32

Ian’s POV

The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows across the walls of my study, illuminating the books that were on the shelves. Sophia sat across from me at the heavy oak table, her brow furrowed in concentration as she pored over her history textbook. She was beautiful, her fiery red hair catching the light in a way that seemed almost out of this world.

I had told her to come here so we could revise together for the upcoming history exams.

“Alright, let’s go over the causes of the French Revolution again,” I said, my voice smooth and calm, even though all I wanted to do right now was to bend her over the table and fuck her hard.

Sophia sighed, pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Okay, so there were social, economic, and political causes, right? The society was divided into three estates, with the commoners, or the Third Estate, bearing the brunt of taxes and having the least power.”

I nodded, watching her intently. “That’s correct. And what about the economic factors?”

She bit her lip, and I clenched my fists. Su was really tempting me right now, whether she knew it or not. “The country was in debt due to excessive spending by the monarchy and costly wars, like the American Revolution. Then there was the financial crisis and poor harvests, which led to food shortages and increased bread prices.”

“Very good,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “And the political causes?”

Sophia hesitated, her green eyes searching mine for a moment. “The Enlightenment ideas about democracy and individual rights inspired the common people to challenge the absolute authority of the king. Plus, the Third Estate felt underrepresented and demanded more power.”

“Excellent, Sophia,” I praised, allowing a small smile to touch my lips. “You’re making great progress.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she returned my smile. “Thanks, Ian. I just hope I can remember all of this during the exam.”

“You will,” I assured her, reaching out to take her hand in mine.

“Let’s take a short break,” I suggested, squeezing her hand gently before letting go. “You deserve it.”

She nodded, stretching her arms above her head and letting out a contented sigh. “That sounds good. My brain feels like it’s about to explode.”

I chuckled softly. “I doubt that, but a break is always beneficial.”

As Sophia stood and walked over to the window, I watched her with a mixture of longing and despair. She was so vibrant, so full of life, and I was a creature of the night, condemned to eternal darkness. I could never give her the life she deserved, but I couldn’t bear to let her go, either.

And now there were people after her life because of a secret she didn’t even know about.

She looked out of the window, her expression thoughtful. “It’s such a beautiful night,” she murmured. “I wish we could go for a walk.”

“Maybe another time,” I replied, shaking my head. The offer was tempting but she needed to focus now. “For now, let’s focus on your studies.”

She stared at me in silence for a while and then she sighed, nodding her head.

After a few minutes, Sophia broke the silence. “Okay, I think I’m ready to tackle the next topic. The Industrial Revolution, right?”

I nodded. “Yes, let’s start with the key inventions and their impact on society.”

As we delved back into her studies, I tried to push my worries to the back of my mind. For now, I would be her professor, her lover, and her protector. I would have to think of the other things later.

The hours slipped by as we worked through the intricate details of the Industrial Revolution. Sophia was a quick study and her mind absorbed information with a tenacity that never ceased to amaze me. But I could see that the enthusiasm was no longer there and she was already getting tired.

“You need to rest,” I finally insisted, my tone firm but gentle. “It’s late, and you won’t retain anything if you’re exhausted.”

She looked at me with bleary eyes. “But I still have so much to cover. The exam is only a few days away.”

I stood, moving around the table to her side. “You’ve made incredible progress tonight, Sophia. Pushing yourself too hard will only be counterproductive.”

She sighed, leaning into my touch as I placed a hand on her shoulder. “You’re right, as usual. I guess I’m just worried. History isn’t my strongest subject.”

“That’s why I’m here,” I reminded her, my voice soft. “To help you. You’re not alone in this.”

Sophia looked up at me, her eyes shining. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Ian. You sure you can’t tell me what questions will come out?”

I smiled but shook my head. “That would be unfair.”

She pouted and I chuckled. “Let’s get you home,” I said, changing the subject. “You need a good night’s sleep.”

She nodded, gathering her books and notes. “Alright. But can we continue tomorrow?”

“Of course,” I agreed, escorting her to the door. “I’ll always make time for you.”

The drive to her dorm was quiet but I had to stop the car a few blocks away from her dorm. I escorted her to the gates and I kept my senses alert for any danger. I knew the men were still shadowing her her but still, I needed to he at alert.

When we reached her building, Sophia turned to me with a tired smile. “Thank you for tonight, Ian. You always know how to calm my nerves.”

I returned her smile, my heart aching with emotions I couldn’t voice out. “It’s my pleasure, Sophia. Sleep well.”

She stood on tiptoe to kiss my cheek, a simple gesture that sent a thrill through me. “Goodnight, Ian.”

“Goodnight,” I replied, watching as she disappeared inside.

The next evening, Sophia arrived at my apartment, carrying a stack of books and notes. She greeted me with a warm smile, her eyes lighting up at the sight of me.

“Ready for another round of history?” I asked, setting the books down on the table.

She groaned playfully. “Do I have a choice?”

I chuckled. “Not if you want to ace that exam.”

We settled into our usual routine, diving into the complexities of the Industrial Revolution. The topic was vast, spanning decades of innovation and upheaval. I guided Sophia through the key events, from the invention of the steam engine to the rise of factories and the transformation of society.

“Why did it start in Britain?” she asked, her pen poised over her notebook.

“There were several factors,” I explained. “Britain had abundant natural resources, like coal and iron, which were essential for industrialization. The country also had a growing population, providing both labor and consumers for new goods. Additionally, Britain’s colonial empire supplied raw materials and markets for manufactured products.”

Sophia nodded, scribbling notes. “And the impact on society?”

“Profound,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “The Industrial Revolution changed every aspect of life. Urbanization increased as people moved to cities for work. The working conditions in factories were often harsh, leading to social and political movements aimed at improving labor rights. It also spurred technological advancements and economic growth.”

