The night was darker than usual, a thick blanket of clouds obscuring the moon. The air in the mansion felt heavy, the calm before the inevitable storm. Benjamin returned from the meeting with Marcus, his expression a mask of tension. Clara, who had been sitting by the fireplace with a book, immediately noticed the shift in his demeanor.
"Everything okay?" she asked, closing the book and setting it aside.
Benjamin paused for a moment, his gaze softening when it landed on her. "It's nothing you need to worry about," he said, though the lines of worry on his face betrayed him.
Clara rose from her seat, walking over to him. "You know that's not going to work with me. What's going on?"
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Raven's remnants are regrouping. Marcus has intel that they're planning something big. We need to act fast before they catch us off guard."
Clara placed a comforting hand on his arm. "You'll figure it out, Benjamin. You always do."
Her unwavering faith in him made his chest tighten. He reached out, pulling her into his arms. "You're too good to me," he murmured into her hair.
"You deserve it," she replied softly, resting her head against his chest.
The moment of quiet was interrupted by a sudden crash from the kitchen. Both of them stiffened, their instincts kicking in. Benjamin motioned for Clara to stay put, but she shook her head, following closely behind him as he approached the source of the noise.
In the kitchen, a broken vase lay scattered across the floor, and a gust of wind from the open window made the curtains flutter wildly. Benjamin scanned the room, his hand instinctively reaching for the gun holstered at his side.
"Stay behind me," he ordered Clara, his voice low and commanding.
Clara nodded, her eyes wide as she tried to suppress the fear creeping up her spine.
Benjamin moved swiftly, checking every corner of the room. "Whoever it was is gone," he muttered, closing the window and locking it.
"Do you think it's Raven's men?" Clara asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"It's possible," he admitted. "But it could also be someone else. We've made plenty of enemies."
Clara frowned, her worry deepening. "I hate this, Benjamin. I hate that you're constantly in danger."
He turned to her, his expression softening. "I know. And I hate that you're dragged into this. But I promise, Clara, I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."
She stepped closer, her hands gripping his shirt. "Just promise me you'll be careful. I can't lose you."
"I promise," he said, his voice firm.
The moment was broken by the distant sound of an alarm. Benjamin's phone buzzed, and Marcus's name flashed on the screen.
"Boss, we've got a breach," Marcus said urgently.
Benjamin's jaw tightened. "I'm on my way."
He glanced at Clara, his expression a mix of determination and regret. "Stay here. I'll handle this."
As he left, Clara's heart sank, a growing unease settling over her.