His new stepsister His biggest threat (Claire and Elijah) novel Chapter 59

**Chapter 59**

**Claire’s POV**

Two weeks had slipped through my fingers like grains of sand since that fateful night, and the transformation within the walls of my home was nothing short of staggering. The once vibrant atmosphere, alive with laughter and animated conversations, had morphed into a stifling silence that clung to me like an unwelcome shroud. The guards, now a constant presence, patrolled the perimeter with an air of vigilance, their unfamiliar faces a stark reminder of the lurking dangers just beyond our sanctuary. I found myself retreating further into the confines of my room, emerging only for meals, and even then, I struggled to meet Elijah’s eyes, fearing that any lingering gaze might betray the turmoil within me.

Naomi’s betrayal loomed over me like a dark cloud, a bitter truth lodged firmly in my throat, refusing to be swallowed. Each time her name flickered through my mind, a sharp pang twisted within my chest, as if my heart were attempting to eject the very thought of her. Elijah had laid out the evidence before me—messages exchanged, damning photographs that chronicled her treachery. I had seen the truth with my own eyes, yet a stubborn part of me clung desperately to the hope that perhaps she had been coerced, manipulated by forces beyond her control. But no matter how much I tried to rationalize her actions, the reality remained unchanged: she was gone, and the threat she posed had come perilously close to engulfing me.

Elijah’s presence was a constant, often too close for comfort. He insisted it was for my protection, but deep down, I sensed it stemmed from his own lingering distrust of our situation. He had grown quieter, his responses reduced to nods or brief phrases, but there was something in his silence now that felt less like cruelty and more like a shared understanding of our plight.

That morning, I discovered him in the garden behind the house, diligently repairing the railing near the training field. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, revealing strong forearms that glistened with a sheen of sweat, and his intense concentration was palpable. I paused at the edge of the grass, curiosity piqued, and called out to him, my voice breaking the heavy silence.

“Do you ever take a break?” I asked, half-teasing.

He glanced up, his eyes steady and unwavering. “And you? Do you?”

I shrugged, attempting to mask my amusement. “I’m not the one who looks like he’s trying to construct a second mansion with just my hands.”

A flicker of amusement crossed his lips, the closest semblance of a smile I had seen in days. “You could always lend a hand instead of just standing there.”

“I wasn’t aware that manual labor was part of my rehabilitation,” I retorted playfully, raising an eyebrow.

“Think of it as training,” he replied, reaching for another piece of wood with determination. “Your heart won’t mend if you keep shutting yourself away.”

His words struck a chord, a sharp reminder of the self-imposed isolation I had wrapped around myself like a cocoon. I stepped closer, offering to hold the beam while he secured it in place. The silence that enveloped us was comfortable, a stark contrast to the tension that often followed our disputes. Once he finished, he leaned against the railing, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.

“You’re growing stronger,” he remarked softly, his voice almost a whisper.

“I don’t feel that way,” I confessed, my heart racing.

“Strength doesn’t always come with a sense of comfort,” he replied, his eyes searching mine for understanding.

In that moment, as our gazes intertwined, I felt a flutter in my chest that momentarily stole my breath away. He was the first to look away, clearing his throat, breaking the spell. “Come on. You need to eat before we start training.”

We strolled back to the kitchen together, the mouthwatering aroma of freshly cooked food enveloping us like a warm embrace. Elijah had prepared breakfast once again, a routine he had established since that day he rescued me at the café. I settled at the table as he served the food, and for a while, silence reigned between us, a comfortable companion in the aftermath of turmoil.

Once I finished my meal, I turned to him, curiosity bubbling up within me. “Are we training again today?”

“Yes. We’ll start with etiquette, then move on to combat basics,” he replied, his tone serious.

I groaned theatrically, feigning exasperation. “You want me to stab someone with a spoon?”

He flashed a small smirk, the corners of his mouth lifting in amusement. “I want you to be prepared for anything life throws at you.”

As we began our training, laughter bubbled up within me for the first time in days. Elijah guided me through the movements, teaching me how to find my balance, hold my head high, and command attention without uttering a word. His serious tone was softened by an unexpected patience, and each time I stumbled or faltered, he demonstrated the steps again without a hint of frustration. When I tripped over my dress, nearly toppling over, his arm shot out instinctively, steadying me before I could hit the ground.

His hand lingered on my arm longer than necessary, sending a jolt of electricity through me that ignited something deep within.

Our eyes locked, and in that instant, something shifted within me, a sensation that was both exhilarating and terrifying.

He cleared his throat and stepped back, his voice dropping an octave. “Again,” he instructed, a hint of intensity lacing his words.

I attempted to focus, but my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Yet, strangely enough, my heart remained calm, steady in a way I had never experienced before. It was bewildering to realize that the very presence that used to ignite my nerves now seemed to soothe my pain.

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