Chapter 31 Sharing a Room
Cecilia Blackwood's POV
"No, no, no—I'm fine. You don't need to worry."
"If you're fine, why do you need Jenny?" Kane pressed, his eyes never leaving me.
I looked uncomfortable, unsure how to explain. Some things were just too awkward to put into words.
"It's nothing, really. Just call Jenny for me, please."
"Okay." Thankfully, Kane didn't push further—otherwise I'd be in real trouble.
A few moments later, Kane returned to the room. "Jenny's not here. Neither are the other nurses. Whatever you need, just tell me. I can help."
"I..." I fell completely silent. Was fate playing some kind of joke on me? Why did this have to happen now, of all times?
"I'm fine."
I tried to play it cool, but some urges couldn't be ignored. Finally, I said in a shaky voice, "It's really not a big deal. I just... need to use the bathroom."
The next second, Kane swept me up into his arms. "I'll take you."
"Ah!" I gasped, terrified I'd suddenly fall.
But with both my hands and feet too weak to move, all I could do was cling to him. We were so close I could hear his breathing.
My heart raced. My face burned. That unfamiliar feeling inside me grew stronger.
Honestly, I was scared—scared I wouldn't be able to keep my emotions under control.
We reached the bathroom door. "You... you can go back now. I can manage on my own."
"You can't manage on your own."
"I really can!"
"No." Kane's tone left no room for argument.
We stood there in a standoff. I was so mortified I could've clawed a manor out of the floor with my toes.
Any girl would feel the same. This was unbearable.
At that critical moment, Jenny appeared from down the hall, wheeling a chair. "Let me handle this."
I exhaled in relief. She was my savior.
When everything was done, I returned to the room to find Kane still there.
"It's almost lights-out. Why haven't you left yet?" I asked.
"I'm not leaving. I'm staying here with you tonight."
"Absolutely not!" I refused immediately. "Did you forget what you promised me? You have class tomorrow morning. You can't skip again!"
Kane's expression was matter-of-fact. "I only promised I'd go to class tomorrow. I never said I'd go back tonight."
I was stunned. Was he seriously exploiting a loophole like that?
"That doesn't count! You won't get any rest here. If you don't sleep tonight, how will you make it through class tomorrow?"
"Just go back. I'm serious. I'm the patient here—don't make me worry, okay?"
I tried to sound as stern as possible, hoping it would work.
It did. Kane stood up and left.
A little while later, Jenny came in. "Time for your medicine."
"Thank you."
"You're very polite. I've looked after plenty of people, but you're the most courteous by far. Now I understand why you two ended up together—you really are different."
"Different how?"
"You're respectful, straightforward, generous—and you know how to forgive. Not everyone has that."
"You're giving me too much credit." Then I caught myself. "Wait—what do you mean, 'ended up together'? Together with who?"
"That Dark Mage, of course. You're the only person I've ever seen him talk to."
"Everyone else avoids him like the plague, terrified some curse or bad luck will rub off on them. But not you."
I rushed to explain. "No, no, no! You've got it wrong. We're not together. We're just friends."
"Just friends?"
"Yes. Just friends. Nothing more!"
"But if you're just friends, why is he standing guard outside? That's not something friends do."
My eyes went wide. "What? He's still out there?"
"Yes. If you don't believe me, I'll wheel you out so you can see for yourself."
Of course I didn't refuse. "Please."
Sure enough, Kane was standing in the hallway, scanning left and right.
I knew why. He was afraid someone might hurt me—especially Rowan and her crew.
"You really don't have to do this. This is the infirmary. No one would dare cause trouble here."
"And Ms. Moria gave them a direct order. They won't try anything—at least not for a while."
"Please, just go back and rest. I'll be fine on my own."
"Okay." This time Kane didn't argue, but I knew better. He wouldn't actually listen. Even if he left the hallway, he'd just find somewhere else to wait.
I had no choice. I asked Jenny to bring in a folding bed so we could both stay in the room.
The moon was full that night. Moonlight spilled through the window and across the room, illuminating Kane's strong, handsome profile.
His eyes were closed, but I knew he wasn't asleep. His uneven breathing gave him away.
"Are you asleep?"
Kane sat up immediately. "Do you need something?"
I cleared my throat softly. "No, no—I'm just restless. Thought we could talk. You don't have to be so tense. Just lie back down."
Kane did as I asked. We chatted aimlessly, until eventually even I ran out of things to say.
It was strange. The way we were together now felt completely different from before. I couldn't pinpoint what had changed.
Maybe I knew the answer. I just didn't want to believe it.
Before long, Kane sat up again. "Are you bored? Can't sleep?"
"Yeah, but my hands and feet are useless right now. Where would I even go? You can't exactly wheel me out to have fun."
"Besides, Jenny said I have to stay in the infirmary for the next few days. I don't want to upset her—I want to recover quickly."
"Okay, get some sleep. You have class in the morning."
"Wait for me. I'll be right back." Kane left the room.
For a moment, I thought he was finally heading back to his dorm. But I quickly dismissed the idea.
Anyone else might leave. But not Kane. He'd stay here with me for days if he had to—and there'd be no stopping him. The thought alone gave me a headache.
About fifteen minutes later, Kane returned carrying a pile of things.
I looked closer. A keyboard. A monitor. And on his back—a desk.
Yes. He'd brought his entire computer setup. Table and all.