“You are the Queen Luna,” he stated after a moment, observing me. “The chica looks like you.” I smiled and nodded.
“Yes, she does,” I replied, taking a seat on the bed and opening the basket that Kataleya had so excitedly brought along. “Do you feel better?”
“You healed me,” he stated, sounding almost bitter.
“You were in a lot of pain, Enrique. How did you get hurt?” I asked, unwrapping the turkey sandwich and the pastries. The smell wafted into the air, and I hoped he would soon be tempted, or I at least wished he would be.
“I didn’t get hurt.” He meant that. I could sense that.
“Did your father do that?” I rephrased. He stayed silent. I looked into his hazel eyes.
“This is the price of disobedience,” he replied quietly, turning away from me. He believed what he said,too...
My heart squeezed as I gazed at his back, noticing the scars on his neck. This boy had been through more than anyone of his age.
“Enrique, do you wish to return to your father, or would you like to start a new life somewhere safe?” I asked gently. He turned back to me sharply, his brow furrowed.
“I am the future alpha of the pack! I will return home. My padre is only doing the best for me. He only teaches me… how to be the best of alphas…”
He looked down at his hand, and he blinked furiously. I stood up, not caring about the consequences and pulled the child into my arms, hugging him tightly as I tried to control my own emotions. He lost his hand for disobeying his father… for Kataleya. I knew that even if he didn’t say it out loud.
“You will be the best alpha. Not because of your father, but because you are a good person,” I whispered as he struggled to push me away, but at the same time, it was clear he didn’t want to attack me. His heart was racing, and I could sense his sadness.
“I don’t think so… I won’t even be able to run in wolf form,” he whispered bitterly, yanking free from my hold. I looked at him with sadness and gave him a gentle smile.
“You know, when I was two years old, we were attacked by a rogue attack and my ankle was crushed. For years I had a limp, and I was in constant pain, but I learned to fight in wolf form and in human form. I used a staff for support, too,” I confessed. Looking at the food and picking up a sandwich, I offered it to him. He shook his head, refusing the food, yet his eyes were on me, clearly listening to the story.
“Where there is a will, there is always a way,” I continued softly. I was sure there was something else I was lacking… but I couldn’t remember. It was just there niggling at the back of my mind. I brushed it away as the boy shook his head.
“Then how are you cured? You have no limp now.”
“No… I think…” How was it cured? The blanks in my memories were worrying me.
“It doesn’t matter. Hand or not… I will do my best.” His words were full of sadness even though he was trying to mask his emotions.
“You know… you could stay here until you are of age to lead your pack. We can take care of you,” I offered, gently taking hold of his right wrist and tugging him towards the bed. I knew it wasn’t that easy, but I was ready to legally fight the Council or whoever I needed to if he so wanted it.
“No thanks, but I am in your hold until you free me,” he refused coldly. I placed the sandwich in his hand.
“I am sorry, but Alejandro means well. I’m just sorry you were brought into it.” He stayed silent, refusing to eat, and I knew I had to give up before he got angry. “Kataleya was worried for you; she was concerned about your safety, too.”
“She cost me more than she is worth. I don’t want to see her as long as I’m here,” he hissed resentfully.
I nodded, feeling a pang of hurt. I understood Kataleya’s concern… but at the same time, I understood the little boy before me. He had lost his hand because he protected her.
“I will explain that to her,” I promised, standing up. It hurt knowing how much he had gone through and how his act of goodness had cost him so much… I wished there was a way I could help him, but even I couldn’t regenerate limbs. “Please, eat and watch some movies to pass the time. If you need anything, let the guards know. I will have some clothes sent to you later. Is there anything else you would like? Games? A Play Station? Books?”
“Nothing.” His reply was icy and flat. I nodded and gestured to the food.
“Try to eat, and if you need to go to the bathroom or would like to shower, you can ask the guards,” I told him before taking my leave. The moment the door shut behind me, I looked at one of the men.
“Milo, please keep an eye on him.”
“I will. Don’t worry, Luna.”
I nodded and walked down the hall, following Alejandro’s scent until I found him in the main hall, where Kevin was playing with Kataleya, trying to cheer her up. Alejandro looked up when I approached.
“How did it go?” I shook my head.
