Chapter 68 Her anchor

Chapter 68 Her anchor


The evening had settled over the dorm, a quiet hush stretching across the hallways. Outside, the city lights glimmered faintly, casting long, soft shadows through the windows. Inside, the dorm was warm, the soft hum of conversation from the other rooms now reduced to occasional murmurs as students prepared for the night. But for Elara, the day’s events still clung to her like a second skin. The encounter with the strange man earlier had left her shaken, her stomach still twisting with unease, her chest tight with lingering fear.

Sonia and Sophie had insisted she rest immediately after returning to the room, fussing over her like worried guardians, but she hadn’t been able to relax completely. The nausea had ebbed, but the eeriness of what she felt still lingered in the back of her mind. She had curled into the blankets, trying to calm herself, when Kael, Luca, Rowan, and Jace had arrived.

From the moment he entered, Kael had positioned himself as her anchor. Every movement, every soft word, every glance had reminded her that she was not alone. But as the evening progressed, a new concern settled over Kael like a weight he could not shake. It was clear that leaving her alone, even for a few hours, was not an option. She needed protection, proximity, and reassurance—and he would give it to her.

The debate had begun shortly after dinner, quietly, so as not to draw attention. Luca, Rowan, and Jace had lingered just outside the room, voices lowered to murmurs.

“She can’t be alone,” Kael insisted, pacing slightly near the doorway. “After what happened today, after that encounter, it’s not safe. Not physically, not mentally.”

Rowan crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. “I get that, but Mrs. Grant will notice. We can’t just let him stay here. She’ll ask questions. She’s too perceptive.”

“She won’t know,” Sophie interjected from inside the room, her voice low but firm. “We’ll make sure of that. Elara needs him.”

Sonia nodded in agreement, still sitting by Elara’s bedside. “We’ll handle it. Trust us.”

Luca frowned slightly, his analytical mind running through the logistics. “We need a plan. If Mrs. Grant comes by—because she probably will—how do we explain it?”

Kael’s jaw tightened. “We don’t need an explanation. We need a distraction. We keep her busy, occupied, or away from the room. We’ll rotate watch. She doesn’t have to know the details. All she needs to see is that Elara is safe.”

Rowan finally nodded, conceding. “Alright. But if she notices anything strange, we need contingencies. We can’t afford to draw suspicion.”

“Agreed,” Luca said. “We’ll handle the hall. Keep Mrs. Grant busy with questions or errands, anything that keeps her distracted.”

Jace, who had remained mostly quiet, finally spoke. “Kael stays with her. We’ll make sure nothing happens tonight.”

Kael’s gaze softened as he looked at Elara. She was curled beneath the blankets, pale but leaning slightly toward him, as though her body already recognized that his presence would bring comfort. He knelt beside the bed, reaching for her hand.

“You’ll be okay,” he murmured. “Tonight, you’re not alone. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Elara blinked up at him, her lips parting slightly. “I… I’m scared,” she admitted, her voice barely audible.

Kael’s thumb brushed over the back of her hand. “I know. It’s okay to be scared. But I’m here. Always.”

Sonia and Sophie exchanged relieved glances. “See?” Sonia whispered. “Everything’s under control.”

The group quickly fell into a quiet rhythm. Kael sat near the bed, always within reach, while the others stationed themselves strategically just outside the door and along the hallways. They had planned for every scenario—any knock at the door, any sudden sound, any hint of Mrs. Grant wandering too close. They were ready. They were vigilant.

Hours passed slowly, the soft glow of the lamps casting a warm circle of light around the room. Elara had closed her eyes, but she was not asleep—she felt the steady presence of Kael nearby, his hand brushing against hers occasionally, his soft murmurs ensuring she remained calm. The sensation of safety was almost alien after the events of the day, and yet it was deeply comforting.

Outside, Luca paced lightly, occasionally peeking through the slightly ajar door to ensure that the hallway remained quiet. Rowan leaned against the wall nearby, his eyes alert, scanning for any sign of disturbance. Jace, stationary at the end of the hall, watched silently, a sentinel in the shadows.

