Chapter 72 Multiple Crises

Chapter 72 Multiple Crises

Evelyn's POV

"So, they were hunted in large numbers, their habitats were destroyed, forests were burned, rivers were polluted, and finally... they went extinct."

When Kane finished speaking, the room fell into dead silence. Even our breathing was clearly audible.

I lay on the soft bed, but felt like I was falling into an ice cave. So... what I possessed was such a heavy and dangerous power.

"So... I..." I lifted my head to look at Kane, my voice trembling slightly.

"You are Evelyn," Kane said immediately, his eyes firm and unquestionable.

"You are my Evelyn, and that will never change." He spoke as if wanting me to remember this and carve it into my body.

He held my hand, his palm warm, driving away the coldness in my heart.

"I'm sorry, Evelyn. I should have noticed your condition earlier, should have stayed by your side the whole time, shouldn't have let you face all that alone."

"It's not your fault." I shook my head and squeezed his hand back, my fingertips still a bit cold.

He leaned down and gently kissed my forehead, the movement tender, the touch like a feather lightly brushing across my heart.

I looked at the dark circles under his eyes that wouldn't go away, feeling so sorry for him. To watch over me and make sure I was safe, he had sat there the entire night without even closing his eyes once.

"You... must be exhausted?" I asked softly, my voice still hoarse. Right now I didn't want to hide how much it hurt to see him like this.

Kane shook his head, his lips still curved in a smile, trying to reassure me. "I'm fine, as long as you're awake and by my side."

I couldn't bear to see him pushing himself like this. "Go lie down on the bed for a bit. I'm really okay now. Twenty hours is more than enough rest. I'll go back to my own room and call you if anything comes up."

"No, you can't leave me. At least not until we're sure it's safe." He said stubbornly, not daring to look me in the eye, as if afraid I'd dislike him for being so controlling.

But clearly he was also forcing himself to stay awake. I even felt that if it weren't for sheer willpower, he would have fallen asleep several times already.

I called his name seriously, my tone carrying a hint of pleading. "Kane, listen to me. Go lie down on the bed for a bit. I'll... I'll just sit next to you and read, okay?"

I pointed to the old book he'd been reading earlier.

Kane hesitated, as if wanting to make sure I really wouldn't leave. Finally, he gave in.

He sighed, and seeing that I insisted on moving to the chair nearby, he reached out to help cover me with the blanket, clearly not wanting me too far from him.

I watched as he slowly took off his wrinkled shirt and lay down on the edge of the bed. His movements were gentle, afraid of disturbing me, but even so, I could still feel the stiffness and tension in his body, his nerves tight even during rest.

I picked up the heavy old book and carefully opened it.

I flipped through it absentmindedly while occasionally turning to look at Kane.

Just when I thought he had fallen into deep sleep, he suddenly spoke, his voice thick with drowsiness and a hint of barely noticeable panic. "Evelyn..."

"What's wrong?" I quickly responded, thinking he was having a nightmare.

But I heard him mumbling unclearly, as if talking in his sleep. "Don't be scared, I'll protect you..."

My heart trembled. I put down the book and patted him, wanting him to sleep more peacefully.

However, this brief peace, fragile as a bubble, was soon broken.

About three hours later, when the room was filled only with the sound of our breathing, suddenly a letter fell from the window beside me. Even though it made no sound, Kane sat up almost reflexively.

"Kane, it's okay, it's just a letter." I spoke softly to calm Kane, wanting him not to be so tense.

He took the letter, and after glancing at it, said seriously, "It's from Seraphina. She needs to see us immediately. It's urgent."

My heart sank. An emergency summons from the principal at a time like this couldn't be anything good. I was afraid what we'd been worried about had happened.

We hurried to the principal's office.

Seraphina sat behind her large desk, her expression more serious than ever, even carrying a hint of anxiety, completely different from her usual calm demeanor no matter what happened.

"Evelyn, Kane, please sit." Seraphina gestured for us to sit down, her voice as low as thunder before a storm.

"The situation is a bit urgent, so I'll get straight to the point. No time to beat around the bush."

"Just now, the academy's security system received several anonymous letters, and some unidentified people have been sneaking around outside the academy, openly asking about Evelyn."

Seraphina took a deep breath and pushed several printed photos in front of us.

In the photos was the scene from yesterday when I lost control and transformed in the classroom. Although the angle was somewhat blurry and the lighting dim, you could still clearly see me in my Steldeer form.

"Someone really did take photos!" Although I'd expected this, I still didn't know how to deal with it.

Seraphina nodded gravely. "Yes, the news has leaked out. Now, sharp-nosed hunters and crazy collectors from the outside world are asking about you. They've shown great 'interest' in you."

"Hunters and collectors?" Kane's voice was icy, carrying killing intent.

Seraphina sighed, her eyes full of helplessness and worry. "They want Evelyn. A Steldeer's antlers, blood, even a living specimen—they're worth a fortune on the black market. They want to capture you to make huge profits, or... conduct inhumane dissection and research."

"These are what I can think of. There might even be more cruel things that we can't imagine."

After hearing Seraphina's words, Kane's coldness spread throughout the entire room.

And the moment I saw those photos, I already felt a bone-chilling coldness.

"I've already strengthened the academy's security measures and arranged temporary bodyguards for your grandfather." Seraphina looked at me, her eyes trying to reassure me.

"But, Evelyn, I must warn you that your situation is very dangerous, even critical. I strongly suggest you don't leave the academy. At least until things blow over, keep yourself hidden."

These words made me panic, almost unable to breathe. The suffocating feeling gripped my throat.

"Evelyn!" Kane pulled me into his arms and held me tight.

"Don't be scared. I'm here. I'll protect you and stay with you always." His voice was firm and powerful, carrying an unquestionable determination and reassuring strength.

"But..." I choked up, feeling like I'd fallen into danger.

"Don't be scared. I absolutely won't let anyone hurt you." Kane gently patted my back, his movements soft and patient.

He lifted his head to look at Seraphina, his eyes sharp as a blade, carrying an imposing presence. "Principal Seraphina, I need you to help adjust mine and Evelyn's schedules so we can be together at all times."

Seraphina nodded, as if she'd expected his request.

"Evelyn, listen. From now on, we won't be separated. I'll watch over you constantly, never leaving your side. Maybe you'll feel like I'm restricting you, but can you just let me have peace of mind?"

Kane's voice carried pleading as he stared into my eyes, begging me to agree to his request.