Episode ---12
Lina's footsteps echoed faintly in the ruined hallway, her gaze darting over broken marble and rain-darkened portraits.
She had always imagined Aria's life would be hospitals, quiet libraries, maybe late-night tea and study notes — never mossy villas, men with guns, and shadows thick as silence.
Aria walked beside her, voice low. "I know what this looks like—"
"It looks," Lina snapped, "like you're living in a mafia film, Aria!"
Before Aria could answer, a quiet voice cut in from behind.
"You shouldn't wander," Ayan said. His words were calm, but they carried a weight that stilled the air.
Lina spun to face him, eyes flashing. "And who are you to tell me where to go?"
"Ayan," he repeated, unfazed. "My job is to keep this place secure. That includes you."
"You mean keep an eye on me," Lina retorted. "Like some stone-faced statue."
His gaze didn't waver. "Statues don't bleed," he murmured. "Or kill, if necessary."
Aria stepped between them, palms up. "Please. Both of you. This isn't the time."
But the spark had caught flame. Lina's chest rose and fell fast, anger mixing with fear.
Ayan's jaw tensed, but he said nothing — simply turned and walked ahead, silent as shadow.
"Unbelievable," Lina whispered, her voice cracking. "You're really living with people like him, Aria?"
"Living? Maybe. Surviving? Definitely," Aria said softly. Her words tasted of truth she hadn't wanted to speak.
They walked through halls where rain dripped from broken ceilings into silent pools.
In the main room, Raian stood by the window, phone to his ear, voice low and clipped in a language Lina couldn't follow.
But Aria saw the tension in his shoulders, the way his free hand curled into a fist.
Raian ended the call, turning to them. His eyes softened a fraction when they met Aria's.
"Everything's fine," he lied.
Aria felt the lie settle in her chest like cold stone. "What happened?"
"Nothing," Raian repeated. His gaze flicked to Lina. "Your friend will stay in the west wing. Ayan will escort her."
Lina crossed her arms. "I don't need an escort."
Raian's tone dropped, quiet as a blade. "You do. Because you're here — and that makes you a target."
Ayan stepped closer, silent, waiting.
Lina's lips tightened, but under his cold stare, her resolve cracked just a little.
"Fine," she muttered. "But don't expect me to like it."
Ayan said nothing, only inclined his head slightly, then turned to lead the way.
As they walked, Aria caught Raian's gaze. "You shouldn't have brought her here," he murmured.
"I didn't," she whispered back. "She came because she cares."
Raian's eyes darkened, storm-grey and shadowed. "And caring can get her killed."
In that single heartbeat, Aria understood:
In Raian's world, love isn't strength. It's a weakness enemies hunt.
...