EIRA POV:
As I slowly opened my eyes, confusion washed over me. Where am I? I was in a car—how did I end up here?
Suddenly, memories rushed back. What happened to me? Oh God, why does this always happen to me?
The image of the wolves loomed in my mind. How could they be so enormous? And how did Adrain manage to scare them off?
I turned my head to the left and saw Adrain focused on the road, his expression serious.
"Are you okay?" he asked, keeping his eyes on the road.
"Hmm... y-yes."
"Now tell me why you ran out of my place," he said, his expression serious.
Is he really asking that? Who even lives in a place like that in the jungle? Is he out of his mind?
"Sorry! I didn't know it was you. Did I hurt your feelings?" I shot back, trying to inject some sarcasm.
"You won't interfere in Andy's case," he said, his tone leaving no room for debate.
I stayed silent as he pulled the car to a stop and turned to face me.
"Say yes, Eira," he commanded, his voice firm and unyielding.
I tried not to be scared-'' Why? Have you A.....Abducted!!...Captured her? Did you kill her? Is she dead''- I was cut off by his answer.
He stated, gritting his teeth looking at me deathly-''Next time, don't ever say that she is dead. Otherwise, I will kill you.''
I felt a chill run through me at the intensity of his gaze. But as he noticed the fear in my eyes, his expression softened.
After a moment, he said calmly, "She's like a sister to me. I won't let anything happen to her. Trust me—just don't go to the cops."
I didn't know how to respond. My gaze dropped to my lap as he started driving again. I hadn't realized she meant that much to him.
But then why had he come to her room through a window?
And who were those people standing guard outside her door?
Oh God, this is all so confusing. Yet, for some reason, I believed him. So why didn't he want me to tell the police? They could help him, right?
He pulled me from my thoughts. "Where are you lost?"
"Why don't you want me to go to the cops? They could help you!"
"Because your life would be at risk."
After a pause, he added, "And hers too. I can't put her in danger."
For a moment, I was struck by the realization that he actually cared—about both of us. What an idiot I was for thinking otherwise. Why did that hurt so much?
"I won't go to the cops," I said quietly.
"I have one more question," he replied.
"What?"
"How did you know I was going to the cops?"
He chuckled. "I have my resources. Any other questions?"
"How did you make the wolves run away?"
His expression turned emotionless, and he remained silent for what felt like an eternity.
"Have we arrived?" I asked, trying to break the tension.
"But you still didn't answer my question," I pressed.
He didn't respond; instead, he stepped out of the car, avoiding my gaze as he came around to my side. I opened the door and attempted to get out, but as soon as my foot touched the ground, I nearly collapsed.
Oh no! I had forgotten about my sprained leg. I shut my eyes against the pain, teetering on the brink of falling, when suddenly, an arm wrapped around my waist, lifting me without putting any pressure on my injury.
When I finally opened my eyes, I found Adrain holding me. For a brief moment, the world faded away, and we were lost in each other's gaze. But just as quickly, he broke the connection, shifting his focus as he picked me up.
"Can't you be more careful? You would have hurt yourself," he said, a hint of frustration in his voice.
"As if you care," I replied slowly.
"I don't care about you. It's just that I don't want to break you so easily."
He carried me to my room, and I couldn't shake the sense of safety I felt in his arms. His scent enveloped me—something unique, like old books mingled with the freshness of the forest after rain.
He gently set me down on the bed and left the room without a word. He was so rude and arrogant, and yet I couldn't understand why his presence stirred something in me.