Sanctuary of my heart

Chapter Five

The day had started like any other, with me trying to get through breakfast, avoiding Merrick's sharp gaze. I had just settled into my room with a book, hoping to lose myself in its pages, when Clara knocked on the door. The expression on her face told me something was wrong even before she spoke.
"Lyra," she said softly, stepping inside. "Merrick.."
My heart sank. I didn't let her continue as I asked "What does he want?", trying to keep my voice steady, though a cold dread was already seeping into my veins. Clara hesitated, her eyes flickering with something like pity. "Eric is here. He asked to see you again."
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I felt the room tilt slightly as panic began to bubble up inside me. "No," I whispered, shaking my head. "I can't."
Clara's expression softened. "I know it's difficult, Lyra. But you know how Merrick is. If Eric wants to see you, you don't have a choice."
I bit my lip, trying to control the rising fear that threatened to overwhelm me. My mind raced, searching for an excuse, a way out, but I knew there was none. Eric had expressed interest in me, and Merrick would never let that go unexploited. Clara reached out and touched my arm gently. "He's waiting in the garden. Just...get through it, okay? I'll be nearby if you need anything."
Numbly, I nodded, though I felt anything but okay. As Clara left the room, I forced myself to stand, my legs shaky beneath me. I took a few deep breaths, trying to calm the rapid pounding of my heart, but the panic wouldn't subside.
The walk to the garden felt surreal, like I was moving through a dream—or a nightmare. The sun was bright overhead, the late afternoon casting long shadows across the manicured lawn, but the beauty of the day only made the dread in my chest more acute. When I reached the garden, I saw Eric standing by a stone bench, his back to me as he admired the flowers. He was dressed impeccably, as always, in a tailored navy suit that hugged his broad shoulders and tapered down to his slim waist. His bronze hair was perfectly styled, catching the light of the late afternoon sun. Even from behind, he exuded an air of confidence and control that made my skin prickle with unease.
As he heard my footsteps, he turned slowly, his movements deliberate and measured. His smile spread across his face as his eyes locked onto mine, their piercing blue depths seeming to see right through me. The look in his eyes was intense, almost predatory, as if he were sizing me up, deciding how best to approach. A faint glint of satisfaction flickered in his gaze, like he had already claimed me in his mind. The combination of his polished appearance and that unsettling smile sent a shiver down my spine.
"Lyra," he greeted, his voice smooth as silk. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't come."
"I'm sorry," I said quietly, wishing I could disappear into the ground. I kept my distance, hovering near the path, but Eric's gaze was as intense as ever, drawing me in despite my instincts screaming to run.
"No need to apologize," he replied, taking a step toward me. "I'm just glad we could meet again. I've been thinking about you a lot since the party."
His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I glanced around the garden, hoping to see Clara or anyone else who might offer some form of escape. But we were alone, surrounded by high hedges that only made me feel more trapped.
Eric didn't miss my nervousness. He closed the remaining distance between us, reaching out to take my hand. His grip was firm, almost possessive, as he looked down at me with an expression that made my heart race for all the wrong reasons.
"You seem nervous," he observed, his tone both concerned and slightly amused. "There's no need to be, Lyra. I'm not going to hurt you."
I wanted to believe him, but the way he looked at me, like I was something he could own, made my skin crawl. I tried to pull my hand back, but he held on, his fingers tightening around mine.
"I spoke to your stepfather," Eric continued, his voice low, as if sharing a secret. "I told him how much I liked you. He seemed pleased to hear that."
A cold wave of dread washed over me. "You...you did?"
"Yes," Eric said, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied my reaction. "I think we'd be good together, Lyra. Don't you?"
My mind raced, trying to think of something to say that wouldn't provoke him. "I...I don't know," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. "I think...everything is happening so fast."
Eric's smile didn't waver, but there was a hardness in his eyes now, a flicker of impatience. "You'll get used to it," he said, his tone firm. "I know this is all new for you, but it's what's best. For both of us."
He released my hand only to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing over my skin in a gesture that might have been tender if it didn't feel so wrong. I flinched at his touch, but I couldn't bring myself to move away. His gaze bore into me, and I felt the weight of his expectations pressing down on me, suffocating me.
"I want you to understand something, Lyra," he said softly, but there was steel in his voice. "I'm not a man who likes to be kept waiting. I've made my intentions clear, and I expect you to take them seriously."
I swallowed hard, nodding because it was the only thing I could do. "I...I understand," I whispered, though every part of me wanted to scream, to run far away from this place, from him.
Eric studied me for a long moment, his thumb still tracing over my cheek. Then, finally, he stepped back, though his gaze never left mine. "Good," he said, his voice gentle again, "I'll see you again soon, Lyra. I look forward to it."
I forced a tight smile, nodding once more as I backed away, my heart pounding in my chest. I turned and walked away as quickly as I could without running, feeling his eyes on me the entire time. When I finally rounded the corner of the garden and was out of his sight, I let out a shuddering breath, my entire body trembling.
