Chapter 2: Encounter in the Night

Night had fallen, and the estate lay shrouded in a tranquil darkness. A faint light spilled through the cracks in the curtains of Liora’s room, casting a dim and cozy glow. Yet, deep in the woods outside, danger lurked silently, inching closer.

Liora leaned wearily against her headboard, her favorite book spread open on her lap, though her thoughts had long drifted away from its words. The argument from earlier still echoed in her mind, especially Kaelan’s cold, cutting words: “If you don’t want to die, learn to shut up and listen.”

“Arrogant bastard,” she muttered through clenched teeth, tossing the book aside and preparing to get into bed.

Just then, a faint noise came from outside the window—like dry leaves being crushed underfoot. Her movements froze, and her eyes darted toward the window, alert. She stepped closer, carefully pulling back the curtain to peek outside. In the shadows of the woods, a barely perceptible figure moved between the trees.

“Where’s the security team?” she whispered to herself, her heart racing. Reaching for the handgun on her bedside table, she quickly disengaged the safety.

But before she could react further, the door to her room burst open. A tall figure strode in, and Liora instinctively raised her gun, finger brushing the trigger.

“It’s me.” Kaelan’s voice was low and steady.

The dim light from the room illuminated his face, his sharp gaze locked onto the weapon in her hands.

“Put it down,” he said, his tone commanding. “We don’t have time to waste.”

Liora hesitated for a moment before slowly lowering the gun. Her voice, however, was full of hostility. “What are you doing here? Is barging into my room in the middle of the night some kind of hobby for you?”

Kaelan ignored her question and strode toward the window, peering outside with practiced vigilance. His movements were precise, exuding a calm confidence that suggested he was no stranger to danger.

“Someone has infiltrated the estate,” he said, his voice low like the whisper of the wind. “You’re coming with me. Now.”

Though confused and wary, Liora chose to trust his instincts. After all, Kaelan was the “top-tier bodyguard” her father had hired at great expense. He wouldn’t sound the alarm without good reason.

As they left her room, the estate’s alarm suddenly blared, shattering the stillness of the night. The piercing sound echoed through the empty hallways, accompanied by hurried footsteps and shouts from the guards.

Kaelan grabbed Liora’s wrist, pulling her into a hidden corridor. She struggled against his grip, but his hold was unyielding, like iron.

“Let me go!” she hissed, her voice low but furious. “You’re hurting me!”

Kaelan glanced back at her, his eyes cold and resolute. “Be quiet. If you give away our position, you’ll regret it.”

Grinding her teeth, Liora had no choice but to submit to his authority, though her heart burned with indignation.

They navigated through a series of nearly forgotten passageways, eventually emerging into the garden. Under the cloak of night, the garden felt eerie, the moonlight barely piercing through the clouds to cast long, distorted shadows across the trees.

“Where are you taking me?” Liora finally asked in a hushed voice.

“Somewhere safe,” Kaelan replied curtly, offering no further explanation.

Suddenly, a gunshot rang out, shattering the silence! The bullet grazed Liora’s shoulder, embedding itself in the stone wall behind her. She let out a startled cry, her legs buckling beneath her.

Kaelan caught her effortlessly, pulling her into his arms and shielding her with his body. His movements were swift and decisive, as though he had anticipated the attack.

“Get down!” he commanded, drawing his gun and firing two quick shots into the darkness.

Liora had never been so close to death before. Her heart pounded furiously, each beat echoing in her ears like thunder.

“Who are they?” she gasped, clutching Kaelan’s arm in a desperate attempt to steady herself.

“Mercenaries,” Kaelan said coldly. “And they’re here for you.”

“Why me?” Liora froze, her mind racing.

“Because you’re Elias’s daughter.” His tone carried an undeniable weight. “Every move you make is a target to them.”

Kaelan led Liora through a labyrinth of hidden paths within the estate, his familiarity with every corner surpassing even hers. His composure and precision left Liora both stunned and intrigued. Who was he, really? How could he remain so calm in the face of danger?

At last, they arrived at a concealed underground chamber. After locking the door and confirming they were alone, Kaelan released her wrist.

Liora rubbed the sore spot, glaring at him. “You’re always so rough with me. One day, I’ll regret trusting you.”

Kaelan ignored her complaint, instead turning his attention to her shoulder. His fingers brushed her skin as he inspected the wound, his voice uncharacteristically soft. “It’s not deep, but it needs to be treated.”

Liora blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his gentleness. “Why are you doing this?”

“What?”

“Saving me.”

Kaelan looked up, his dark eyes meeting hers. His answer was simple and unwavering: “It’s my duty.”

“Just your duty?” she pressed, searching his face for any hint of emotion.

His expression remained stoic. “Yes.”

She wanted to push further, but the cold detachment in his gaze silenced her. Her questions would have to wait.

That night, as Liora lay awake in the dim chamber, Kaelan’s actions replayed in her mind. His calmness, his courage, and his fearless protection stirred something deep within her.

Perhaps he wasn’t as heartless as he appeared. Perhaps there was more to him than she had imagined.

This was only the beginning.