Chapter 57

Althaia

After she had calmed down a bit, I handed Laila a bottle of water. We remained on the floor under the desk, not wanting her to witness the awful sight of that man.

“Are you okay?” I asked her quietly. She clutched the water bottle to her chest as she kept glancing at Damiano but would quickly look away again.

She nodded, taking a deep breath before speaking.

“You have blood on your face…” She whispered.

“Oh…” I said in surprise and blindly tried to wipe my face with Giovanni’s jacket.

“Did…” Laila swallowed hard, then whispered. “Did he do this to you?” Her wide eyes darted quickly to Damiano. I followed her gaze, forgetting his hands were covered in blood.

“Oh, no! No, he’s with me. He won’t do anything to harm me. Don’t worry, we’re safe with him.” I promised with a smile.

She let out a breath of relief, and her whole body seemed to relax.

“Laila, stay down here for a bit, okay? I’ll be right back.” She