C7 Heartbeats in the dark

The footsteps were closer now, echoing through the marble hallway like a countdown. Amelia’s pulse raced as she pressed herself against the wall, trying to become invisible.

Adrian’s hand gripped hers, warm and strong. “Stay close. Don’t make a sound,” he whispered, voice low and urgent.

She nodded, though her heart thudded in rebellion against her ribs. The heat of his body pressed against hers, his chest brushing hers accidentally—or perhaps not—and a shiver ran down her spine.

The doorknob rattled again. Someone was trying to force it open.

Lena, standing a few steps away, smirked. “This is getting interesting,” she said, almost teasingly. “Will he protect you… or will you fall first?”

Amelia shot her a glare. “Stay out of this,” she hissed, voice trembling.

Adrian’s eyes flashed, a dangerous storm behind them. “No one will touch her,” he growled. His hand slid from hers to her waist, pulling her just slightly closer, protective yet possessive.

The door burst open. A shadowy figure entered, and for a split second, Amelia thought her heart would stop.

But Adrian moved faster. He blocked the figure, his body a shield. His eyes never left Amelia. “Step back,” he commanded, voice like steel.

The figure paused, then smiled faintly. “Blackwood… always so dramatic. And you brought her here?”

Adrian’s jaw tightened. “She’s under my protection. And you will leave now.”

The figure laughed softly, a sound that sent chills down Amelia’s spine. “Protection? She’s not yours to protect, Adrian. And she’s already caught in the middle.”

Amelia’s stomach twisted. Caught in the middle? She wanted to protest, to tell them both she could handle herself—but fear held her tongue.

Adrian stepped closer to her, lowering his voice. “Listen to me, Amelia. Whatever happens, stay with me. Do not run, do not argue. Understand?”

She nodded, swallowing hard, feeling the heat of his chest against hers, the dangerous pull of his presence.

The intruder took a step forward, then paused. “You’re making this complicated… for everyone.”

Suddenly, Lena moved, blocking the intruder. “Not so fast. She stays,” Lena said, her tone commanding, almost like a warning.

Adrian’s gaze snapped to Lena, a flash of irritation—but then he looked at Amelia, protective and intense. “You’re safe… for now.”

Amelia’s heart pounded in her chest. Safe? The word felt hollow, meaningless. Danger was everywhere, and yet, standing this close to Adrian made her forget everything but him.

And then, in a heartbeat, the intruder lunged forward.

Adrian reacted instantly, pulling Amelia behind him. They stumbled together, pressed so close that their breaths mingled. Her cheek brushed his chest, and she could feel the rapid heartbeat beneath his shirt—strong, protective, alive.

Time slowed. She felt his arms tighten around her, possessive, careful, unwavering. His voice was low, deadly serious. “I won’t let anyone hurt you. Not ever.”

Her breath caught. His words, his nearness, the danger, the fear—they all collided inside her. And in that chaotic moment, she realized something terrifying:

She was already falling… again.

But before she could process it, a loud crash echoed from the hallway. The intruder’s accomplice had joined in.

Adrian’s eyes darkened, dangerous, unwavering. “Stay with me. Now.”

Amelia’s heart raced, body pressed against his as they prepared to face whatever storm was coming.

And as the shadows closed in, one thing became painfully clear: this night was far from over.