The day started like any other, yet there was a subtle tension in the air, a feeling that something was on the horizon, though neither of us spoke of it. Mahir's protective nature had been more evident lately, his touches lingering longer, his eyes constantly watching. Today, he was intent on spoiling me once more, a habit of his that I had come to love and expect.

I dressed simply but effectively, choosing a white crop top that accentuated the lines of my body, paired with black jeans that hugged my curves in all the right places. The outfit was casual yet striking, a combination that seemed to capture Mahir's attention every time.

When I stepped out of the closet, Mahir's gaze immediately found me, his eyes darkening with that familiar mix of admiration and possessiveness. He was already dressed, looking effortlessly commanding in a tailored dark suit, a stark contrast to my casual attire. Yet, as always, we complemented each other perfectly.

"You look stunning, little fox," he murmured, his voice low and rough, sending a shiver down my spine. His hand found its place at my waist, his thumb brushing lightly over the exposed skin, sending sparks of electricity through my body.

"And you look like you're planning to ruin my day," I teased, leaning into his touch, our chemistry crackling in the air between us.

"Ruin? I was aiming for something closer to unforgettable," he replied with a smirk, his lips brushing against my ear before he pulled back, his hand sliding down to lace our fingers together.

We left the house with a sense of ease that came from being in each other's company, our steps in sync as we moved through the day. The city was alive around us, bustling with energy, but it all seemed to fade into the background when we were together.

Our first stop was a small café, a hidden gem that Mahir had discovered a few weeks ago. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted us as we walked in, and I couldn't help but smile as Mahir ordered my favorite-black coffee with just a hint of cinnamon, a touch that made it unique.

We sat in a corner booth, the world outside the window passing by in a blur as we talked and laughed, the conversation flowing easily. It was moments like these that made me feel normal, that made me forget the intensity of our lives and the darkness that often surrounded us.

After the café, Mahir insisted on taking me shopping, something he enjoyed far more than I did. We strolled through the boutique, Mahir's eyes lighting up every time I picked up something that caught my interest. He was always attentive, always watching, and today was no different.

"Try these on," he suggested, handing me a pair of sleek black heels that looked impossibly high. I raised an eyebrow at him, but he simply grinned, his expression daring me to refuse.

I took the shoes with a playful roll of my eyes. The heels fit perfectly, of course. Mahir had an uncanny ability to know exactly what would suit me, whether it was clothing, shoes, or even jewelry. When I stepped out to show him, his reaction was immediate.

"You're getting those," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Mahir, I don't need any more shoes," I protested lightly, even as I admired the way they elongated my legs.

"You might not need them, but I need to see you in them," he countered smoothly, standing up to close the distance between us. His hands rested on my hips, pulling me closer until I was flush against him. "Indulge me, little fox."

The heat in his gaze was enough to melt my resolve. I nodded, and his smile was one of satisfaction as he leaned in to kiss me, a brief but searing touch that left me breathless.

From the boutique, we moved on to a quiet park, one of our favorite places to walk hand in hand, talking about everything and nothing. The afternoon sun cast a golden hue over the trees, and the sound of rustling leaves accompanied our footsteps. It was peaceful, a stark contrast to the world of power and danger we usually navigated.

"I could get used to days like this," I murmured as we walked, leaning my head on Mahir's shoulder. He squeezed my hand in response, his silence speaking volumes. We both knew that our lives were far from ordinary, that moments like these were rare and precious. But that was what made them all the more special.

As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting long shadows across the path, Mahir suggested we head back. "Let's stop at the shop on the way. I need to pick up something," he said casually, though his tone held an undercurrent of something I couldn't quite place.

We drove in comfortable silence, the soft hum of the car's engine and the rhythm of the city lulling me into a state of contentment. When we pulled into the parking lot of a small convenience store, Mahir turned to me, his expression serious.

"Stay in the car, okay? I'll be right back," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I nodded, watching him as he stepped out of the car, his movements confident and assured. I leaned back in my seat, watching him through the window as he walked towards the store. The way he moved, with such purpose and control, always sent a thrill through me. He was my saint, my protector, and I trusted him completely.

But as I watched, a dark SUV pulled into the lot, parking beside our car. My instincts went on high alert, the hairs on the back of my neck standing up as the vehicle's doors opened. Two men stepped out, their expressions cold and focused. I didn't recognize them, but I didn't need to. Their intent was clear.

Before I could react, the car door was wrenched open, and one of the men reached for me. I moved on instinct, my training kicking in. My knee shot up, connecting with the first man's groin, and he doubled over with a pained grunt. The second man grabbed me from behind, but I twisted out of his grip, landing a solid punch to his jaw.

For a moment, I thought I might actually get away. But then, I felt the sharp sting of a needle in my arm, and a cold numbness spread through my body. My vision blurred, and the world tilted on its axis as the drug took hold. I fought to stay conscious, to stay aware, but the darkness was overwhelming.

My last thought was of Mahir, of how he would find me gone, and the fear that gripped my heart wasn't for myself, but for him. The one thing I couldn't bear was the thought of losing him, of him being hurt because of me.

The world faded away, and I was swallowed by the void.

.
.
.
.
.

AN : The final arc butterflies

This is going to be fun✨