Marked By Darkness

Chapter 69- Protective

Ruhan's POV...

Sitting by Ruhi's bedside, I watched her, my mind churning with thoughts I couldn't quite sort out. I felt a strange mix of protectiveness and something deeper, something I couldn't name. I didn't understand why, but I needed to be here for her. Seeing her so fragile, caught up in all this pain, made me feel a pull to shield her, to keep her safe-even if it was from the shadows my own family had cast.

I shook my head slightly, unable to make sense of these feelings. I didn't know why I wanted so badly to be by her side, but it was all I could think about.

Just then, her eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, her gaze was unfocused before settling on me. Her brow furrowed in confusion. "Ruhan? What...why are you here?"

Relief flooded through me at seeing her awake. "Are you okay, Ruhi?" I asked gently, my voice barely more than a whisper.

She didn't answer right away. Instead, she looked at me, as if trying to understand my presence, my concern. Finally, she spoke, her voice quiet but edged with frustration. "Why are you here, Ruhan?"

I paused, searching for the right words. "I wanted to clear things up," I said, my gaze steady. "I need you to be safe, Ruhi."

A flicker of doubt crossed her face. "How can I trust you after everything that's happened?" she murmured, hurt visible in her eyes.

I took a deep breath, my words firm. "Because you don't have any other choice," I replied, my tone unwavering. "I'm the only one who understands the curse, the only one who knows the bungalow and its history. If anyone can help you through this, it's me."

She shook her head slowly, her voice tinged with resignation. "That bungalow has already taken so much from me. It took my mother...and my sister. I feel like it's only a matter of time before it takes me, too. How can you protect me from that?"

I leaned forward, catching her gaze, determination hardening my voice. "I will save you, Ruhi. No matter what it takes. I'll make sure you're safe."

For a brief moment, her eyes softened, and I thought I saw something shift in her expression-something vulnerable, as if she sensed the depth of my feelings, even though I barely understood them myself. But just as quickly, she blinked, looking away, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

I felt the silence grow between us, but it was no longer tense. There was a quiet understanding, an unspoken promise in the air.

After a moment, she broke the silence. "Do you...plan to stay here tonight or go back home?"

I looked at her, slightly surprised by her question. "What do you want?"

Her lips pressed together for a moment, and she shrugged. "I'm just asking," she replied, almost nonchalantly. "If you're staying, I'll call Anshi to come over too."

I raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Do you not trust me, Ruhi? Is that why you need someone else here-to protect you from me?"

The hint of humor in my voice seemed to catch her off guard, and she let out a reluctant laugh, her shoulders relaxing. "Maybe a little," she admitted with a soft smile. "But... I guess you don't seem so dangerous right now."

We shared a quiet laugh, the tension between us lifting. For the first time in what felt like forever, it felt almost...normal. She glanced down, biting her lip as if hesitant before meeting my eyes.

"I'm sorry," she said softly, her gaze sincere. "For...for the slap."

I shook my head, smiling gently. "It's okay, Ruhi. I think I deserved it."