Chapter 105: Chapter 105

JONEA

I walked out of campus after class, the soft evening breeze carrying the smell of damp grass mixed with the sweet scent of flowers from the campus garden. My steps were slow, weighed down by my tangled thoughts. Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a figure stepping out of the large glass doors of the arts building to my left.

Hunter.

What was he doing there? His posture was as straight as ever, his usual faint smile directed at anyone who acknowledged him. My chest tightened. Facing him now felt too awkward, especially after our last conversation, which had made everything complicated.

Without thinking, I turned and slipped behind a large tree by the path. The dense leaves were enough to hide me. Peeking out cautiously, I made sure he wasn’t looking my way. But just as I let out a breath of relief, a hand suddenly tapped my shoulder.

“Ahh!” I jumped in shock, almost stumbling back. “I—I know how you feel about me, but I—”

“Your feelings for me?” The voice interrupted, calm and deep, making me freeze in place. It wasn’t Hunter’s voice.

Turning slowly, my heart skipped a beat. “Aland?!”

He stood there, just a few steps away, smiling in a way that made me question whether this was a dream or reality.

“Are you avoiding someone?” he asked casually, though his sharp gaze seemed to pierce right through me.

“What are you doing here?” My voice was barely above a whisper, fear creeping into my tone.

If Luke Draken’s people spotted him, they wouldn’t hesitate to take him again. And now I understood why Luke was so determined to have Aland under his control. He was the only one capable of uniting the Blue Dragon Clan. Together with the Red Dragons, they could rule the world.

Aland simply smiled, as if my worries were nothing to him. Before I could say more, he gently pushed me back behind the tree, ensuring we were well-hidden. His breath was warm against my face, and without warning, he softly kissed my forehead.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” he whispered, his voice as soothing as a cool night breeze.

I wanted to ask more, but he was already walking away, leaving my heart racing and my mind in turmoil.

*

The next day, the campus buzzed with more energy than usual. When I arrived in class, a sense of excitement bubbled inside me. Today, our professor would announce the list of students selected to participate in an art exhibition out of town.

When my name was called, I nearly jumped out of my seat in excitement. I made it! My artwork would be featured in a big exhibition!

But the joy didn’t last long.

After the announcements, our professor introduced a model who would be working with us on the project. I assumed it would be one of the usual fine arts students. But when the classroom door opened, the air shifted.

Aland walked in.

His steps were calm, but his presence drew every gaze. His silver hair shimmered under the light, and his sharp eyes scanned the room, searching for something—or someone. My body froze as his gaze locked on mine, and he offered a small, knowing smile.

The girls in class erupted into murmurs, some even comparing him to Hunter, the campus heartthrob.

“He’s way hotter than Hunter, don’t you think?” whispered a friend sitting beside me.

I didn’t respond. It was all too strange. What was Aland doing here? Wasn’t he supposed to stay far from Safir Biru?

The professor began introducing him, but I barely heard a word. My thoughts were in disarray. Aland stood at the front, completely at ease, as if this was all part of his plan.

*

After class, I left with a heavy heart. Aland’s presence wasn’t just an ordinary coincidence. He wasn’t just a charming face that could captivate everyone with his smile—he was the heir to a great power that could reshape the world.

“Jonea!” A familiar voice called out behind me.

Turning around, I saw Aland walking toward me.

I stopped, bracing myself. “What are you doing here, Aland?” I asked, trying to mask my frustration.

He simply smiled. “I’m here for you.”

His answer left me speechless.

“You shouldn’t be here. It’s too dangerous,” I said finally, my voice laced with concern.

“I can take care of myself,” he replied softly, stepping closer. “And I’m here to make sure no one harms you.”

“This isn’t about me,” I snapped. “It’s about you. If they find out you’re here—”

“They won’t,” he interrupted, pressing a finger lightly to my lips. His scent—comforting and familiar—washed over me. “I’ve made sure of it, Jonea.”

I wanted to believe him, but deep down, I knew this wasn’t a good idea. His presence here in Safir Biru would only attract more danger—for both of us.

He cupped my face gently. “Don’t worry, Jonea. I’m here because I want to be with you.”

Looking into his eyes, I searched for answers I could never find. “Aland,” I whispered, “if you’re staying here, does that mean you’re staying in Safir Biru?”

I should’ve been happy, right? So why did I feel so conflicted? Was I losing my mind?

He didn’t answer. But that smile of his—calm and knowing—told me I might already know the answer.

*

DARAN

I sat alone in my office, surrounded by silence. The ticking clock on the wall was my only companion as my mind churned with worry over Jonea.

Every day, the world outside grew more dangerous. I couldn’t keep watching her directly; my presence would only suffocate her, and that wasn’t what I wanted.

“Owen. Eve.”

Both of them stepped into the room, standing tall with unwavering loyalty.

“Watch over her,” I instructed. “Don’t let anyone approach her. Especially Aland.”

Owen nodded seriously. “We’ll ensure her safety, Alpha.”

Eve hesitated. “Are you sure you don’t want to watch her yourself?”

I sighed heavily. “My presence would only burden her. Jonea deserves her freedom, not to feel like a prisoner. But that doesn’t mean I’ll let her be harmed.”

After they left, I leaned back in my chair, closing my eyes. There were too many enemies lurking in the shadows. And now, it wasn’t just Hunter Abraham but also Aland—whose charm and presence seemed unmatched.

*

That evening, Jonea returned home. Owen had already informed me about the upcoming art exhibition she would attend out of town. But I wanted to hear it from her directly.

We shared dinner together. I watched her closely as she moved food onto her plate. There was something about her that always captivated me but also filled me with unease. She was like the wind—free and untamed.

Noticing my stare, she paused. “What’s wrong?” she asked, confused.

I smiled faintly. “Nothing. I just want to enjoy every second of looking at you.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she laughed softly. “You’re making me feel weird.”

The light conversation continued until she finally gathered the courage to tell me. “I… have to go out of town for two nights and three days,” she said quietly. “For an art exhibition. I’ll be painting a live model there.”

I already knew this, of course. But what she didn’t mention was Aland. Why was she hiding that from me?

When she stood up to refill her glass, I reached for the hem of her sweater, stopping her.

“What is it?” she asked.

I looked at her with unhidden longing. “Can’t you stay? I want to be with you all the time. I don’t want you far from me.”

She smiled softly, stepping closer. “You make me feel like the bad guy,” she whispered, touching my cheek. “But I like seeing you like this. It makes you seem more… human, Daran.”

I wanted to hold her back, to forbid her from going. But it wouldn’t be fair. Jonea deserved to pursue her dreams, even if it meant I had to endure this gnawing anxiety.

“You trust me, don’t you?” she asked gently. “I’ll come back to you. I promise.”

Reluctantly, I nodded. “I trust you.”

Her smile brightened, and she turned to continue what she was doing. But before she could go far, I stood and wrapped my arms around her from behind.

Her body stiffened for a moment, but she didn’t pull away. Lowering my head, I kissed her neck softly, feeling her warm skin beneath my lips.

“Daran…” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

I closed my eyes, wishing time would stop. If I could, I’d shield her from anything that might hurt her. But I knew I couldn’t protect Jonea forever. And that terrified me the most.

That night, I couldn't sleep. My mind kept playing the worst possible scenarios. What would Aland do? Why was he so close to Jonea? If he really wanted to take over the blue dragon clan, then his presence in Blue Sapphire was no coincidence.