Morning sunlight warmed the edges of Aurelia's blanket as she slowly opened her eyes.
For a moment, she didn't quite remember where she was—until her gaze settled on the figure sitting on the floor beside her bed.
Eren Kael.
He was leaning against the wall, his head tilted slightly forward, eyes closed, breathing softly.
Aurelia blinked.
She had never seen him asleep before.
The sharp, disciplined expression he wore during training… gone.
The serious, protective stare he always had around her… softened.
He looked almost peaceful—like the boy he used to be, not the young mafia soldier the world now feared.
Aurelia sat up slowly, careful not to make a sound.
She studied his face, the way a strand of dark hair fell over his forehead, the faint shadows under his eyes.
He must've been guarding me all night again…
Even after ten years, Eren never failed to stay when she had nightmares.
Her chest tightened—grateful, guilty, warm all at once.
She whispered, barely audible, "Eren… you'll hurt your back if you sleep like that…"
As if he heard her through sleep itself, his eyes opened. Sharp. Alert.
He straightened instantly, scanning the room before his gaze finally landed on her.
"You're awake." His voice was low, warm, and rough with sleep.
She nodded. "You didn't have to stay all night."
Eren brushed the hair from his eyes, unfazed. "You moved a lot. I thought the nightmare would come back."
Aurelia looked down at her hands.
He always noticed things she didn't want anyone to notice.
"Did I wake you?" she asked softly.
"No." A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "I'm a light sleeper."
She rolled her eyes. "You say that every time."
"And it's true every time," he replied simply.
Silence settled between them—not awkward, not heavy.
Familiar. Comforting.
Aurelia hugged her knees. "Eren… ten years ago, when you said you would protect me… do you still—"
"I never break promises."
His voice cut through hers gently but firmly.
Her heartbeat stumbled.
He stood and walked toward her, the sunlight catching the edges of his jawline.
He wasn't the lanky boy she first met.
He was strong now, tall, broad-shouldered… dangerous to everyone but her.
Eren reached out and placed a hand on her head, the same way he used to when they were kids.
"You're safe with me, Aurelia," he said quietly.
"Always."
Her throat tightened.
She wanted to say thank you, or I'm not a child anymore, or please don't leave me.
But words didn't come.
Instead, she leaned into his hand—just a little.
And Eren didn't pull away.
Outside the window, the estate was bustling with guards and cars.
Inside her room, only the two of them existed.
The girl who had lost everything.
And the boy who had silently vowed to be her shield.
She whispered, "Then… stay with me a little longer."
Eren's expression softened in a way she rarely saw.
He moved to sit at the edge of her bed and nodded.
"I'm not going anywhere."