Healing chains

Her healer: part 7 (her protectors)

I know I know I haven't been uploading I was at my grandparents place and my cousins were there too so I did not have the time to make some edit and publish nor I had the courage to tell them the kind of stories I write 🫣.

DO VOTE, pretty please 💋
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AUTHOR POV

The room was dark, the quiet hum of early morning surrounding Yaroslav and Thea as they lay together. She was nestled against his chest, her breathing soft and even, one arm wrapped around his torso. His fingers lightly traced the contours of her shoulder, a grounding gesture he'd found himself addicted to in the moments they shared like this.

But then, at just past four in the morning, a subtle vibration broke the stillness. Yaroslav's senses sharpened instantly, his eyes narrowing in the dim light as he strained to listen. Outside, muffled steps moved closer to the bedroom—two approaching the door, another near the balcony. Thea stirred slightly but remained sound asleep, unaware of the danger just a heartbeat away.

With a calm, lethal precision, Yaroslav slipped out of bed, his knife glinting in his hand as he positioned himself by the door. The first intruder entered, barely making it a step before Yaroslav's arm wrapped around his neck, his blade slicing deep and fast. The man's body slumped to the floor, and Yaroslav was already upon the second intruder, dispatching him with the same ruthless efficiency. Not a single sound broke the silence, save for the soft thuds as they dropped.

Then came the faint rustle from the balcony, the third man stepping cautiously through the sliding door. Yaroslav's eyes darkened, a cold fury building. How dare they come so close to her, to his Thea? His movements were a deadly dance, every step calculated and silent. Within seconds, the third intruder joined the others on the floor, Yaroslav's focus unbroken as he surveyed the room, ensuring it was once again secure.

Outside, Dimitri, Nikolai, and Ivan fought fiercely, keeping the remaining enemies at bay with single-minded determination. They were Yaroslav's most trusted men, his brothers in all but blood, and to them, Thea was as close as family. They would hold the line until the very last breath, fighting tooth and nail to keep the peace inside the mansion, to let her sleep through the storm.

As soon as the last sounds of the scuffle died down, Yaroslav stepped into the hallway, signaling his friends. Dimitri, Nikolai, and Ivan approached him, each showing traces of blood and grit, their eyes sharp with concern.

"Three made it to the bedroom," Yaroslav murmured, his voice low and controlled. "I took care of them, but I don't want Thea to see this."

They nodded without hesitation, following him back inside. Together, they removed the bodies swiftly and without a word, the weight of their loyalty and determination palpable. Three maids appeared moments later, diligently scrubbing every trace of blood, ensuring that by the time morning broke, no hint of the night's violence remained.

By 8:30, the mansion was spotless, the dark remnants of the night's events erased, as if it had all been nothing more than a dream. When Thea finally stirred at 9:00, she opened her eyes to see Yaroslav standing near the dresser, buttoning his shirt, his expression calm and composed, as though the night had passed in quiet, uneventful peace.

She stretched, a soft smile crossing her face as she took him in. "Good morning," she murmured, her eyes lighting up.

Yaroslav turned, a gentle warmth flickering in his gaze as he looked at her. "Good morning, my love," he replied, his tone soft, giving nothing away. Crossing the room, he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering as he leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead.