CHAPTER 1

It was a rainy evening.

The sky outside was painted in shades of deep gray and indigo, matching the moody atmosphere inside the grand Montenegro mansion. Raindrops tapped rhythmically against the tall glass windows, creating a soft, soothing sound that somehow made the silence feel even heavier. Everything around me felt too big, too elegant, and too intimidating. The high ceilings, the expensive furniture, the low murmurs of adults talking—it was a world that felt far away from mine.

“Stay behind me,” Liam said firmly as we stepped across the threshold, shaking off the dampness from outside.

I nodded silently, my small hands clutching tightly onto the back of his shirt, using him as my shield.

I was only 14 years old.

I was still wearing my crumpled school uniform, the fabric feeling too simple amidst the luxury surrounding me. I felt small. Tiny, almost. And completely unsure of how to act or where to look.

I kept my head low, my long hair falling like a curtain to hide my face, sticking close to my brother’s back—

Until I saw him.

Zander.

He was sitting comfortably on the spacious sofa, one leg crossed over the other, looking completely relaxed and at ease. He was laughing at something my brother had said earlier, his head tilted slightly back, revealing a sharp but gentle jawline. There was something effortlessly magnetic about him. The way he carried himself with so much ease. The way his smile reached his eyes, making him look warm yet undeniably cool.

He looked older. Much older than me. More mature. More confident. Like someone who belonged anywhere, like the world was made just for him to walk in.

Then, his eyes shifted.

And they landed directly on me.

He paused.

Not dramatically. Not like in the movies where time stops completely.

Just… a small pause. A brief second where his laughter faded, and his movement stilled.

Like he noticed something unexpected. Something that caught his attention.

Slowly, he stood up and walked toward us. His steps were long and confident, closing the distance between us in just a few strides.

“So this is Elara?” he said, his voice deep and smooth, a faint, playful smile forming on his lips.

I froze.

My heart started beating fast against my chest. He was tall—so tall that I had to tilt my head all the way up just to meet his gaze. He looked down at me, his dark eyes scanning my face with a look that was slightly amused, yet incredibly gentle.

“You’re really quiet. Are you always like this?” he asked, his tone teasing but not mean.

I couldn’t find my voice. My mouth felt dry, and my mind went blank. I didn’t answer.

Before I could even think of what to do or say, he reached out. His large hand hovered for a split second before lightly tapping the top of my head.

The gesture was simple. Casual, almost.

But strangely warm. His touch was soft, sending a strange tingling sensation down to my toes.

“H-hello…” I mumbled, my voice barely a whisper, cheeks turning bright red as I quickly hid behind Liam again, seeking safety.

Zander let out a soft chuckle, a low and pleasant sound that vibrated in the air.

But as he stepped back, returning to his place, there was something deeper and more thoughtful in his gaze as he looked at me one last time.

He didn’t understand it yet. It was just a feeling he couldn’t name.

But for some reason…

In that quiet moment, amidst the sound of the rain…

He felt like he wanted to look out for her.

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