Even with Valora in the front and Henry by her side, even though Ray stood by Deifilia, and even though Doran and Ken were with them; they couldn't escape the gazes from the crowd.
The twenty-four that were behind and their brown skins: that was their source of attention. People frowned at them even though they have seen droves of Deimians months before.
"It is to be expected," Doran said. "They think that they will take away their homes."
"That's preposterous," Valora took care in keeping her voice low.
Doran's lips turned. "That's the way of humans. They fear and hate anything that has the slightest change in norms," he looked at her.
Where the ways divided into the slums, Ray stopped. "Thank you for everything," he said. "I will repay it someday."
Valora looked at the ones with her and back at the boy. She knew that she couldn't take them to the boy's place. "Wish I could do more," she said regretfully. "Will you be alright?"
He gave a tense smile. "It will be."
