A Safe Place
The soft light of dawn filters through unfamiliar curtains. The scent of lavender lingers, mingling with the crisp freshness of morning. I wake up in a room that isn’t mine.
Elise Carter
*sitting up slowly, rubbing temples* (Where… am I?)
The bed is too firm, the blanket too heavy, and my thoughts too restless for proper sleep. I spent the night turning over, wondering how I dragged Daniel into this mess.
Elise Carter
*sighs, running fingers through hair* (Daniel…)
The faint aroma of coffee and quiet footsteps pull me from my thoughts. I slip out of bed, straighten my rumpled clothes, and cautiously open the door.
Daniel Reed
*smiles warmly* Good morning.
The sight before me—breakfast spread out on the table—catches me off guard.
Elise Carter
*stares, voice soft* You… made all this?
Daniel Reed
*chuckles, pulling out a chair* Wasn’t sure what you liked, so I made a bit of everything.
Elise Carter
*hesitates, overwhelmed* (How can he be so kind?) Thank you… You didn’t have to do this.
Daniel Reed
*firmly* Of course, I did. You’re important to me, Elise. You don’t need to thank me for caring about you.
Elise Carter
*sits slowly, staring at the coffee cup* (Too kind… too good.)
Daniel Reed
*casual tone, but serious eyes* You can stay as long as you need. You don’t have to go back there.
Elise Carter
*clutches cup, voice trembling* I can’t stay. The boss… He’ll won't be happy if I’m gone too long. I don’t want to drag you into this.
Daniel Reed
*leaning forward, intense gaze* What will he do?
Elise Carter
*pauses, gripping the cup tighter*
I tried to think, but realization settled in—he hasn’t actually done anything. Not yet.
Elise Carter
I… I don’t know.
Daniel Reed
*softly, but determined* Then why not take a chance? It’s better to live with someone who actually cares about you than with that pervert and a house full of vampires. I can keep you safe.
Elise Carter
*chest tightens, looking away* Daniel… I…
Daniel Reed
*gently* At least let me take you somewhere to relax.
Elise Carter
*nods reluctantly* Alright. Thank you.
The Starlight Grove is serene—blooming flowers, towering trees, sunlight filtering through leaves. The world is quiet, peaceful. And for the first time in days, I feel like I can breathe.
But peace never lasts. A presence makes the air feel heavier.
???
*smoothly* Mr. Reed. A pleasure to see you.
Daniel Reed
*nods politely* Sister Helena, good to see you again.
Sister Helena Frost
*eyes flick to Elise, studying* And you must be Elise Carter.
Elise Carter
*forces polite smile* Yes. A pleasure to meet you.
Sister Helena Frost
*smiling slightly* I’ve heard much about you.
Sister Helena Frost
You two look well together. Quite the pair.
Elise Carter
*cheeks flush, looking away*
Daniel Reed
*nervous chuckle* Thank you, Sister. *scratching neck*
Sister Helena Frost
*soft, unreadable tone* It would be lovely to see you at the cathedral again, Miss Carter.
Elise Carter
*hesitates, forcing a smile* I’ll consider it.
She studies me for a long moment, then finally nods. With a few more pleasantries, she walks away, but her presence lingers like a shadow.
Lunch is at a quaint little restaurant, the scent of fresh bread in the air. The normalcy is almost jarring.
Daniel Reed
*grinning* I ordered for us. Trust me, I have a sixth sense for good food.
Elise Carter
*raises eyebrow* I highly doubt that.
When the food arrives—warm bread, steaming soup—I have to admit he chose well.
Elise Carter
*smirks* Alright, you did good. But one good meal doesn’t make you an expert.
Daniel Reed
*gasps dramatically* Elise Carter, do you hear yourself? Wounding my pride in public?
Elise Carter
*rolls eyes, but can’t stop smiling* You’ll survive.
And for the first time in days, I laugh. A real, unguarded laugh.
Daniel Reed
*grinning* There it is. I was starting to think I lost my touch.
Elise Carter
*teasing* You do realize you’re not actually funny, right?
Daniel Reed
*mock-offended* Lies. I am hilarious, and you know it.
There’s something about Daniel—something steady, something safe.
As we left, the alleyway shortcut seemed harmless enough.
The sun cast long shadows across the narrow path, the air carrying a faint chill despite the afternoon warmth.
But then a man emerged from the shadows, his eyes wild, a knife shaking in his hand.
？？？
*slurred voice* Wallets. Now.
Elise Carter
*stiffens, heart pounding* (Oh God…)
Daniel Reed
*calmly, hands raised* Take it easy.
In a flash, Daniel disarms him, twisting the knife away, pinning him against the wall.
Elise Carter
*shaken, fumbling for phone* (He’s… amazing.)
Daniel Reed
*glancing back* Call the police.
By the time they arrive, the man is subdued. Daniel stands tall, unshaken.
Elise Carter
*whispers, voice barely audible* You… you’re amazing.
Daniel Reed
*grins, a hint of pride* Told you, Elise. I’m not defenseless.
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