Adrian slammed the door to his room so hard the echo rattled down the hall. He hated how his chest still burned, how Ethan's single word replayed in his mind like a challenge.
Yes. Yes, she's worth it.
Adrian paced, fists clenching. Liora was supposed to be invisible. Weak. Easy to crush beneath his heel if she dared to get in his way.
But instead, she was looking at Ethan with eyes she had never once turned toward him. She laughed when Ethan spoke. She leaned closer to him, trusted him.
And it infuriated Adrian.
He stopped in front of the mirror, meeting his own reflection. His jaw was tight, his dark hair a mess from running his hands through it. He looked like a stranger. Someone not in control.
And Adrian Blackwood never lost control.
"She needs a reminder," he muttered, his voice low and dangerous. "She belongs under my shadow. Not anyone else's."
He already had a plan forming. Something subtle, something sharp enough to make her remember who really pulled the strings in this world.
Meanwhile, in the college café, Liora sat across from Ethan. Her hands wrapped tightly around a cup of coffee she hadn't touched.
She should have felt embarrassed by what happened in the hallway. Exposed, humiliated.
But instead… she felt safe.
For the first time since stepping into that cold mansion, someone had stepped in front of her. Shielded her. Not because they had to—but because they wanted to.
She looked at Ethan, who was talking about some professor's terrible jokes, trying to lighten the mood. His calm presence wrapped around her like warmth after a storm.
"Ethan…" she whispered.
He stopped, meeting her eyes. "Yeah?"
Her throat tightened. "Thank you. For… for standing up for me."
His expression softened. "You don't need to thank me for that, Liora. You deserve someone on your side. Always."
The words sank deep, breaking down walls she hadn't even realized she built. She smiled faintly, fragile but real. "Still. It means more than you know."
For a fleeting second, she thought she saw something flicker in his gaze—something unspoken. But then he leaned back, grinning again. "Guess you're stuck with me now."
Her laugh came easier this time. And for once, the ache in her chest wasn't as sharp.
Back at the mansion, Adrian sat at his desk, scrolling through the student registry. He found what he needed: Ethan's file. A smile tugged at his lips—not warm, but sharp and dangerous.
"Let's see how long you play knight," he murmured.
He already knew how to twist this game. If Liora thought Ethan could protect her, Adrian would shatter that illusion. He would remind her that in this world, there was no safe haven—not in college, not in the mansion, not anywhere.
Because no matter where she turned, his shadow would be waiting.
Adrian leaned back in his chair, eyes glinting in the dim light. "Enjoy your peace while it lasts, little sister. The storm's coming."