Chapter 10

Damien dropped Elara at the cafe, his hand lingering on hers before she left. His eyes, heavy with guilt and sorrow, pleaded for her not to go, though his lips said otherwise.

“What is it, Damien?” she asked softly, her voice as gentle as the morning breeze.

He hesitated, the words trapped in his throat. Finally, he spoke, his tone low but brimming with concern. “No, it’s nothing. You can go. Just… stay safe, please.”

She offered him a reassuring smile, trying to lift his spirits. “Yes. Don’t worry too much and have a nice day.”

Elara stepped out of the car and waved, her smile lingering as she disappeared into the cafe. Damien watched her until she was out of sight, his heart heavy. He picked up his phone, his face hardening with resolve as he made a call.

“I want you to keep an eye on Elara. Protect her at all costs,” he instructed his bodyguard before ending the call. With a deep sigh, he drove to his office, but his thoughts remained anchored to her. “I can’t hurt her anymore,” he whispered to himself, the words a solemn vow.

At the cafe, Elara’s day was occupied by her training alongside Aron, a new recruit. Tall and fair-skinned, with hazel eyes and blonde hair, Aron exuded a charm that made the female patrons blush and giggle. His deep, melodious voice only added to his allure. Despite his striking appearance, he was humble, and Elara quickly warmed to his friendly demeanor. Together, they learned the ropes, laughing through their mistakes and building a budding camaraderie.

By the time dusk painted the sky in shades of amber and rose, Damien had left work early to pick up Elara. He dialed her number, his voice steady but eager. “Hey, have you finished yet? I’m waiting for you outside.”

“Yep. Just give me two minutes. I’m coming,” she replied.

“Okay,” he said, ending the call.

Elara stepped out of the cafe moments later, spotting Damien leaning against his car. She waved, her smile radiant. Damien’s chest eased, the sight of her bringing an inexplicable relief. He waved back, but his breath caught when someone gently grabbed her hand from behind.

Startled, Elara turned. “Aron? What’s wrong?”

“You forgot your necklace on the table,” Aron said, holding it out. “Here you go.”

Elara’s eyes widened. “Oh, thank you! That’s my mom’s necklace. I don’t know what I would have done if I’d lost it. Thanks, Aron,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Damien’s heart tightened at the scene, a pang of jealousy twisting inside him. But he kept his distance, knowing he had no right to intervene. Their relationship was fragile, still finding its footing. As Elara waved goodbye to Aron and approached him, Damien pushed the feelings aside, opening the car door for her.

“Let’s go,” she said cheerfully.

“Yes,” he replied, his voice steady, though his thoughts churned.

On the drive home, Damien’s curiosity got the better of him. His hand fidgeted with the steering wheel as he asked, “Was that a new recruit?”

“Oh, yes. That was Aron. He started today. Poor guy had to go through a lot during the peak hours,” Elara said, chuckling softly.

Damien’s jealousy began to dissipate as he saw her smile. “It must have been hard. But it’s nice to hear that you’ve made a new friend,” he said, his tone warm.

Once home, Elara offered to make tea to go with the cheesecake she’d brought, and Damien gladly agreed. As they sat in the cozy living room, sipping tea, the conversation turned serious. Elara recounted her dream, describing Isabella Sinclair and the cryptic warnings she’d received.

“She called me Aurora,” Elara said, her brow furrowed. “Apparently, I bear the spirit and face of someone the evil recognizes. I wonder who Aurora was.”

Damien’s jaw tightened as he listened. “Aurora? I’ve never heard that name before,” he said. But inwardly, he vowed, if this connects Elara to the malevolent force, I’ll protect her, even if it costs me my life.

“Seeing how you can communicate with a dead person,” Damien said, his voice soft, “you must be really special, Elara.” He reached out, gently cupping her cheek. Her skin was warm against his hand, and for a fleeting moment, the weight of their troubles seemed lighter.

The clock struck five, its chime breaking the moment. Damien jolted upright. “I have to go now. Shadow can take control of my body at any time.” He turned to leave, but Elara grabbed his hand.

“Wait! Don’t go,” she said, her cheeks flushing. Damien paused, his heart lifting slightly at her plea.

“I mean,” she stammered, “evil spirits are strongest around seven o’clock. That’s when they’re most active.”

“How do you know that?” he asked, curiosity piqued.

“I read it in a book from the forbidden library,” she admitted. “I also read about a hidden place in the garden that might hold the origins and secrets of Shadow. Do you want to search for it?”

Damien’s eyes lit with determination. “That’s a significant discovery. Let’s go together.”

They ventured outside, the evening air cool and crisp. The garden stretched before them, its overgrown paths and shadowed corners exuding an eerie stillness.

“Stay close to me, Elara. Don’t wander off,” Damien said, his voice firm but laced with concern.

“Yes,” Elara replied, her heart skipped a beat at his protective tone.

As they searched, their footsteps rustled through the fallen leaves. The garden seemed alive with secrets, every shadow and whisper of wind hinting at hidden truths. Elara’s curiosity drove her forward, but her caution wavered when she stepped on a pile of leaves and branches. The ground gave way beneath her.

“Aargh!” she screamed as she fell into a hidden hole.

♡♡♡

Enjoy.!

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