Chapter 6
706 Words
Chapter 6
Elara was startled when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned her head quickly, and her gaze immediately met a pair of deep brown eyes.
"Lucas?" she gasped.
Lucas Grant's close friend stood before him with a surprised and wary expression. "I thought you were still at home. What are you doing here alone?" he asked quietly, as if not wanting anyone to hear.
Elara swallowed, trying to remain calm. "Just... getting some fresh air."
Lucas gave her a long look. Then, without warning, he leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "I know, Elara. It's not Adrian you live with now."
The words pierced like cold needles. Elara was about to reply, but her tongue was tongue-tied. "What do you mean?" Her voice was barely audible.
Lucas just shook his head, a warning look in his eyes. "If you want to know where the real Adrian is, meet me tomorrow alone."
Before Elara could ask further questions, Lucas had already turned around and walked away, leaving her with a pounding heart.
---
That night, when she returned home, Elara found Damien sitting in the living room, staring at her with a dark gaze. "Have you seen Lucas?" he asked, his voice deep and cold.
Elara gasped. "You... following me?"
Damien didn't answer the question. He stood up, stepping closer until they were only inches apart. "Don't see her again."
"Why?" Elara lifted her chin, trying not to look worried.
"Because Lucas can't be trusted," Damien replied firmly. "He'll only manipulate you. He has his own interests."
Elara frowned. "And I'm supposed to trust you? I don't even know who you are."
Damien's gaze deepened, and suddenly he held Elara's face with both hands, forcing her to look directly into his cold gray eyes. "I'm serious, Elara. If you leave, I'll drag you back."
The threat made Elara's body cringe between fear and anger. But in her heart, curiosity was much stronger.
---
The next night, Elara stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection. Her breathing was heavy, but she was determined. She put on a light jacket and covered her hair with a hoodie, trying to avoid attention. She stepped out quietly, making sure Damien didn't notice her leaving.
However, a few minutes into her walk, Elara felt something strange. The sound of a car engine followed from behind. When she turned around, she saw a black car driving slowly, always keeping its distance.
Her heart was racing. She quickened her pace and entered a small street before arriving at a small café on the corner of town.
Lucas was already sitting in the corner, looking at her as she entered. "You came," he said with relief.
Elara sat across from him, trying to catch her breath. "You said you knew where Adrian was-"
BRAK!
The sound of shattering glass broke the atmosphere. Grains of glass flew, accompanied by the deafening sound of gunfire. The cafe patrons screamed in panic, scattering for cover.
Lucas reflexively ducked, but before Elara could react further, a strong hand pulled her from her seat.
"Get down!" Damien's voice rang clearly in his ears.
He dragged Elara out through the back door, shielding her from the broken glass.
---
"Let go of me!" Elara struggled as Damien pulled her to the car. "You-"
"Shut up!" snapped Damien, his eyes full of anger. He pushed Elara inside, then sat in the driver's seat and drove the car at high speed.
The city lights flashed outside the window, while Elara stared at him with mixed feelings-anger, fear, confusion.
"Are you following me?"
Damien didn't answer right away. His hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles turned white. "You think I'm here to destroy you?" he finally said, his voice low but stressed.
Elara looked at him sharply. "Then what for?"
Damien turned his head briefly, his gaze sharp. "I'm here because someone wants you dead."
That sentence left Elara transfixed. Her breath caught, and for the first time that night, her fear overpowered her anger.
Yet, underneath it all... the questions burning in her mind continued to grow.
Who exactly was Damien?
Who wanted him dead?
And... where was the real Adrian?
- Writer
