Marked By Darkness

Chapter 99- The Last Word

Ruhi balanced her bag on her shoulder as she stood in the library, trying to pull down a book from the top shelf. She stretched on her toes, but the book was just out of reach. Frustration crept in, and she muttered under her breath, "Why do they even keep books so high?"

Suddenly, a hand appeared and easily took the book down for her. Ruhi turned around to thank the person and froze when she saw Aiden standing there, holding the book.

"Aiden?" she blurted, her tone a mix of surprise and irritation. "What are you doing here?"

Aiden smirked, holding the book out to her. "Why? Can't I come here?"

Ruhi snatched the book from him, narrowing her eyes. "Did you follow me?" she asked, her voice low but angry.

Aiden raised an eyebrow, his expression calm. "No. It's just a coincidence that we both happen to be here."

Ruhi opened her mouth to retort, but Aiden pressed his finger against her lips, his expression mock-serious. "Don't talk too much," he whispered. "It's a library."

Ruhi's eyes flared with indignation, and without hesitation, she bit his finger. Aiden jerked back, suppressing a yelp of pain as Ruhi stomped off. He rubbed his hand, muttering, "She's something else."

---

On her way home, Ruhi noticed the streets growing quieter. As she walked, she became aware of footsteps behind her. Turning slightly, she saw a group of boys-three of them-following her. They smirked when they noticed she had spotted them.

Ruhi quickened her pace, clutching her bag tightly. But the boys also sped up, closing the distance between them. Her heart pounded, but she stopped abruptly, spinning around to face them.

"What do you want?" she demanded, her voice steady despite the fear in her chest.

The tallest boy stepped forward, his grin predatory. "Oh, come on, baby. Don't be so serious. Do you remember punching me at school? I've been dying to see that hand of yours again. Let me hold it."

He reached out, but Ruhi slapped his hand away and kicked him hard in the shin. He stumbled back with a curse, but before she could run, the other two boys grabbed her arms.

"Let me go!" she shouted, struggling against their grip.

The tall boy regained his balance, his expression darkening. "Oh, you'll regret that, sweetheart," he sneered, moving closer. One of the boys tried to unbutton her dress, while another clamped a hand tightly over her mouth, muffling her scream.

Suddenly, the roar of an engine filled the street. A car sped toward them, its headlights flashing. The boys froze, startled.

The car skidded to a halt nearby, and the driver's door swung open. Aiden stepped out, his face a mask of cold fury.

"Get away from her," he growled, advancing toward the group.

The tallest boy laughed nervously. "And what are you gonna do?"

Aiden didn't answer. Instead, he grabbed the boy's arm and twisted it sharply, the sickening crack of breaking bones echoing in the air. The boy screamed, clutching his arm as he stumbled back.

The other two boys released Ruhi immediately and fled with their injured friend.

Aiden turned to Ruhi, who stood frozen, her face pale and her eyes wide with shock. Without a word, he slipped off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

Ruhi clutched the jacket tightly, trembling. Aiden noticed the open buttons on her dress and hesitated. "Let me-" he started, reaching out to help, but Ruhi slapped his hand away, her voice shaking.