Chapter 17: Warm hugs
Jane spoke with a sad tone, "Things happened so suddenly that we didn't get a chance to understand. Just a week ago, he fell from the rooftop, and from that moment, he became paralyzed." Tears welled up in her eyes, but she held them back.
Alex nodded in understanding. "Is there no one in this village who can help him? I don't think this is something incurable, especially in this world."
Jane shook her head. "Unfortunately, there is no one who can help us. And those who can help us will not come to this small village, nor do we have the wealth to take him to the big towns and the capital."
Adrian spoke, "Big brother, Wizards can help my father, or alchemists, with high levels, but it's impossible to meet those people. I want to become one myself so I can find a cure for my father." His words were resolute; he was determined to find the cure for his father.
Alex patted him and gave words of encouragement. "You'll one day, Adrian. If possible, I'll also look for the cure."
Jane exclaimed, "Thanks for your help, but you don't have to…" But Alex stopped her. "Think of it as repayment for giving us shelter in your house."
Seeing Jane's husband, Alex remembered his own early days after his accident, when his condition was similar. Fortunately, he had only lost the ability to walk properly.
But he felt a pang of sadness seeing Jane taking care of her husband, especially after his own wife had left him, unable to imagine a future with a disabled man.
Alex's mind was on the day his wife left, and unintentionally he spoke, "I wish I had a wife like you."
"What?" Jane exclaimed, though there was little surprise in her voice.
Alex realized his mistake and tried to cover it up. "I mean, the way you are taking care of your husband," he said, his eyes fixed on her, "I felt he is lucky to have you as his wife."
Jane smiled, a faint blush colouring her cheeks. "It's been a while since anyone has said something so kind," she admitted softly, "I wish you find someone as wonderful as you deserve." her gaze shifting to Layla.
"So, my son has made some new friends," Jane exclaimed, her eyes twinkling. "Wow, how cute you are, dear! She pinched Layla's cheeks playfully. "Where are you from? This is the first time I've seen a beast woman in this village."
Layla greeted Jane; her tone sad. "Hello," she murmured, remaining silent as she struggled to find the right words to answer Jane's question.
Seeing this, Alex interjected, "Ah, this thing is..." He then began explaining the situation to Jane, carefully omitting some of the more gruesome details so she wouldn't see him as some sort of barbarian or murderer.
Hearing the whole story, she hugged her son tightly. "Oh my god, I didn't know you went through so much," she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. She then pulled Layla into the embrace as well, enveloping both children in a warm hug.
She then, in the end, hugged Alex warmly. "Thank you for saving these children," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. The hug was long and comforting, and Alex felt a surge of warmth in his chest and blood rush between his legs.
The hug was long, and Alex returned the embrace, struggling to maintain his composure as he tried not to get hard.
Breaking away from the embrace, Jane looked at Layla. "Dear, until we find your home and family, you can live with us. Consider this place your home." She gave her warm smile and accepted her as family.
Then she looked at Alex. "What about Elsa, if she is noble then isn't it better, we send her to her family?" Jane asked.
Alex, still reeling from the physical contact, desperately hoped Jane hadn't noticed the unmistakable evidence of his arousal pondered, "Being part of slave traders, it means her family is no good. Directly sending her back will endanger many lives. We don't know what they'll do to silence us."
"I'll handle this matter," Alex reassured her, his hand instinctively resting on her shoulder.
Jane nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her at Alex's words. "You guys must be hungry. Go sit for a while, and I'll prepare some dishes."
Alex, Layla, and Adrian returned to the guest room where Elsa was waiting. Seeing them come in, Elsa couldn't contain herself. "How long are we going to stay in this dirty place?" she demanded.
"Until I wish to... and you'll stay here with us till then," Alex said, his voice hardening. "You better not try anything funny, or you'll regret it." He had plans for her, and he couldn't wait to put them into action.