The following morning, Clara found herself unable to shake the weight of what Benjamin had shown her. The room, the photographs, the stories he hadn't fully explained—they all lingered in her mind like a shadow. Despite her anger and mistrust, there was a flicker of something else buried beneath it all: curiosity.
She spent the day wandering the mansion, her thoughts constantly circling back to Benjamin. She hated herself for even considering the possibility that there might be more to him than the cruel, calculating man she'd known. But the way he had spoken in that underground chamber—the quiet intensity of his voice, the way his eyes had softened when he spoke of protecting others—made her question everything.
By late afternoon, Clara found herself standing outside Benjamin's office. The door was slightly ajar, and she could hear the low murmur of his voice from within. Curiosity got the better of her, and she leaned closer, careful not to make a sound.
"…can't let this get out of control," Benjamin was saying. His tone was sharp, clipped. "If the Moriartis find out we've been moving against them, it'll spark a war we can't afford."
A second voice, deep and gravelly, responded. "They're already suspicious, Ben. The shipment delay last week didn't go unnoticed."
Clara's breath hitched. She didn't know much about Benjamin's world, but it was clear this was something important—and dangerous.
"We'll handle it," Benjamin said firmly. "I'll deal with the Moriartis personally if I have to."
There was a pause, then the other man spoke again. "And the girl? What's your plan there?"
Clara stiffened, her heart pounding in her chest.
"She stays here," Benjamin said, his voice calm but resolute. "She's not part of this."
"And if she finds out too much?"
"She won't," Benjamin replied. "I'll make sure of it."
The conversation ended, and Clara barely had time to step away before the door swung open. Benjamin stepped out, his sharp eyes immediately landing on her.
"How long have you been standing there?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.
Clara forced herself to meet his gaze, though her heart was racing. "I was just passing by."
Benjamin raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. He stepped closer, towering over her. "Eavesdropping is a dangerous habit, Clara."
"I wasn't eavesdropping," she said quickly, though her voice betrayed her nerves. "I just… I heard voices and got curious."
Benjamin's expression softened, but only slightly. He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Curiosity can get you killed in my world. Remember that."
Clara swallowed hard, nodding. "I wasn't trying to—"
"I know," he interrupted, his tone gentler now. "But you need to be careful."
For a moment, they stood in silence, the tension between them thick and electric. Then Benjamin straightened, his usual stoic mask slipping back into place.
"Come with me," he said abruptly, turning and walking down the hall.
Clara hesitated but followed him, her curiosity outweighing her fear. He led her to a small, rarely used sitting room and motioned for her to sit.
"What's going on?" Clara asked cautiously.
Benjamin sat across from her, his elbows resting on his knees as he studied her. "You've seen more than most people ever will about my life. I need to know if I can trust you."
Clara frowned. "I've done nothing to make you think otherwise."
"That's not the point," he said. "Trust in my world isn't given freely. It has to be earned."
"And how do I earn it?"
Benjamin leaned back, his gaze unwavering. "By being honest with me. Completely honest."
Clara's chest tightened. She thought back to the conversation she'd overheard, the mention of the Moriartis and the shipment. She wanted to ask about it, to demand answers, but she knew better than to push him too far.
"I've already told you everything I know," she said quietly. "There's nothing else to tell."
Benjamin studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he nodded. "Good. Because if you lie to me, Clara, I'll know. And I don't forgive easily."
His words sent a shiver down her spine, but she refused to let him see her fear. Instead, she straightened her shoulders and met his gaze head-on.
"I'm not lying," she said firmly.
Benjamin nodded again, his lips twitching into the faintest hint of a smile. "Good. Now, get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll talk more."
Clara rose to her feet, her mind racing as she left the room. Trust was a dangerous game in Benjamin's world, but she was determined to navigate it—and maybe, just maybe, find a way to break through the armor he wore so tightly.