Upon hearing this, Ariana froze.
Holden quickly explained, I couldnt get in there, so I had to move you here. I switched his tag, telling him to go easy on you, but he didnt I messed up.
He softly brushed Arianas forehead and inquired, Does it still hurt?
Ariana felt resigned, shaking her head. Its nothing. He probably just got frustrated because he couldnt take me down right away. She then hesitated before saying, But its still dangerous here. What should we do next?
Holden replied, Just hang in there for a bit longer. Bennett is hosting a banquet for Conata officials here in three days. Ill get you out then.
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After a pause, he added, Dont worry. Ill be keeping an eye on you these next few days.
Ariana finally released her pent-up pressure and began to cry.
Holden kised her and said,
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.
Im sorry. He should have targeted me.
Ariana, still crying, shook her head and kised Holden. He embraced her tightly, responding to her kis.
Holden hated the thought of letting her stay here any longer but knew it wasnt the right time to take her away now. He didnt want to risk Ariana getting hurt again.
After sharing a quick update, Holden crouched down and pulled a small tube of ointment from his bag.
He applied the ointment to Arianas wound. She winced at the chilly touch, and Holden, blowing gently to warm the area, asked, Does it hurt?
Its just cold, Ariana replied, showing no sign of pain. After all she had been through, she was used to discomfort.
Medication was in short supply here and, if one wasnt on the verge of dying, one was usually left to fend for oneself.
Despite Arianas assurance, Holden was extra careful. This stuff is effective, and theres no smell, so it wont attract any unwanted attention. Youll be fine, he said.
When he finished applying the ointment, Holden set about prepping a spot for Ariana to sleep.
Despite the dirt everywhere, he didnt seem bothered as he used a clean rag to clear the mess.
Ariana felt awkward because part of the mess was her own vomit. She reached out for the rag, saying, I got it; let me help.
Dont worry about it. Just relax. Have something to eat, and Ill handle this, Holden replied, gently guiding her to sit down.
Okay, Ariana said. Despite Holdens reassurance, Ariana didnt rest; she just squatted next to him, watching him tidy up.
I thought youd like this little puppy, Holden remarked as he picked up the puppys bowl and poured in some goats milk.
Hearing him say that, Ariana felt a pang of sadness.
Holden brought her a bowl of noodles with some bits of meat, a real treat she hadnt tasted in days.
As she ate, tears started to roll down her cheeks.