LightReader

Chapter 7 - PROTECTION AND SILENCE

(Eren's Narration)

After the men had fled for a short while, a new shadow emerged from around the corner. There was no fatigue within me; only alert attention and determination. I stood behind Elif, like a protective wall, united with her shadow.

I could see her eyes; fear was still there, but surprisingly, there was also hesitation. She didn't want to run away, at least not completely. This caution and curiosity were like a rope that bound her to me, uncontrollably.

A decision had been finalized within me: I would not leave this girl alone. I would break my own rules if necessary, against all the dangers of the city. Her safety… came first. And with this determination, another feeling arose within me: her presence no longer left a void.

---

(Elif's Narration)

Feeling Eren standing behind me was both reassuring and created a strange tension. I wanted to run, but at the same time, the diminished dangers in her presence eased my fear.

There was a brief moment of silence. Neither of us spoke, but our gazes spoke. Her presence… intense, arresting, and dangerous. But it also sent me a message: "I'm here. You won't be harmed."

A conflict raged within me: my mind told me to flee, but my eyes involuntarily looked at her. I tried to decipher her, yet also tried to protect myself. This silence was like the beginning of a bond; not yet verbalized, but felt.

---

(Eren's Narration)

As I moved through the shadow, I kept my eyes on Elif. My steps were controlled, my movements deadly yet composed. I didn't touch her, only wanting to make her feel that my presence protected her.

A mixture of darkness and power hung within me. I would use this power to protect both myself and her. Her gaze oscillated between fear and curiosity, creating a kind of attention and devotion I hadn't felt even on a battlefield.

---

(Elif's Narration)

My heart was still beating rapidly, but there was a difference: I was no longer alone. This man, despite his darkness and danger, wouldn't leave me alone. Every step, every movement conveyed a message: "I'm here. You won't be harmed."

I didn't know exactly whether to run or trust him. But I did know this: being with him was... dangerous, but also inevitably intriguing. The silence offered the first hints of a connection; not yet verbalized, but felt.

---

More Chapters