Chapter XXXIII: Injured Amalia

The sun was about to rise when we reached the foot of what they called Giant Hill. Thankfully, we were safely out of the forest with no creatures to encounter. I looked up at the top of the mountain we were about to climb. We hadn’t started to climb yet but I felt very tired right away.


“Can you just come back here? I'll just wait for you all here!” Ashton said and then sat on the ground while also looking up at the mountain.


"I feel dizzy right away even though we weren’t started yet," Stephan added and stood beside Ashton.


I understand how they feel because it is a literally giant mountain in front of us right now. Just imagine a mountain with an elevation of 8,848m, but Giant Hill was ten times higher.


“Stop complaining, assh*les! We are using our speed so we will reach the other side before the day ends!” It was Drake who gave the two a punch in their heads.


What I love about the Elites members even it was not that long ago since I got involved in their affairs, is they won’t make you feel intimidated. They are just simply humble and friendly specially the Hopkins twins. While Ashton and Stephan were the ice breakers if tension started to arise, then Drake on the other hand was just quiet but he shares authority as well and he is kind to me.


It is just Amalia that I doesn’t get along really well within the group, but given to that I am willing to get things well with her or not mind it at all. Oh, and Caden… he is the only one I always got intimidated because of his authority, but there is something special about him that I wouldn’t trade for anything else.


"Let's move," Caden said, still holding my hand.


Since we encountered those painted creatures, he didn’t let go of my hand anymore. I restrained myself from looking at Amalia who has been giving me deadly stares since from the beginning.


"Let’s go!" Drake pulled Amalia’s hand and started running in a haste.


Stephan and Tanya followed holding each other hands as well. So did the Sanya and Carmel with their partners. They quickly disappeared from our sight.


“Can you run with that same speed?” Caden asked, and I don’t know if I am just deceiving with my sight but I saw worrisome in his eyes as he’s looking at me intently.


“Or would you rather ride on my back?” My eyes widened at his last question and shook my head immediately.


"N-no… I can m-manage.” I stutters as I looked away. Our colleagues have come a long way, but my pupil could still see them clearly.


"All right. Let's go."


I felt his grip tightens and my body started moving, following him. The strong wind is hugging my body indicating that we were moving so fast. It feels so good having a good run.


We pass tall and majestic trees, larger than the natural size of a tree. The flowers around us were huge, as if we are all just ants compared to them.


"Just tell me if you're tired." I heard him said while we are sprinting. The animals we pass scramble in panic.


"Okay, thank you."


“Wow! You are fast!” Sanya surprisingly said when we caught up with them.


We were all running almost at the same time, no one stopped because everyone was determined to reach the other side of the mountain before the day ends. We have their own business to mind when we heard Amalia suddenly grunted in pain.


"Ouch!"


A deer passed by and at the same time Amalia stumbled from the ground, hitting a rock that was just across our way. Everyone stopped and immediately approached her.


I felt Caden's grip on my hand loosen and eventually let go of it.


"I'm sorry, Amalia…" Drake worriedly knelt in front of her.


“Her hand slipped from my grip when we both avoided the wild deer,” Drake explained to Caden when he got close.


Amalia and Drake were in front of us so they would be the first to meet a creature that will get along the way.



The King nodded at him, while Drake looks so disappointed.


"Where did you get hurt, Lia?" Caden worriedly asked her.


He knelt close to Amalia and wiped the tears from the woman's eyes. My heart started squeezing, but I couldn’t help myself from watching them. I also felt sorry for Amalia because it was obvious from her look that she was really hurt.


"I think I sprained my right a-ankle," she replied crying in pain. Her pants got ripped.


"Let me see it…" Caden carefully lifted her foot and removed the shoe she was wearing.


It was red and started to swell, so he wrapped it in a handkerchief.


“I told you, we should be partners. It wouldn't have happened if we were t-together.” Amalia bit her quivering lips. She is looking at Caden who was busy removing the dirt that stuck in her clothes.


The sight of Sanya rolling her eyes in disgust didn’t escape my sight. She started walking towards me.


“Such a great actress! Tsk!” she whispered.


I just told her not to mention it anymore. I was worried that Amalia might hear and cause trouble again.


"I'm really sorry, Amalia…" Drake is frowning the disappointment in his face is visible.


The woman looked at him with an arched eyebrow. I was saddened by her arrogant attitude towards Drake. Why does she need to do that? I know Drake didn't want that either. We are a team here, we have one goal and we care for everyone's safety.


“I will be a burden now! I can’t walk properly!” She crossed her arms on her chest, snorting at Drake.


"I will carry you," Drake suggested.


I also want to offer some help. I will see if I could do something with her sprained ankle.


“That would be a great idea. We will soon be able to go down as well. Then let's have some rest first before crossing the river,” Stephan added as he took Amalia’s bag.


“Uh, I-I could offer some help… I know some spell for healing. Let's see if I can do anything.” I hesitated at first for I feel like she will reject the help I will give, but still insisted.


They all looked at me like I am an answer to their prayers. Carmel even pulled me closer to Amalia.


"Please, help her, Miss Amaris…" Carmel said but Amalia shook her head in disagreement.


“No need. Maybe it'll be okay later, and Marcus will help me. The only help you can do is just go with Drake, Amaris…” she said and for the first time she smiled at me.


I was too stunned because that was first in ever.


I looked at her as I slowly nodded my head. “O-okay…”


I thought she will never talk me this calmed and I am happy for that. And all I could do was to agree with her. Even if I want to be with Caden, I don't have the right to say no because I'm sure that later on they really should be the ones to work together and be together.


"Is it okay for me to come with you?" I turned to Drake and a big smile greeted me.


“Of course. It's my pleasure protecting you…” he replied quickly.


My brows knotted when his both ears started turning red.


“Are you okay?” I asked worriedly as I took a step forward and was about to touch his ear when he dodge it. He almost gets out of balance because of panic.


“N-no, I mean, yes. I-I’m o-okay… sh*t, that’s embarrassing!” The last part was inaudible.


I just smiled at him, while the others started laughing. Giving him a teasing smile but Drake chose to be silent. Ashton even tapped his shoulder and whispered something.


“F*ck off!” Drake hit his arm in return.


"All right, that’s enough!” They were interrupted by Amalia, who’s now impatiently looking at us.


I looked at her injured leg and secretly cast a spell. I know she doesn't need my help but I still want to. She will notice the changes later.


I then looked at Caden who’s standing next to her. He has a blank expression in his face. He looks like he has a lot of things to say but still chose to keep it. I was about to take my bag from him, which was still slung over his shoulder when he turned his back on me.


He quickly supported Amalia who’s trying to get up. Caden carried her on his arms like she's the most fragile thing in the world, and Amalia was clinging onto him for her dear life. She looks so contented and happy.


Something cold poured into my stomach and immediately spread all over my body. I feel again that familiar pain that I try to ignore because I know I have no right to be hurt.


I realized again how perfect they were to each other. I also wonder what I have against Amalia, who she has known for a long time?


I looked away because it was too much to bear, but got caught my Sanya’s eyes. She was watching me as if a conclusion was made inside her head, then smiled at me. Maybe she already knew what I am feeling right now.


I'm scared. Up to this day, I still can’t confirm to myself what is this emotion I am feeling even after I have talked to Mathilda about this.