Kael’s attention never wavered from Elara. He observed every small sign—her breathing, the tension in her hands, the subtle quiver of her lips. He noted the moments when she flinched slightly, when a memory of the earlier encounter with the strange man seemed to return, and he gently reassured her, his presence enough to steady her each time.

“Kael…” Elara’s voice was soft, hesitant. “Will they… come back?”

He shook his head slowly. “They might try, but they won’t get near you. Not tonight. Not while I’m here.” His gaze was steady, unwavering. “I’ve prepared for every possibility. Every step you take, every moment, you’re protected. You don’t have to worry about them—or anything else.”

Elara relaxed slightly, the tightness in her chest easing under his calm confidence. She reached out, clutching his sleeve lightly. “Thank you… for staying.”

Kael gave a small, reassuring smile. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

Time stretched into the late evening. The room remained quiet, the occasional sound of the city drifting faintly through the window. Elara’s eyelids grew heavy, the exhaustion from the day finally beginning to take hold. Kael stayed close, his hand resting lightly on the bed near hers, a constant anchor.

The others maintained their positions, subtle yet vigilant. Luca and Rowan kept an eye on the hallways, listening for any signs of Mrs. Grant or unexpected intruders, while Jace remained at the door, ready to step in at the first hint of trouble. They moved silently, seamlessly, a silent shield around Elara and Kael.

At one point, the soft patter of footsteps approached from the far end of the hall. The trio stiffened, alert instantly. Mrs. Grant’s rounds were predictable, but not always perfectly timed. Kael’s eyes flicked toward the door, calculating.

Luca moved subtly, intercepting the approaching footsteps. A quick word in a lowered voice, a small distraction, and Mrs. Grant’s curiosity was redirected elsewhere. She passed down the hall without glancing toward Elara’s room. The immediate tension dissolved, and Kael allowed himself a brief exhale, though his vigilance remained.

“See?” Sonia whispered softly. “We’ve got this. Nothing’s getting in here tonight.”

Elara, now lying back fully against the pillows, let out a shaky breath. “I feel… safer,” she admitted. “With all of you here.”

Kael leaned closer, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “That’s because you are safe. And you will stay safe. I promise you that.”

Minutes passed in quiet companionship. Kael did not attempt to sleep, remaining alert for any disturbance. He spoke occasionally, softly, keeping Elara’s mind occupied, helping her relax, her breathing even and steady. Sonia and Sophie remained close, offering occasional reassurances, while Luca, Rowan, and Jace maintained the perimeter, ever watchful.

At one point, Elara shifted slightly, turning toward Kael. “Will you… stay until morning?” she asked, a hint of vulnerability in her voice.

Kael met her gaze steadily. “Yes. Until morning, until you’re fully rested, until you’re no longer afraid.”

Her lips curved slightly into a tired smile. “Thank you,” she whispered.

He offered a small smile in return, his hand brushing lightly over hers again. “No need to thank me. I’m not going anywhere.”

Hours passed quietly, the dorm now asleep except for their room. Kael remained close, vigilant, a living shield against any threat. Outside, the city continued its distant hum, indifferent to the small, tense sanctuary within the dorm walls.

As the night deepened, Elara’s breathing grew steady, her eyelids heavier, the tension finally draining from her body. She leaned slightly into the blankets, comforted by Kael’s presence and the knowledge that the others were watching, ready for anything.

Kael kept his hand near hers, his eyes scanning the room, the hallway, the faint shadows that shifted beyond the window. He would not relax until she was safe and rested. He would remain her protector, her anchor, her shield.

And tonight, nothing—not the strange man, not the rival wolves, not any unseen threat—would touch her.

The night stretched on, and Kael stayed.

Because some promises could not be broken.

Because some people could not be left unprotected.

Because Elara needed him.

And he would never leave her side.