I had to find a way out of this.
The cool shadows of the trees wrapped around me, soothing the frantic thoughts racing through my mind. I barely noticed the path beneath my feet as I made my way to the treehouse, my body moved on instinct, driven by the desperate need to escape.
When I finally reached the treehouse, I didn't hesitate. I climbed the ladder with trembling hands, my breath ragged as I pulled myself up. The moment I stepped inside, the familiar scent of old wood and pine washed over me, and I felt a small measure of calm seep into my bones.
Kael was there, sitting on the floor with his back against the wall, a book open in his hands. He looked up as I entered, his expression softening into a warm, easy smile. There was no surprise on my part—I had gotten used to finding him here. The treehouse had become our shared refuge, a place where the outside world couldn't touch us. And seeing him here, waiting for me, made the tightness in my chest loosen just a little.
But the moment our eyes met, something inside me broke. All the fear, the frustration, the helplessness I'd been holding back came rushing to the surface. Without a word, I dropped to my knees in front of him, the tears I'd been fighting spilling over in hot, silent streams.
Kael's smile faded as he quickly set the book aside and moved closer, his brows knitting together in concern. "Lyra," he murmured, his voice soft and gentle. He reached out, his hand brushing a tear from my cheek. "What happened?"
I couldn't answer him. The words were stuck in my throat, choking me as the sobs grew louder. I felt ridiculous, sitting here crying in front of him, but I couldn't stop. The walls I'd carefully constructed over the years were crumbling, and there was nothing I could do to hold them up.
Kael didn't press me. Instead, he pulled me into his arms, holding me close against his chest. The warmth of his embrace was like a balm to my frayed nerves, and I clung to him, burying my face in his shirt as the sobs wracked my body.
He didn't say anything, just held me, his hand stroking my back in slow, soothing circles. I could feel his heartbeat beneath my cheek, steady and reassuring, and I focused on that rhythm, letting it ground me as I slowly began to calm down. The tears slowed, but Kael didn't loosen his hold,he just sat there with me, letting me take the time I needed.
When I finally pulled back, my face flushed with embarrassment, I found his eyes on me, full of understanding. "Sorry," I mumbled, wiping at my cheeks. "I didn't mean to fall apart like that."
"Don't apologize," he said softly, his hand still resting on my back. "You don't have to be strong all the time, Lyra. It's okay to let it out."
His words were so kind, so understanding, that they nearly brought fresh tears to my eyes. But instead of crying again, I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "It's just...Eric," I managed to say, my voice still shaky. "He was here. He wanted to see me."
Kael's expression darkened, a shadow passing over his eyes. "What did he want?"
I shook my head, struggling to find the right words. "He told Merrick he liked me...that he wants us to be together. He said I belong to him now." The last words came out in a whisper, and I felt the weight of them settle over me again, pressing down on my chest.
Kael's jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought I saw anger flash in his eyes. But when he spoke, his voice was calm, though laced with an edge of steel. "You don't belong to anyone, Lyra. Especially not him."
"I don't know what to do," I confessed, my voice trembling again. "I feel so trapped, Kael. I don't know how to get out of this."
He was silent for a long moment, and then he gently cupped my face in his hands, his touch warm and reassuring. "You're not alone in this," he said quietly, his eyes locking onto mine. "I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. Whatever it takes, we'll figure this out together."
There was such certainty in his words, such quiet strength, that it made the fear inside me shrink just a little. I nodded, leaning into his touch, grateful beyond words for his presence.
"Thank you," I whispered.
Kael didn't say anything, but his eyes spoke volumes. The intensity there, the quiet determination—it made me feel safer than I had in a long time. He still held my face gently in his hands, his thumb brushing away the last of my tears. It was like he was silently vowing to protect me from whatever was coming, and I wanted so badly to believe him.
I leaned into his touch, taking a deep breath, trying to absorb the strength he was offering. But even with Kael here, even with his arms around me, the weight of everything that had happened—the encounter with Eric, the way he claimed I belonged to him—still pressed down on me.
Kael's expression softened as he seemed to sense my lingering fear. "Lyra," he said softly, breaking the silence. "We can stay here as long as you need. You don't have to go back right away."
I nodded, the idea of staying in the treehouse, away from Merrick and Eric, a small comfort. But I knew that eventually, I would have to leave. I couldn't hide here forever, no matter how much I wanted to.
Kael's arms tightened around me, as if sensing my thoughts. "We'll figure something out," he said again, his voice firmer this time. "You don't have to face this alone."
I looked up at him, searching his eyes, and saw nothing but sincerity. It struck me how different Kael was from anyone else in my life—how he was the first person in years who genuinely seemed to care about what I wanted, not just what was expected of me.
