The mansion was quiet again.
But this time—
It didn't feel safe.
Kiara sat on the bed.
Her hands still slightly trembling.
Her mind replaying everything.
Arjun's face.
The knife.
Aarav getting hurt.
She closed her eyes.
But it didn't stop.
"Aarav…"
Her voice was barely a whisper.
He was already there.
Standing near the door.
Watching her.
"I'm here," he said softly.
Kiara looked at him.
Her strong walls—
Finally breaking.
"I can't go through this again," she said.
Her voice shaking now.
"I thought it was over…"
Aarav walked closer.
Slowly.
Carefully.
"It is," he said.
Kiara shook her head.
"No… you don't understand."
She looked at him—
Eyes filled with fear.
"That look in his eyes…"
A pause.
"He won't stop."
Aarav's jaw tightened.
But his voice stayed calm.
"Then I won't either."
Kiara let out a weak breath.
And for the first time—
She didn't try to stay strong.
"I'm tired, Aarav…"
That one line—
Hit deeper than anything else.
Aarav sat beside her.
Close.
Not forcing.
Just there.
"You don't have to be strong all the time," he said quietly.
Kiara laughed softly.
Broken.
"That's the only thing I know."
Aarav looked at her.
Then said something she didn't expect—
"Then learn something new."
She frowned slightly.
"What?"
Aarav's voice softened.
"Let someone stand for you."
Silence.
Kiara's eyes met his.
Searching.
Unsure.
"You won't leave?" she asked.
Aarav didn't even blink.
"No."
"Even if this gets worse?"
"Especially then."
That answer—
Was enough.
Kiara moved closer.
Slowly.
Like she wasn't sure if she was allowed to.
Then—
She rested her head against his shoulder.
Aarav froze for a second.
Then relaxed.
His arm wrapped around her.
Protective.
Warm.
Certain.
No tension.
No rush.
Just comfort.
"I don't want to be scared," she whispered.
Aarav tightened his hold slightly.
"You won't be."
For the first time in days—
Kiara closed her eyes.
And this time—
She didn't see fear.
She felt safe.
Because this time—
She wasn't alone.
And Aarav?
He stayed awake.
All night.
Watching the door.
Listening to every sound.
Because if danger came again—
It would have to go through him first.