Chapter four: What's on my back?

"What?"

He had caught me looking at him.

"Uh...n-nothing."

I felt embarrassed to be caught staring so unabashed. He came closer to me and sat on the floor of the outside cell, just close enough so I could see how rich his warm brown eyes were and the kindness that lay there like it was it's permanent abode. It was his turn to stare at me but I couldn't hold his gaze so I turned away, trying to pretend he wasn't near and I wasn't affected by his intense, studying look.

"Amyra?"

"Yes?"

Though I replied, I wasn't staring directly at him. I wasn't a bold or confident person by nature. I was usually shy, quiet and simple, and I liked it quite well though my personality had been taken for granted many times.

"How's your back faring?"

I wasn't sure if that was what he'd initially wanted to say but I replied nonetheless.

"Still as it was. You know I haven't treated it yet. Immediately the Luna was done whipping me, I was brought here."

"The offer is still on the table?"

"What offer?"

I asked, a bit perplexed.

"To tend your wounds."

"Ah no. I can't let you do that. You have done enough already, asking or letting you do more is going to be selfish on my part. I can't be selfish."

I hastily protested. As much as I knew I needed help and that my wounds needed urgent tending, it was not going to be worth it if he was caught coming from the kitchen with a bowl of water or clean cloth or even ointment.

"Why?"

"Getting the things needed to tend this wound is going to be quite difficult as you'll need not to allow yourself be seen. That is not what I can risk."

"But the risk is worth undergoing looking at your present situation. That wound needs urgent care else it might get infected."

He was barely done with his statement when I felt something crawl up my open, tender back and stung me badly. I jumped and screamed.

"What is wrong?"

"My back."

"What's wrong with it?"

He was already up with me. Concern ringing clear in his tone.

"My back. I was stung. Something stung me. I don't know."

I wailed. Tears were already streaming down my cheeks. The pain was heart stopping. I couldn't touch my back because of how raw and wounded it was. I had even unzipped my dress to prevent the material from clinging to my skin.

"Where? When?"

Luthan asked already reaching out for the keys in his pocket and unlocking it. That was another order from the Alpha disobeyed. No one should open the my cell, talk more of entering it. But at the moment, Luthan didn't care about those rules.

"Let me see your back, Amyra."

I forgot the fact that my back was in full view and turned to him. Ordinarily, I would have been too shy to let a man come close but this was dire. I was hurt.

"Please try to stay still, Amyra. I need to see how far this thing stung you."

I willed myself to remain still but my arms couldn't. I was tempted to scratch that place, but I knew that would erupt a great bout of discomfort and pain. He winced.

"What? Tell me, Luthan. What is it? Is it that bad?"

"It's bleeding. I can see the place. The insect stung you where the wounds are worse."

"Oh my goodness."

I cried. A desolate wave of helplessness and hurt washed over me. What had I done to deserve this?

"At this rate, we're going to have to clean this wound, Amyra. Else, it might just get worse. Who knows what this stinging insect has deposited in you? The toxic substance it carries in its body? What if it amplifies the already messy condition of your back. Do you want to risk that? "

The way he was saying it was putting a huge fear in me. I didn't want anything bad to happen to me or permanently ruin my body. But then again...

"It's a risk, Luthan. A very great risk. You know what the Alpha would do to you if you're found helping me? Being in here with me is enough to put you in great trouble with the Alpha. Please, let's just forget about tending. When I get out of here, I'll tend the wound."

"What if it's too late by then? Moreover, you know how it is in the manor? Do you think a domestic staff will be given the time and opportunity to indulge in self-care even if it was for health reasons? You know the Alpha and Luna does not tolerate that."

Hopelessness filled the pit of my stomach. It was true. No domestic staff was allowed time for self unless when it's their off days and even at that, you have to do your self-care outside of the manor.

"You're right. But I can't still let you go put yourself in trouble for me."

"You're worth the risk."

The manner in which he'd said that, thrilled my insides and made my lips curve in smile despite the pain I was feeling. Any argument left in me vanished and I could only nod.

"But please be careful. Don't allow anyone see you and if things get too much for you to handle and you know it will put you in trouble, just forfeit it and come back."

"Don't worry, I'll make sure I return with the necessities needed to tend to your wound."

He smiled and butterflies fluttered. Enthralled by the wide, sweet spread of his mouth, mine spread wider. I was beginning to think I have a crush on him. He touched my cheek and unlike the previous thought that I'd had that a man touching me even innocently was going to be annoying. Bit I was annoyed, I found it pleasing. He locked the cell and was about to go when I called his attention.

"Luthan, be careful. If it's impossible, don't venture further."

He nodded and turned to go.

"Promise."

He stared at me for few seconds.

"I promise."

"Good. Now you can go."

As he left, I prayed that he wasn't caught. This wasn't like bringing food to me.