Alça left the room where the boy finally slept, wrapped in the warmth of blankets after she had tended to him. The twins remained close to the fire, silent, their eyes fixed on the crackling flames. They were still too young to fully understand the gravity of the situation, but the worry was palpable on their faces.
She approached them, her silver eyes resting on their anxious features. "Don't worry," she said in a soft yet firm voice, her hand resting on Lioras and Eilora's shoulders. "Your brother will be fine after some rest. He just needs time to heal, just like you."
Alça watched as their shoulders relaxed slightly, their faces, though still marked by fear, began to show a glimmer of hope. She knew these words were crucial, for even though she herself felt a deep concern for the boy, she needed to give them a semblance of normality. "You must stay here by the fire and warm up. I will make sure everything is alright."
The twins exchanged a glance, then nodded gently. Eilora, with her timid voice, whispered, "Okay. But... what if our brother doesn't wake up?"
Alça knelt down to their level, her gaze intense. "He will wake up, I promise. I will not let you down. I will watch over all of you." Her promise, filled with conviction, eased some of their fears. The children moved closer to the fire, hope illuminating their faces still marked by fright.
She turned away from them, her mind full of questions, and climbed to her office. The relative calm of the small house contrasted sharply with the deafening roar of the storm outside. Each gust slammed against the windows as if to remind them that they were not yet safe from all dangers. Alça moved to the small window, watching the snowflakes swirling in the wind. The snow had piled up in thick mounds around the house, rendering the surroundings nearly invisible.
A strange sensation coursed down her spine. She froze, straining to listen. Horses. There were sounds, almost muffled by the blizzard, but Alça was certain. Someone was approaching, and not on foot. She grabbed a torch from the room, lit it, and the flickering light illuminated the dark space. The flame danced, casting shadows on the walls. This light would be enough to signal her presence to those who approached.
The storm continued to rage, but she was determined to protect these children. She stepped outside the house, the snow biting at her skin, her heart racing as she carefully navigated through the snow. Suddenly, she heard the sound of voices growing louder amidst the howling winds.
"Madame? Where are you going?" It was Eilora, now awake, her eyes shining with worry.
"I'm going to get help," Alça replied softly, but firmly.
"Can we come with you?" Lioras asked, his voice trembling.
"No, you must stay here by the fire and keep warm," Alça insisted, kneeling down to them again, their small faces looking up at her with uncertainty. "Please, I need you to trust me."
The twins exchanged worried glances but nodded. "Okay, Madame," they murmured in unison.
As she stepped outside, Alça focused on the growing sounds of hooves crunching in the snow. The carriages were drawing nearer, and she could make out the figure of Alex on horseback leading the way.
"Madame, I received your call," he said, concern etched on his features. "What is happening here?"
"There are children, Alex. I found three, and one of them is hurt. I need to get them to safety."
"Three children? Where did you find them?" he asked, perplexed.
"I'll explain everything later when we're back at the duchy," Alça replied, determination in her tone. "Right now, we need to act quickly."
Alex nodded, his face hardening at the thought of the children in danger. "We'll take care of it. Prepare the carriage!"
Alça ensured that the twins stayed close to her. "Stay near me," she instructed, leaning down to the children. "Everything will be fine."
As they moved toward the carriage, Alça could see the outlines of two of her servants waiting, ready to help. She gestured for them to approach, their faces reflecting concern for her safety.
With the children in the arms of the servants and Sulas on her lap, Alça stepped into the carriage, the warmth enveloping them. The chill from outside was stark, and she felt the need to keep the children close.
As they began their journey through the storm, Alça made sure to keep her hand steady on the torch, casting light around them. The tension in the carriage was palpable, the fear of the unknown mingling with the warmth of their shared space.
The carriage jolted over the uneven ground, and Alça turned her attention to the twins, who were cradled by the servants. "You both are very brave," she said softly, kneeling beside them. "We're all going to return to the duchy. I will be here to protect you."
Lioras had already drifted into a restless sleep, while Eilora remained awake, her gaze fixated on the flame of the torch. "Madame," she said in a barely audible voice, "have you always been a… protector?"
The question took Alça by surprise. She paused, letting her mind wander through memories. "I have always tried to protect those around me," she admitted finally. "But there are times when I have felt lost myself."
"But you won't let us down, will you?" Eilora pressed, her eyes filled with hope.
"Never," Alça replied firmly. "I will do everything to watch over you."
The twins needed to feel this promise. She felt guilty for not being able to explain everything to them now, for not being able to share the entirety of their situation. But the night was too dark, and the path still too uncertain. As the storm howled outside, Alça held the torch high, casting a warm glow within the carriage, determined to protect these children against all odds.