Chapter 273 Protected but Unsettled

Chapter 273 Protected but Unsettled
Leitana rushed out of the music room, heart thudding hard within the confines of her ribcage as she ran toward Ravial’s study. Her bare feet slapped against the cool wooden floors, one hand instinctively cradling her belly as if to shield their baby from the panic rising inside her.

She didn’t even knock.

She pushed the heavy door open, breathing fast.

“Mi Ravial!”

Ravial was already standing behind his desk, his blindfolded gaze turned toward her immediately.

He dismissed the man he had been speaking with with a single sharp nod. The man left quickly, closing the door behind him.

Leitana crossed the room in hurried steps, stopping right in front of him.

“Marita just called mi,” she said, voice trembling. “There was a shooting at the restaurant. Someone tried to kill them. I'm scared for her so we need to go back home.”

Ravial was quiet for a moment then stepped around the desk, pulling her gently into his arms. His large hand rested protectively on her lower back while the other cupped the back of her head.

“I know,” he said calmly “Lucius already informed me. It’s being handled.”

Leitana pulled back just enough to look up at him, eyes wide with disbelief and worry.

“You knew? And you didn’t tell mi?”

Ravial’s thumb brushed her cheek, trying to soothe her.

“I didn’t want to worry you more than you already are,” he murmured. “Lucius will handle it. He always does. Marita is safe with him. There is no need for us to rush back right now.”

Leitana shook her head, frustration and fear mixing in her chest.

“But who were those people?” she asked, voice rising slightly. “Who would shoot at them like that? Why? I can't just sit here knowing my best friend was almost killed.”

Ravial’s jaw tightened. He held her closer, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

“Enemies,” he said simply, voice dark. “People who think they can touch what belongs to me. Lucius is dealing with them. You don’t need to carry this, my lamb. Let me carry it for you.”

Leitana stayed in his arms, but her body remained tense. The fear for Marita, and everything was piling up until she felt like she was drowning.

She didn’t argue further.

But deep down, the questions kept growing louder.

Leitana stayed in his arms for a moment longer, but the tension in her body refused to ease.

She gently pulled away from him.

Ravial’s arms tightened for a second, instinctively trying to keep her close, but she stepped back, shaking her head.

“Mi need to be alone for a little bit,” she said softly, voice thick with unshed tears. “Please, mi Ravial.”

He reached for her again, but she slipped out of his grasp, turning toward the door before he could stop her.

“Leitana..”

She didn’t turn back.

She walked quickly down the hallway to their bedroom, closing the door softly behind her. The room was quiet, sunlight streaming through the large windows overlooking the ocean. Leitana sat down on the edge of the bed, her hands trembling as she rested them on her belly.

She rubbed slow circles over the gentle swell, feeling the baby move faintly beneath her palm. Tears slipped down her cheeks as she stared out at the bright sky.

“Mi so scared,” she whispered to her unborn child. “Mi don’t know what’s happening anymore. But mi will protect you. Mi promise.”

She kept rubbing her belly, eyes fixed on the distant horizon, the weight of loneliness and uncertainty pressing heavily on her heart.

Leitana stayed on the bed for a long time, staring at the sky. The weight in her chest refused to lift. Eventually, she reached for her phone on the nightstand, needing something, anything to distract her from the swirling thoughts.

She opened the group chat with Lafu, Stacy, and Marco.

The messages were lively as always.

Lafu:Hey beautiful mama! How’s the island treating you? We miss your face on set already

Stacy:The last shots you did are EVERYTHING. When are you coming back?

Marco: Tell Boss man we said hi… and that he better be feeding you properly. No skipping meals, Lei!

Leitana smiled faintly, her thumbs moving across the screen.

Leitana:I miss you all too. The island is beautiful but I miss you all and the baby is kicking a lot today. How is everything there?

The replies came quickly, full of love and teasing. They sent photos from recent shoots and funny behind-the-scenes videos. For a few minutes, the normalcy of it helped ease the knot in her chest.

Then another chat notification popped up, the group with her Juilliard friends.

Lila:Lei!! We miss you so much at rehearsal. When are you coming back? The school feels empty without you.

Theo:Yeah, piano section is too quiet now.

Ethan:Hey Lei… I’m doing a lot better. The doctors say the nerve damage isn’t as bad as they first thought. I might not play full concerts for a while, but I can still practice lightly. How are you and the baby? Miss your smile around here.

Leitana’s eyes softened. It had been over a month since the wolf attack. Ethan’s recovery had been slow and painful, but he was pushing through. She quickly typed back.

Leitana:I'm so happy you are getting better, Ethan. I pray for you every day and my baby is growing well. I miss all of you too. We will be back soon.

She set the phone down, a small, tired smile on her face. The messages from her friends grounded her a little. Life was still moving forward, even if everything felt heavy right now.

But the fear from the nightmare lingered at the edges of her mind.

She rubbed her belly again, whispering softly, “We’ll be okay… right?”