Secrets Behind Locked Doors

Chapter 4 Secrets Behind Locked Doors

Camille's heart was racing with every step. In Elysius Square, a life-or-death battle was raging between the soldiers and the Rariels. Luca's breathing was irregular, as if he had been in this state for a long time. Seeing him like this tore Camille's heart, but this pain was not enough to erase her anger.

Her mind was filled with chaotic thoughts. "Why am I saving him? I'm still angry. But a life without him... I have no one else. If I leave him, I'll be alone."

They walked in silence for a while. With every step, Camille found herself trapped in a more complex emotional conflict. Luca’s presence brought warmth in one moment, and coldness in the next. Fighting for him was like confronting her own fears. In her mind, every moment spent with him was a reminder that losing him would mean the end of everything.

When they reached home, Camille immediately pulled Luca inside and locked the door. She carefully checked the windows, making sure everything was secure. Luca collapsed onto the floor, as if completely drained, his eyes fixed on Camille.

"You’ll stay here. No going outside. No one must see you," Camille said, trying to suppress the tremor in her voice, but speaking firmly.

Luca nodded. "Thank you. But I know you don’t trust me."

Camille turned to him, taking a deep breath. "I’m helping you, but don’t misunderstand. I haven’t forgiven you yet. I just... I feel happy when I’m with you. You brought me back to life. I felt peace when I was with you. You were by my side during all my dark days. Now I can’t abandon you. After all, you're the only person I need."

Luca smiled faintly, but there was a deep sadness in his eyes. "I should’ve told you the truth. But I was scared. I was scared of losing you. I’m sorry for lying, but... I love you, and I thought you wouldn’t want me. I didn’t know what to do. Everything was fine until then, but I was afraid to tell you that I’m a Rare."

Tears welled up in Camille’s eyes as she replied with deep pain, "You didn’t trust me. You say you love me, but you didn’t trust me."

Luca fell silent without saying anything. Camille was unaccustomed to his silence. She was usually the one to comfort him, but this time, the silence created a deeper wound than before.

After a while, Camille's internal tension grew, and she heard shouting outside. Soldiers were patrolling the streets, questioning the people in the alleys. Camille’s eyes widened. "Luca, hide! Quickly!" she shouted, panic evident in her voice.

Luca looked at Camille, searching for meaning in her eyes, while Camille’s heart was pounding wildly. Every second, the likelihood of the soldiers arriving at their door grew. Luca quickly dove into the back closet, and Camille slammed the door shut. She hurriedly looked outside through the window and noticed the soldiers approaching.

The door creaked open, and Camille's heart skipped a beat. "Who’s there?" she shouted, supporting herself against the wall without trembling.

The sounds outside grew louder. Camille braced herself, her body tensed as she tried to hold the door. "Open up! Inspection!" called a soldier.

Camille held her heart and hesitated for a moment. "No, wait!" she said, but didn’t know what to do. Everything was quickly falling apart.

She couldn’t bring herself to open the door. She quickly turned to Luca and whispered, "Hide, right now!"

Luca, in panic, tried to hide deeper in the closet, but he hadn’t been fast enough to reassure Camille. The soldiers' voices were getting closer. Camille tightened her grip on the door and took a deep breath. "Come on, I can’t be late..." she muttered to herself.

When the door knocked again, Camille’s only thought was: This could be worse than losing Luca.

The soldier’s sharp gaze began to pierce Camille’s soul. "I’m coming in," he said, slowly pushing the door open. Camille's fear reached its peak in that moment.

"Sir Valen Oryn! What do you want from me?" Camille yelled, her voice trembling with fear. "Aren’t you supposed to not enter my home without permission?"

A soldier stepped forward, eyeing Camille sharply. "Is there anyone else here?" he asked. Camille's heart raced, and she struggled to keep her tongue in check.

"No," Camille said, trying to hide the quiver in her voice. "It’s just me. What’s going on? You don’t need to be so harsh!"

The soldier narrowed his eyes as he studied her suspiciously. "Are you sure you’re alone?"

Camille’s breath hitched. No matter how convincing she was, every second was raising more doubts for the soldiers. "Yes, I’m alone. What do you want?"

The soldier moved a bit closer. "Come on now, we know you’re hiding someone. You’re Magnus’s daughter and the esteemed scientist Camille, but unfortunately, we must do an inspection. A Rare may have entered your home secretly."

Camille recoiled in shock. "What?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "This is nonsense!"

As Camille struggled to control her fast-beating heart, she stood facing the soldiers. For a moment, all her thoughts collided, and she couldn’t decide what to do. She didn’t know where Luca was or what to do. Suddenly, a sound broke the silence. Luca made a slight movement inside the closet.

"Just two more seconds..." Camille felt the pressure in her chest as her eyes slowly closed, with the soldier standing right in front of her. This tense moment awakened a fear in her that she had never experienced before.

The soldiers stepped forward toward the room where the sound had come from. The door handle slightly twitched. The soldier’s hand reached for the door.

Then a voice echoed through the room. "Who do you think you are, barging into my home?!"

Magnus’s voice rang out. The soldiers and Commander Valen Oryn immediately retreated.

"This is my house. Or do you suspect me as well?" Magnus added, his piercing gaze cutting through them as he spoke.

The soldiers hesitated for a moment before giving a sharp salute and retreating toward the door. "Apologies, Lord Magnus. We were just following orders."

When the door closed behind them, Camille let out a shaky breath. She turned to her father, her face clearly showing shock and concern.

Luca was still hiding inside. But Camille knew all too well; this was just the beginning.