Aldric caught Amelia before she could hit the cold floor.
Her body went limp in his arms, like someone had pulled the plug on her strength.
"Irelia, clean your face" he said sharply without looking away.
He tilted Amelia's chin lightly, tapping her cheek.
"Amelia… wake up."
No response. He tapped harder, nothing. His jaw tightened.
A quiet breath left him. "I shouldn't have brought you here… this was a mistake."
Without hesitating, he lifted her and carried her out of the haunted house, past startled staff and whispering onlookers.
The ride back to the mansion was silent.
He carried her upstairs and laid her gently on the bed. He slipped off her shoes carefully, as though any roughness might wake the fear back into her.
His phone rang, he checked the screen and his eyes darkened.
He ended the call and left the room without a word.
That night, Amelia woke with a dry throat.
She sat up slowly.
The bed beside her was empty.
"Aldric…?" she whispered.
No answer.