She looked thoughtful, absorbing the information. “It’s amazing how one period in history can have such a wide-reaching impact.”

“Indeed,” I agreed, my gaze lingering on her. “History is a web of interconnected events, each influencing the next.”

As dawn approached, I knew it was time to leave. “You did great tonight,” I told her, packing up the books. “You’re well-prepared for your exam.”

She smiled, exhaustion evident in her eyes. “Thanks to you, Ian. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

I felt a pang of guilt at her words, knowing the secrets I kept from her. “I’m glad I could help,” I said softly. “Get some rest now. You’ve earned it.”

I walked her to one of the guest rooms and she stood on tiptoe to kiss my cheek. “Goodnight, Ian.”

“Goodnight, Sophia,” I replied and kissed her forehead before leaving her to rest.

Over the next few days, we fell into a rhythm of studying and spending time together. Sophia’s confidence was growing with each passing session. She was understanding the topic very well and I was glad that I was helping her understand.

One evening, as we reviewed the events leading up to World War I, Sophia paused, her pen tapping against the table. “Ian, can I ask you something?”

“Of course,” I replied, my heart quickening with a mix of curiosity and nervousness.

“Why do you care so much about history?” she asked, her gaze searching mine. “You seem to know so much, and you speak about it with such passion.”

I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. “History is the story of humanity,” I said slowly. “It’s a tapestry of triumphs and tragedies, lessons and legacies. Understanding it helps us make sense of the present and guides us as we shape the future.”

She nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. “I guess I’ve never thought of it that way. To me, it always seemed like a list of dates and events to memorize.”

“It’s much more than that,” I said gently. “It’s the story of who we are and how we came to be.”

She smiled, a spark of curiosity in her eyes. “You make it sound so fascinating.”

I returned her smile, feeling a flicker of hope. “I’m glad you think so.”

I stared at her as she continued to study and I hated that I continued lying to her. But how do I tell her that I loved history so much and I loved teaching it because I was a witness of most that had happened? Because I was there when all those things were happening?

She’s in danger even know that she doesn’t know who I am, how much more danger would she be in when she finally finds out about who I am?

I sighed and ran my hands through my hair as she continued reading, oblivious to my worries.

On the eve of her exam, Sophia was a bundle of nerves. “What if I forget everything?” she fretted, pacing back and forth in my living room.

“You won’t,” I assured her, watching her with a mixture of amusement and affection. “You’ve worked hard, and you’re well-prepared.”

She stopped pacing, looking at me with wide, anxious eyes. “But what if I panic?”

I stood, crossing the room to take her hands in mine. “Sophia, listen to me,” I said gently. “You’ve got this. Trust in yourself and in the knowledge you’ve gained. And remember, I’m here with you, always.”

She took a deep breath, her grip on my hands tightening. “Thank you, Ian. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You’ll never have to find out,” I promised, my heart aching with the weight of my words.

“Ian, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

My heart skipped a beat, dread coiling in my stomach. “What is it?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

She hesitated, as if searching for the right words. “I know there’s a lot about you that I don’t understand. You’re always so mysterious, and sometimes it feels like you’re hiding something.”

I forced myself to remain calm, meeting her gaze. “Sophia, there are things in my past that are difficult to talk about. But know this: everything I’ve done, every choice I’ve made, has been to protect you.”

Her eyes softened, and she reached out to take my hand. “I trust you, Ian. I just want to understand you better.”

I squeezed her hand, my heart heavy with all the secrets. “In time, perhaps you will,” I said softly. “But for now, let’s focus on the present, on the future we’re building together.”

She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Okay. But promise me that one day, you’ll tell me everything.”

“I promise,” I said, knowing it was a promise I might not be able to keep.

“I should probably head back to the dorm,” She said and got up. “I need to prepare better. Plus I’m supposed to have, like, a study session with Jenny,” she explained.

“I’ll order your Uber now,” I answered her with a nod, grabbing my phone. “Be careful, okay? And rest well. I know you’re well prepared and you’re ready for the exam but I hope you know that over reading can make you forget too?”

“Noted, professor,” she answered with a short chuckle. “Let me go and pack my bags.”

I nodded, watching her go up the stairs.

**

There was a light knock on my door and I frowned slightly as I wondered who it was. I wasn’t expecting anyone here today. Mike didn’t tell me he was coming. And apart from Mike, I didn’t expect anyone else to be here.

Plus, how had this person gotten past the gate without me knowing?

A frown appeared on my face as I got up from my couch and walked to the door slowly. I opened the door and frowned deeper when I saw that it was one of the guys who was supposed to be shadowing Sophia.

“What are you doing here?” I demanded. “Don’t you have a job to do?”

“I’m here exactly because of that job, boss,” he replied and looked around. “Can I come in?”

“Yes,” I answered with a nod and stepped aside for him to come in. After he did I closed the door behind me. “How did you get into my compound?”

“I jumped over the fence,” He answered.

“Anyone could have saw,” I told him in disapproval.

“No one is around here,” he answered.

“Why are you here?” I demanded.

“Boss, I killed three men who were shadowing Sophia too. They were humans, but I couldn’t tell if they were witches or not because I killed them before they could react,” he reported.

I gulped. “Three men?”

“Yes, boss.”

“And what about the other guys who are shadowing her? My guys, I mean,” I asked.

“They’re still doing their job,” he answered.

“Good,” I answered curtly. “Get back to yours. I’ll deal with this.”

“Yes, boss,” he answered and then he was out of my house in the blink of an eye.

I stared at the door he had left open and felt fear creeping up my skin. Sophia was in danger because of me. And whether I liked this or not, I might just be the cause of her death.