He did not save her-he armed her

Episode five

Hospital POV

Dr. Fahad stood beside Mara’s hospital bed, carefully adjusting the monitor and checking her vitals with practiced precision. The steady beeping of the machine was the only sound filling the room, breaking the heavy silence that clung stubbornly to the air. Sunlight filtered faintly through the half-drawn curtains, casting pale streaks across the white walls and the fragile figure lying on the bed.

Mara lay still, her eyes open but unfocused, staring at the ceiling as though it held answers to questions she was too tired to ask. Her face was calm on the surface, yet there was something deeply unsettling about her stillness like a storm brewing quietly beneath glassy waters.

Dr. Fahad finished his examination and moved to the chair opposite her bed. He sat down slowly, folding his hands together, studying her with concern softening his otherwise professional expression.

“How are you feeling, Mara?” he asked gently.

“Are you experiencing any pain… or discomfort anywhere?”

Mara did not respond. She didn’t even turn her head in his direction. Instead, her gaze remained fixed somewhere far beyond the hospital walls, as though she was trapped in a memory only she could see.

Dr. Fahad let out a quiet sigh. He leaned back slightly and murmured to himself, “All your vitals are stable… perfectly normal, in fact.” He paused, then added under his breath, “But that’s not where the problem lies, is it?”

Outside the hospital, the sleek black Audi R8 rolled into the parking lot with quiet authority. The engine purred before going silent. Kylen stepped out of the car, his movements sharp and deliberate, his presence commanding even without effort. Rhon quickly rounded the vehicle and closed the door behind him before falling into step at Kylen’s side.

They entered the hospital lobby together, their long strides echoing across the polished floors. Nurses and patients alike glanced up instinctively as Kylen passed, something about his aura demanding attention without invitation. His shoulders were straight, his expression unreadable, eyes dark and focused as they moved through the hallway toward Mara’s room.

Rhon reached the door first and knocked.

“Come in,” Dr. Fahad’s voice answered.

The doctor opened the door and immediately bowed his head slightly upon seeing Kylen.

“How is she?” Kylen asked without preamble.

Dr. Fahad stepped aside, allowing them into the room. “Physically, she’s healing well. The scratches are minor, and the fracture is stable. Her vitals are excellent.” He hesitated briefly before continuing, lowering his voice. “However… She refuses to speak. This is most likely psychological shock. I strongly recommend therapy.”

Kylen nodded once, absorbing the information without visible reaction.

“Can she be discharged today?” he asked. “I don’t have time to keep moving between work and the hospital.”

Dr. Fahad considered this for a moment. “Yes, she can be discharged today,” he replied. “But she must not be left alone. Isolation could lead to self-harm, even if she doesn’t show it openly. Please ensure she has supervision and professional support.”

“I’ll handle it,” Kylen said calmly.

Dr. Fahad bowed again. “I’ll prepare the discharge papers.”

He exited the room, leaving Kylen and Rhon alone with Mara.

Kylen turned toward her. She lay there quietly, her eyes vacant, her body present but her soul seemingly somewhere else. He walked to the chair and sat down, studying her face closely for the first time. There was something haunting about her, something broken, yet unyielding.

Rhon remained standing by the door, his posture alert.

Kylen pulled out his phone and dialed a number. It was answered almost immediately.

“Prepare the room opposite mine,” Kylen said. “I have a female guest. Make sure everything is ready.”

Without waiting for a response, he ended the call and turned to Rhon. “What’s on my schedule today?”

Before Rhon could answer, there was a knock. Dr. Fahad returned, holding a file. He handed the discharge papers to Kylen, who scanned through them swiftly before signing where required.

“You’re free to go,” the doctor said softly, directing his words toward Mara.

Kylen stood. “Let’s go.”

Mara slowly slid off the bed. Her movements were hesitant, unsteady, as though she wasn’t entirely sure her legs would support her. She followed Kylen without question, like a lost child clinging silently to the presence of an unfamiliar guardian.

Rhon closed the door behind them, and they made their way out of the hospital.

The car ride was quiet.

Mara sat by the window, her forehead resting lightly against the glass as she watched the city blur past. Cars honked, people moved hurriedly, life went on—yet none of it seemed to reach her. Kylen sat beside her, arms folded, his expression unreadable, though his eyes occasionally flickered in her direction.

After nearly thirty minutes, the city slowly gave way to silence.

Rhon drove into a secluded estate lined with towering trees whose branches intertwined overhead, forming a natural canopy. The air felt cleaner here, heavier with the scent of earth and leaves. Birds rustled somewhere above, and the distant hum of insects replaced the chaos of the city.

The estate guards straightened immediately upon sighting the car, stepping aside and bowing respectfully as the vehicle passed through. The road curved gently until they reached a private gate, which slid open automatically.

Beyond it stood a single-story house.

It was not a mansion.

But it was far from ordinary.

The house sat alone, surrounded by nature, its architecture modern yet restrained. Built with stone, glass, and dark wood, it blended seamlessly into its environment rather than dominating it. Wide glass windows reflected the greenery around it, while soft lights glowed faintly from within, giving it a warm yet guarded appearance.

The driveway curved neatly toward the entrance, flanked by trimmed hedges and low lanterns embedded in the ground. The house felt intentional—designed for privacy, security, and quiet control.

Rhon parked the car.

Kylen stepped out first, followed by Mara. She stood still for a moment, staring at the house, her eyes widening slightly as though she hadn’t expected such a place. It didn’t scream luxury, yet it radiated power and isolation, a place meant to keep secrets.

Kylen noticed her hesitation. “Come,” he said simply.

Inside, the house was calm and immaculate. The interior was spacious, open-concept, with neutral tones dominating the walls. The living area featured a low sofa, a glass coffee table, and minimal décor. Every object seemed carefully chosen, nothing excessive, nothing unnecessary.

The floor-to-ceiling windows allowed nature to spill into the space, making the boundary between inside and outside almost nonexistent. Soft lighting lined the ceiling, casting a gentle glow that eased the tension in the air.

Kylen gestured down a hallway. “Your room is there. Directly opposite mine.”

Mara nodded faintly and followed him.

The room prepared for her was simple but comfortable. A neatly made bed, soft curtains, a small desk, and a private bathroom. Everything was clean, untouched, and quiet.

She stood in the doorway, unsure.

“You’re safe here,” Kylen said, his voice firm but not unkind. “Rest.”

Mara stepped inside.

As the door closed behind her, Kylen remained standing in the hallway for a moment, staring at the door. Something about this girl unsettled him, something that reminded him too much of the past he had buried deep.

And though he would never admit it aloud, he knew one thing clearly:

Bringing Mara into his world was not an act of kindness.

It was the beginning of something dangerous.