Chapter 196: Give them space
"Idris, did you have your meals?" Casaio asked gently, his tone softening as he looked at the frail boy.
"I... I was waiting for my sister," Idris replied, glancing up with wide and hopeful eyes. Then, worry crept back into his voice. "I won’t have to go back to the Blood Dominion Pack, will I?"
He took a hesitant step closer to Casaio, his hands began trembling slightly.
"Please, sir... don’t send me back," Idris pleaded. "They’re bad people... They never let me go anywhere. I was always locked in. I tried to be good, but they still—" He broke off, clutching Zilia’s hand tighter.
Casaio stared at the boy, momentarily taken aback by the fear in his voice. He glanced at Zilia, her cheeks were still wet with tears.
"I’ll cook something for you, Idris," Zilia said gently, brushing her fingers through his hair. "Go wash your face in the bathroom, alright?"
Idris gave a silent nod and shuffled away, his small frame disappearing into the room.
Zilia turned to Casaio, and said, "Please... convey my gratitude to Gabriel. I never imagined I’d see Idris like this. He is free and not behind guarded walls. The few times I saw him before... it was always under strict security."
"Idris can’t stay with you," Casaio said.
Zilia gave a small nod, already expecting the answer. "I understand. Wherever you place him, I trust he’ll be safe under your protection."
"He’s twelve. Has his wolf awakened?" Casaio asked, folding his arms.