As I gaze upon the ceiling of this room, all that transpired before refuses to vacate my mind. Did Arvan come to my defense, or was this his scheme all along? I didn't want to hear him out because I don't want him near me he only causes pain. If only I did not bear his mark, I could cease to be affected by his deeds. There's nothing redeemable in his actions; he's not someone with emotions. He cares for no one but himself.

Jorge: Mr. Noah, forgive me, I was powerless... even if it's true they did nothing, it's all Arvan’s fault.

"I won't mention any of this to my brother; after all, the fault lies with that man."

Jorge: But...

"It’s enough; I want no more talk about it, and I certainly don't want to hear you blaming yourself. There is only one responsible, and it isn't you. Take me home."

Jorge: As you wish, sir. He assisted me to my feet. I forced myself to walk alone through the corridors. Oddly, I heard no whispers behind me, which was strange. After what happened, I assumed their gossip would worsen, but it was quite the opposite. What's happening?... Not that it matters I want to go home, see my children, and rest.

"Jorge, Zoe, and Joe..."

Jorge: They're on their way home, sir. My men have already reported in.

"Thank you. Let's go; I need to see them"Like every time my world seems to crumble, or life feels utterly meaningless, a hug from my little ones restores everything.

I arrived home; little Zoe was the first to sprint into my arms, while Joe appeared to be busy with something else but dropped it to embrace me.

Joe: Daddy, are you alright?

"I'm fine, love, just tired."

Zoe: Come, we’ll sing to you as you fall asleep.

Joe: He needs to eat first.

"I'm really not hungry."

Joe: You always tell us to eat, so you should as well.

"Alright, alright, you're right, Mr. Joe"After I ate, despite my lack of appetite, I lay down, resting my head in Joe’s lap, while Zoe brushed my hair and sang one of her songs.

I didn't think hair brushing would help, but it was incredibly soothing.

Joe: Dad, when are we going back? I barely heard Joe's question; truthfully, I'm also afraid of how long we'll remain here. I know Arvan will take no interest in my life, but the thought of him discovering my children fills me with dread.

"Very soon, I promise."

Zoe: I like it here, but I want to go back too.

"Me too"I fell asleep, and when I awoke, my angels were fast asleep, embracing me. It was past 10 at night; I was very thirsty and went down to the kitchen.

Jorge: Mr. Noah, can't sleep?

"Yes, although the problem is I rested too well."

Jorge: You only slept a few hours.

"I've had a sleep disorder for years, with days where I don't sleep more than an hour, so for me, sleeping four or five hours feels like heaven."

Jorge: I've heard such things stem from severe causes, traumas, illnesses... Sorry, I'm speaking out of turn.

"No, don't worry, and you're correct; it didn't start from nowhere. I used to have dreadful nightmares that kept me from sleeping, and even though they’ve faded over time, I haven't fully shed those fears."

Jorge: I hope I'm not being intrusive, but is that why you can't stand the proximity of alphas? Even with his apologies, he doesn't beat around the bush, but while I usually detest discussing this, I don’t feel that way now.

"Yes, because of that"I focused on his face, feeling guilty about his bruises and touched his cheek with my hand.

"That man is a brute; how could he do this to you? I'm so sorry."His hand caught mine.

Jorge: It's okay, no need to apologize; it wasn't your doing. Protecting you is my duty, which I failed to do today. It won't happen again, I promise.

"I know, you're very dependable. Let me tend to your face."

Jorge: It's not necessary; I took care of it when I got home.

"No offense, but you possess zero skill in that area."

Jorge: It's not offensive, you're right.

"Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. I’ve treated many of the twins’ injuries from their mischief, and some have been much worse. You won’t look like a heartthrob, but at least you'll present a fairly decent face tomorrow."

Jorge: Does it look that bad? I touched the wound on his lip.

"A bit, though it could've been worse."I pulled my hand away when I met his surprised and confused gaze. What was I doing?

"I'll fetch the first-aid kit"I hoped things wouldn’t get awkward from now on. When he saw me return, he stood up from where he had been sitting, probably out of habit.

"Here it is, umm, there are many things here I've no idea what they're for, but this was prepared by the overprotective Elian, so it can't be helped."

Jorge: He takes very good care of you all.

"Yes, he's a great brother, they both are. Please sit; you're too tall for me, and it'll hurt my arms otherwise"He sat down, and I focused on his face, although he kept looking at me, as if wanting to say something at all costs. It seemed a little funny to me.

"Just say it!"

Jorge: Well, it's just... Your hands are very gentle.

"Well, I've only practiced on my kids."

Jorge: That explains it, and your eyes I thought it was the light, but they really do have two colors, one shade is lighter than the other... I started putting everything away; I had finished, and also remembered Caled and some others commenting on how unusual they are.

Jorge: They’re incredible, with all due respect, they're beautiful! I've never seen anything like it, and I can’t believe I'm just noticing now.

"It might be due to the blows, umm goodnight"Heavens, I wanted to escape but I spilt everything; I hadn’t secured it properly in my rush to leave. Did I get nervous just because he complimented my eyes?

Jorge: Let me help you, please.

Joe: Daddy? I went to him quickly, grateful for the escape from that awkward moment.

"Love, why are you awake?"

Joe: I was looking for you.

"Alright, let’s get back to bed."I picked him up, bid Jorge goodbye, and we left.

Joe: Daddy?

"Yes, my love?"

Joe: I like Jorge.

"Ha, it's obvious, he always indulges your whims, but go to sleep now."

Joe: Don't you like him?

"He's an excellent bodyguard and a good person; if I didn't like him, he wouldn't be with us."

Joe: Goodnight, Daddy.