The Blackwood Curse

Chapter 5

Sarah’s POV

Eren’s arm was draped possessively across my waist, his body a furnace of warmth as he slept beside me. His face, softened in slumber, seemed almost innocent, the sharp edges of his jawline relaxed, his lips parted slightly. In these moments, he was vulnerable, almost boyish—so far removed from the controlled, powerful man he was during the day.

But I couldn’t sleep.

The ceiling above felt like an unyielding canvas, and my thoughts painted vivid, restless patterns on it. Axel’s words echoed in my head, a dissonant chord I couldn’t shake.

“Eren’s not who you think he is.”

The intensity in Axel’s eyes when he said it was seared into my memory. There was no trace of his usual teasing or smugness. Instead, there was something darker. A certainty, a weight of knowledge he seemed desperate to share but bound by some invisible restraint.

I turned my head to look at Eren. His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, his features unmarred by whatever darkness Axel hinted at. How could this man, who held me so gently, be hiding anything? He was attentive, protective—devoted. Every touch, every whispered word spoke of love.

Didn’t it?

Beside me, Eren stirred. His grip around my waist tightened as he pulled me closer, his lips brushing the bare skin of my shoulder. The warmth of his breath sent a shiver down my spine.

“Good morning, Mrs. Blackwood,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble still heavy with sleep.

“Good morning,” I whispered back, forcing a smile as I turned to meet his gaze.

His dark eyes searched mine, their depth pulling me in. For a moment, I thought he could see the turmoil swirling within me. “You’re quiet this morning,” he said softly, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. “What’s on your mind?”

I hesitated, my heart pounding. The words were there, sitting on the edge of my tongue: Axel said you’re hiding something. Is it true? But the weight of our fragile peace pressed against me, silencing the question.

“Just tired,” I lied, letting the excuse slip through my lips.

Eren studied me for a beat longer, his gaze heavy with concern. But he didn’t push. Instead, he leaned in, capturing my lips in a slow, lingering kiss. His mouth was warm, his touch tender yet possessive, as if he could kiss away whatever was troubling me.

_

The day unfolded in a blur of vibrant colors and bustling sounds. Eren had arranged for us to explore the local markets, a labyrinth of stalls overflowing with exotic spices, vibrant textiles, and glittering trinkets. The air was rich with the scent of roasted coffee and freshly baked bread, a sensory overload that should have been exhilarating.

But even as I wandered through the market, my hand securely clasped in Eren’s, a shadow of unease lingered.

At one stall, Eren picked up a delicate bracelet adorned with tiny sapphire stones. “It matches your eyes,” he said, his smile warm as he fastened it around my wrist.

“It’s beautiful,” I said, trying to muster genuine enthusiasm.

His smile deepened, and he leaned in to kiss my forehead. Yet even his affection couldn’t dispel the gnawing tension in my chest. My gaze flickered around the crowd, half-expecting to see Axel lurking in the shadows.

But the shadows held only strangers.

-

The rooftop restaurant Eren chose for dinner was stunning, its open terrace offering a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline, now bathed in twilight. Soft music played in the background, mingling with the gentle clinking of glasses and murmured conversations. The breeze carried the faint scent of jasmine, wrapping around us like a silken veil.