Chapter One Hundred-Thirty Two

Back at the mansion, Karina finished dressing Aidan’s wound, her hands lingering on his arm a moment longer than necessary. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and lingering affection.

"I owe you one," she whispered.

"You don’t owe me anything," Aidan replied softly. "Just stay safe, Karina."

She nodded, the weight of the night’s events settling over her. "I’ll try. Thank you, Aidan."

He gave her a reassuring smile, and for a brief moment, everything felt right in the world again.

Karina was putting the things back into the first aid box, neatly organizing the gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, bandages, and medical tape. Aidan watched her, his expression softening with each movement she made.

"I didn't know what made me come here," Aidan began, his voice breaking the silence, "but I did, and I'm happy I was able to save you again."

She sighed, her back still to him. "Don't do it again."

"I'll keep doing it over and over," he insisted, stepping closer. "I'd ev