Elara's POV
The garden feels like its freezing.
Shadows pour from Caspian like living smoke, writhing around his feet. His stepmother and stepbrother stand on the path, and the tension is so thick I can barely breathe.
Pet? Caspian's voice is deadly quiet. Is that what you called her, Lucian?
Lucian smirks, but I see the fear in his eyes. I didn't mean
Elara Ashwood is under my protection. Caspian's shadows grow darker. Anyone who insults her insults me. Do you understand?
Lady Margot steps forward smoothly, her smile never wavering. Of course, dear stepson. Lucian meant no disrespect. She looks at me, her eyes cold despite her warm tone. We're simply curious about the girl who saved your life. Surely you understand a mother's concern?
You're not my mother, Caspian says flatly.
The words hang in the air like a slap. Lady Margot's smile tightens, but she recovers quickly.
Nevertheless, I worry. First poison in the library, now you're showing unusual... attachment to a stranger. Her gaze sweeps over me dismissively. One must wonder if there's a connection.
My stomach drops. She's accusing me. Implying I had something to do with the poisoning.
That's ridiculous I start, but Caspian cuts me off.
Elara was the one who saved me from your poison. His voice could cut glass. The healers confirmed the blade was coated with nightshade extract from the Noctis family stores. Only family members have access to those stores.
The accusation is clear. Lady Margot's face goes pale, then red.
How dare you suggest
Leave. Caspian's magic flares, shadows reaching toward them like claws. Both of you. Before I forget your family and treat you like the enemies you are.
Lucian grabs his mother's arm, pulling her back. Let's go. He's not worth it.
They retreat, but Lady Margot's eyes promise this isn't over. The moment they're out of sight, Caspian's shadows disappear. He takes a deep breath, and when he turns to me, his expression is almost... gentle.
I'm sorry you had to witness that.
Your stepmother tried to kill you, I whisper, still shaking. And she just threatened me.
I know. He takes my hand, and his touch is surprisingly warm. That's why you need protection. My protection.
Caspian, I can't get involved in your family drama
You're already involved. His grip tightens slightly. The moment you saved my life, you became a target. They'll see you as a threat now.
Fear crawls up my spine because he's right. In the book, Caspian's family betrayal happens at the festival. But I've already changed things by saving him. Now they know someone foiled their plan.
And they saw us together.
Come on. Caspian starts walking, still holding my hand. We need to talk. Somewhere private.
We end up in a quiet corner of the gardens, hidden by tall hedges. He finally releases my hand, and I immediately miss the warmth.
Why did you really save me? he asks, studying my face.
I already told you
The truth this time. His eyes are intense. You barely know me. Everyone at this Academy fears me. Yet you drained yourself nearly to death to keep me alive. Why?
Because in the book, you're tragic. Because you turn into a monster because everyone betrays you. Because despite knowing you're supposed to be the villain, I couldn't watch you die alone on that library floor.
I can't say any of that.
Because you were dying, I say simply. And I couldn't just leave you there.
Most people would have. Most people should have. He steps closer. Do you know what I am? What I'm capable of?
You have shadow magic. People say it's dangerous.
It's more than dangerous. It's dark. Unpredictable. I could lose control and hurt people. His voice drops. I could hurt you.
But you won't.
How do you know?
Because I've read your story. Because I know you only turn dark when everyone you trust betrays you. Because right now, looking at you, I don't see a monster I see someone desperate for one person to believe in him.
I just know, I whisper.
Something shifts in his expression. He reaches out and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering on my cheek.
You're either incredibly brave or incredibly foolish, Elara Ashwood.
Maybe both.
He almost smiles. Almost. What's your full name? I want to know everything about you.
Elara Ashwood. That's it.
Ashwood. Minor noble family from the eastern territory. He clearly knows everything about everyone. No political connections. No powerful magic. Nothing that would benefit you by helping me.
I didn't help you for benefits.
That's what makes you dangerous. He's so close now I can feel his breath on my face. You're genuine. Real. In a world where everyone wears masks and plays games, you're exactly what you appear to be.
My heart hammers. That's not dangerous.
It is to me. His hand falls away from my face. Because now I want to keep you close. For your protection and mine.
You don't need to protect me
Someone poisoned me in the Academy library. They'll know you helped me. That makes you a target. His tone leaves no room for argument. I'm assigning guards to watch your quarters. You'll tell me immediately if anyone approaches you suspiciously.
Caspian, that's not necessary
It's already done. He pulls a small silver whistle from his pocket and presses it into my hand. If you're ever in danger, blow this. I'll come. No matter where I am or what I'm doing.
I stare at the whistle. It's warm from his pocket, engraved with the Noctis family crest.
This is too much
You saved my life, Elara. His voice softens. That makes you mine to protect. Accept it.
Before I can argue more, he turns and walks away, his black coat billowing behind him.
I stand frozen in the garden, the silver whistle heavy in my palm.
My survival plan is completely destroyed. I was supposed to avoid the villain, stay invisible, and survive quietly until I could find a way home.
Instead, I've saved his life, caught his attention, and become his responsibility.
Worse part of me doesn't hate it. Part of me liked the way he looked at me. The way he touched my face. The way he promised to protect me.
I'm falling for the villain. The man who's supposed to kill me in six days.
I turn to head back to my dorm, but I only make it a few steps before I see something that makes my blood freeze.
Carved into the bark of a nearby tree, fresh and deep:
STAY AWAY FROM HIM OR YOU'LL DIE SCREAMING.
And beneath it, drawn in what looks horribly like blood, is a countdown:
6 DAYS LEFT.