CHAPTER 96: NEED TO PROTECT HER

"That won’t happen as long as I’m alive," Lucien said, gently patting her back.

Leia felt the warmth from his chest seep into her body, comforting her. She slowly pulled away, looking into his eyes.

"I’ll never forget what you did for me today. Thank you. If you hadn’t come, I wouldn’t have been able to save myself."

Lucien hummed as he gave a slow nod.

"I’ll call the doctor. Your wound needs to be treated right away," Lucien said, then stepped out of the room.

Leia tried to get off the bed, supporting herself with her right leg, but the pain shot through her sharply, making it impossible to move.

Just then, Greta opened the door and froze, her eyes widening at Leia’s condition.

"I’ll help you. Please, stay in bed," Greta said gently.

Leia stopped struggling and watched as Greta walked to the cupboard. She pulled out a maxi dress and helped Leia change into it with care.

"The doctor will be here shortly," Greta added, handing her a glass of water.

Leia took it with a soft thank-you, sipping slowly.

~~~~

Lucien put on a shirt and headed to Leia’s room to check on her. She was half-lying on the bed with closed eyes. The doctor had already left after taking her blood sample.

"Are you asleep, Leia?" Lucien asked softly.

"Huh? No." Leia opened her eyes slowly. "The doctor gave me some medicine. I took it after Greta brought me a little food." She paused, then looked at him. "Did you find out who did this to me?"

"The warriors are still searching," Lucien replied. "The truth should come out soon."

Then, sitting next to her, he added with a faint smile, "But that shouldn’t be your concern. Just focus on your recovery. And I must say, you run well."

"When death is chasing you, anyone can become a good runner," Leia said. Then, curiosity flashing in her eyes, she asked, "But how did you find me?"

"From the GPS in your car," Lucien replied.

"Leia!"

Suddenly, the door burst open as both Kieran and Ronan rushed inside at the same time.

"I’m so sorry," Kieran blurted, his voice laced with guilt. "I... had my phone on silent, and I was so caught up with work that I forgot to even check it. I only found out when someone informed me."

He moved closer and sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes scanning her bruised hands and legs.

"You’re badly injured," he whispered, the guilt weighing heavy on his face.

Ronan, on the other hand, stood stiffly, unable to meet Leia’s eyes. He felt a deep pang of shame, he had ignored her call on purpose. Now, standing before her, he had no excuse. He was the one who promised to protect her, yet when she needed him most, he vanished.

"Who did this to you?" Ronan finally asked.

"I don’t know. I’ve never seen him before, not until today," Leia replied. "I went to the bakery, and I encountered him. Then, on my way back, he suddenly rushed at my car. He shattered the windshield. He wasn’t after anything, he just wanted to kill me."

"Caleb and the warriors are tracking him now," Lucien added, updating both his brothers.

"Which bakery did you go to?" Ronan asked.

"The Purple Bakery," Leia answered.

Without another word, Ronan turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, boots thudding against the floor.

"Why did he leave like that?" Leia asked, glancing between Lucien and Kieran.

"To find the one who attacked you," Lucien replied. Then he softened his tone. "You should try to sleep for a while. Your wounds will take time to heal."

Leia gave a faint nod. "Hmm."

"Stay with her," Lucien said to Kieran before he walked out of the room.

Kieran gently tucked the blanket around her, his fingers lingering for a moment. "I’m such a terrible person," he murmured. "I let you drive alone. What if something worse had happened to you? I wouldn’t have been able to forgive myself... ever."

"It’s not your fault. You were busy," Leia said, reaching out to take his hand.

Kieran looked down at the bandage wrapped around her hand, guilt flickering in his eyes. He held it gently, brushing his thumb across her fingers.

"Leia," he whispered, "I really did make a huge mistake. No excuse can stop this guilt from eating me up."

"You think too much," Leia murmured. The effect of the medicine had begun to take hold, and her eyes fluttered shut slowly.

Kieran watched her as she drifted to sleep, her breathing growing steady. He gently slipped his hand out of hers, careful not to wake her.

’This won’t do,’ he thought, his eyes fixed on her peaceful face. ’Things like this could happen again. I need to protect her... I need to find a way to always be close to you, no matter what.’

~~~~

Lucien yanked Ronan back before he could step into the car, slamming the door shut with a loud thud. In a flash, his hand shot to Ronan’s collar, gripping it tightly.

"Why didn’t you protect Leia?" he growled with fury. "I told both you and Kieran to keep a close watch on her! Do you even realize the condition I found her in!?"

Ronan flinched as Lucien’s eyes flared a deep, dangerous red. He had never seen his brother this enraged.

"I—I just wanted to keep some distance from her," Ronan stammered. "I didn’t think something like this would happen. I know I messed up. I have no excuse for it. But I swear, I’ll find the bastard who did this. I’ll rip him to shreds for touching Leia."

"Ronan, she cares for you. You better not ignore her. I never expected this from you. I know you’ve your own insecurities, but this is the last time, you’ve done something like this."

Lucien turned calm as he lowered his hand from Ronan’s collar. "I’m sorry," he whispered.