Chapter 4: Sparks Ignited

The training grounds of the manor were bathed in intense sunlight, the air thick with a stifling heat. Kaelan stood off to the side as usual, silently observing the guards' routine drills. His upright posture and stoic demeanor resembled an unyielding sculpture.

Not far away, Liora leaned against a tree with her arms crossed, her gaze fixed firmly on him. After days of observation, she was convinced that behind this cold and indifferent exterior lay secrets waiting to be uncovered. Determined, she made it her mission to break through his defenses.

“Kaelan,” she called out at last, stepping in front of him with a hint of provocation in her tone. “Do you think I’m insignificant?”

Kaelan didn’t turn his head, replying flatly, “Unimportant people wouldn’t be a target.”

Liora frowned. This wasn’t the answer she wanted.

“So, I’m just a mission to you?” she pressed, her voice sharp. “Am I no different from these mechanical guards in your eyes?”

Kaelan finally turned to look at her. His gaze was calm but piercing. “You are a mission, but that doesn’t mean you’re irrelevant. Understanding that will benefit you.”

His words struck Liora, leaving her momentarily speechless. This man had a way of dismantling her arguments in just a few words.

“Fine,” she suddenly smiled, her tone turning lighter. “Since I’m your mission, does that mean you have to follow my orders?”

Kaelan’s brow twitched imperceptibly. “Only orders that make sense.”

“In that case,” Liora tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with mischief, “have you ever thought that listening to me might make your job easier?”

Kaelan didn’t respond, silently watching her as if waiting to see her next move.

Just then, a piercing alarm sounded from outside the manor. Kaelan’s expression instantly hardened. He spun around, grabbing Liora by the wrist and pulling her toward a secure area.

“What’s happening?” she asked, trying to keep up with his pace, her tone edged with unease.

“An intruder,” Kaelan said, his voice low and calm but brimming with danger. “Stay close. Don’t wander off.”

Several unidentified intruders were locked in a fierce firefight with the guards, gunshots echoing across the grounds. Kaelan quickly escorted Liora to a hidden room, checking the defenses with precision.

“Stay here. Don’t come out,” he ordered, his gaze stern and leaving no room for argument.

“Wait!” Liora grabbed his arm. “You’re going alone?”

“It’s my job.” Kaelan didn’t linger, slipping out the door without another word.

Liora bit her lip, watching his figure disappear. A wave of complex emotions surged within her. She had never felt so helpless, yet she couldn’t stop worrying about his safety.

Kaelan moved through the crossfire like a shadow, his every action precise and lethal. His eyes remained fixed on the enemy, completely disregarding his own danger.

As he was about to subdue the final opponent, an urgent voice came through his earpiece: “The target is suspected to be heading toward the main building!”

Kaelan’s heart sank. Immediately, his thoughts turned to Liora. Without hesitation, he pivoted and sprinted toward the main building.

Liora curled up in the corner of the room, gripping a handgun she barely knew how to use. She tried to stay calm, but her racing heartbeat betrayed her fear.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed outside. Liora held her breath, aiming the gun at the door with trembling hands. Cold sweat trickled down her forehead.

The door burst open, and a stranger stepped in, his gaze cold and a gleaming knife in hand.

Liora pulled the trigger in panic, but her shot went wide. The man sneered and closed in on her, his hand darting out to snatch the gun from her grip.

“Help!” Liora screamed, struggling desperately against him.

Just as the situation seemed dire, Kaelan’s figure appeared like a gust of wind. In a blur of motion, he delivered a punch to the intruder’s face, disarming him in one fluid motion before subduing him with ruthless efficiency.

The man groaned in pain, collapsing to the ground, incapacitated. Kaelan spared him a cold glance to ensure he was no longer a threat before turning to Liora.

“Are you hurt?” His voice was calm as ever, but there was a subtle trace of worry in his eyes.

Liora’s breathing was still ragged as she stared at him in shock. A moment later, she threw herself into his arms.

“I thought…” her voice trembled with lingering fear, “I thought I was going to die…”

Kaelan froze for a brief second, seemingly surprised by her reaction. But instead of pushing her away, he gently patted her back, his voice low and reassuring. “It’s over. You’re safe now.”

His hand was warm and steady, offering a comfort Liora had never felt before. She closed her eyes, listening to his heartbeat as her emotions gradually calmed.

Night had fallen. Liora was back in her room, while Kaelan stood guard outside. Through the crack in the door, she could see his silhouette, and a mix of feelings stirred within her.

“Kaelan,” she murmured softly, “you have emotions. So why do you hide them so well?”

She realized that his cold demeanor might not stem from a lack of feelings but from the boundaries he deliberately set. Yet, whenever danger arose, his instincts betrayed a deep-seated warmth and protectiveness.

The sparks ignited between them were growing. Liora knew Kaelan was not destined to remain cold as iron forever.