CHAPTER TWO: THE MAN IN THE SHADOWS
The scent of fresh linen and wood polish filled her nose before her eyes fluttered open. Softness beneath her, warmth draped over her shoulders. For the first time in what felt like forever, Serena Vale didn’t wake up in a cold, unforgiving place.
She sat up in a rush, panic blooming in her chest.
The sheets were white. The room was minimalist, modern—far from the grandeur and suffocating elegance of the Vale Manor. A massive window poured in golden morning light. And just across from the bed, a man sat with his back to her, reviewing a tablet in silence.
Tall. Sharp suit. Powerful shoulders. Unreadable energy. She remembered that figure.
Killian Hart spoke without turning around.
His voice was low, smooth—yet carried a weight that quieted everything around it. Serena’s fingers gripped the blanket instinctively.
Serena Vale
Why... where am I?
Killian Hart
My private estate
Killian Hart
You jumped three floors. I found you half-conscious in the garden.
Serena Vale
Why didn’t you call the police?
Killian’s eyes were like storm clouds—gray and unreadable. His face, sculpted like a statue, gave away nothing.
Killian Hart
Because I don't believe in handing people back to monsters.
Serena Vale
You don’t know me.
Killian Hart
No. But I saw enough.
Silence stretched between them. She couldn’t understand why this stranger, this man who looked like he ruled empires, was speaking like he owed her nothing—but still gave her safety.
Serena Vale
What do you want from me?
Killian’s lips curved faintly.
Killian Hart
Interesting. Most people ask what I plan to do. You ask what I want.
Serena Vale
Isn’t it the same thing?
She replied softly, but there was steel in her tone.
Killian leaned back in his chair.
Killian Hart
No. I don’t want anything from you... yet. But you're not going back to that house.
Serena flinched at the word house, memories of Olivia’s cold slaps and Hana’s venomous voice slicing through her mind.
Serena Vale
Why are you helping me?
A pause. Then Killian stood and walked toward her slowly. His presence was overwhelming—elegance cloaked in danger.
He stopped just a few steps from her.
Killian Hart
Because I know what it's like to be trapped.
And for the first time, Serena looked up—really looked at him. Beneath that iron mask, was there a man who’d also bled? A man who understood?
Serena Vale
I don’t want pity.
Killian Hart
I don’t give it.
Their eyes locked again. Something unspoken passed between them—tension, curiosity... a spark.
Killian turned away, heading toward the door.
Killian Hart
Rest. Keith will bring you breakfast. You’re safe here.
Serena Vale
And if I don’t want to stay?
Killian Hart
Then you’re free to leave. But be warned—the world outside may not be as kind as the devil you just met.
The door clicked shut behind him.
Serena exhaled, sinking back into the pillows. Her heart raced, her thoughts a storm.
But one thing was clear:
She wasn’t in the Vale Manor anymore.
She wasn’t their pawn.
And Killian Hart?
He was a different kind of danger.
And she wasn’t sure whether to fear him… or follow him.
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