"Thank you," I whispered again, my voice cracking a little. It felt inadequate, but I didn't know what else to say. The gratitude I felt for him being here, for him caring, was overwhelming.
Kael gave me a small, reassuring smile. "You don't have to thank me," he said. "I want to be here for you, Lyra. I'm here because I care about you."
His words wrapped around my heart, making it ache in a way that wasn't entirely unpleasant. It was terrifying, how much I wanted to trust him, to let him in. But at the same time, it was the most natural thing in the world.
Before I could say anything more, Kael shifted, leaning back slightly. "Come here," he said gently, pulling me closer so that I was leaning against him, my head resting on his chest. "Just breathe for a while. We don't have to talk if you don't want to."
I closed my eyes, letting the steady rhythm of his heartbeat soothe me. His hand moved to my hair, stroking it gently, and I felt myself relax against him, the tension slowly easing from my body.
For a while, we just sat there in the quiet of the treehouse, the only sounds the distant rustling of leaves and the occasional chirp of a bird outside. It was peaceful, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me. I let myself get lost in the moment, taking comfort in Kael's presence, in the safety of the treehouse.
But as the minutes passed, my thoughts began to wander back to Eric and Merrick. The fear, the helplessness—I couldn't shake it, even here. I couldn't help but wonder what Eric was planning, how Merrick would try to force me into something I didn't want. The uncertainty gnawed at me, making it hard to fully relax.
Kael must have sensed the shift in my mood, because he tightened his arm around me, his voice a low murmur. "You're thinking too much."
I let out a small, shaky laugh. "It's hard not to."
"I know," he said, his tone understanding. "But you're safe here, with me. Whatever happens, we'll deal with it together. You don't have to carry this alone."
There it was again—that promise, that certainty in his voice that made me want to believe everything would be okay. I turned my head slightly, looking up at him. His gaze was steady, reassuring, and I found myself nodding, even though I still wasn't sure how we could possibly get out of this.
But with Kael here, holding me, it felt a little less impossible.
"Okay," I whispered, letting myself lean into his embrace again, allowing the comfort of his presence to wash over me. For now, that was enough.
I shifted slightly in Kael's arms, the warmth of his embrace still comforting, but my mind was beginning to drift. The safety I felt with him made me curious, and for the first time, I realized how little I actually knew about him.
"Kael?" I asked softly, my voice breaking the comfortable silence.
"Hmm?" His hand paused in its gentle stroking of my hair, his attention fully on me.
"Tell me about you," I said, turning my head to look up at him. "It seems like I'm always talking about me, and I still know very little about you."
A small smile tugged at his lips, and he shifted slightly so that we were facing each other more directly. "What do you want to know?"
"Everything," I replied with a grin. "Start with the basics. Like...do you have any siblings?"
He shook his head. "No, I'm an only child."
"Really?" I raised an eyebrow. Kael chuckled, a low, warm sound. "My parents were pretty focused on their work, so I had a lot of freedom. I grew up here in Ravenwood."
"Ravenwood?" I repeated, surprised. "So, you're a local?"
He nodded. "Born and raised. My father's a businessman. He runs a few companies, so we've always been well off. But he's always been more focused on work than anything else."
I bit my lip, trying to imagine what that must have been like. I had been born in another town, and life had changed so much after my mother married Merrick and we moved to Ravenwood. The idea of having grown up here like Kael, in the same place that now felt both familiar and suffocating, was hard to grasp.
My gaze drifted back to Kael, and a mischievous thought crossed my mind. "You better not let Merrick find out about your dad being a successful businessman," I said, a teasing note in my voice. "He might try to force a marriage on us too."
I laughed, expecting Kael to join in, but instead, I felt him stiffen slightly. His smile faltered, and for a moment, his eyes flickered with something I couldn't quite place.
The change in his demeanor was so sudden that it caught me off guard. My laughter died in my throat, and I quickly backtracked. "I'm just kidding, Kael," I said, trying to lighten the mood. "It was just a joke."
Kael blinked, as if snapping out of whatever had momentarily clouded his thoughts, and he forced a small smile. "I know," he said, his voice a bit too light. "It's just..."
He trailed off, and I could see the tension still lingering in his eyes. I wanted to ask him what was wrong, to understand why my joke had affected him so much, but I didn't want to push him. Not after everything I'd just put him through with my own emotions.
Instead, I reached out and placed my hand on his, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I didn't mean anything by it," I said softly. "I'm sorry if I touched a nerve."
Kael's gaze softened, and he shook his head. "You didn't. It's just...complicated."
Complicated. That word hung in the air between us, and I knew there was more to Kael's story than he was ready to share. But for now, I let it go, giving him a small smile in return. "It's okay," I said. "We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."
He looked at me for a long moment, then nodded. "Thank you, Lyra."
We fell into a comfortable silence after that, but the moment lingered in my mind. There was so much more to Kael than I knew, more than he was willing to share right now. But that was okay. We had time.