CHAPTER FIFTY THREE - UNWANTED ATTENTION

She was just finishing up when Erik reappeared, looking more composed than earlier. "Anna, do you have a moment?" Nodding, she followed him to his study – a grand room lined with bookshelves and dominated by a massive desk. Erik closed the door behind them, then turned to face her. "I wanted to apologize again for yesterday," he began. "And for Ethan this morning. I hope they haven't made you too uncomfortable." Anna shook her head. "It's alright. I'm tougher than I look, you know." A smile tugged at Erik's lips. "I'm beginning to see that." He stepped closer, his gaze intense. "Anna, I know this situation is... unusual. But I meant what I said last night. You do belong here. There's something special about you – something I can't quite explain." Anna's heart raced at his proximity. "Erik, I... I don't understand any of this. Why me? Why bring me into this world?" Erik reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. The touch sent shivers down Anna's spine. "I wish I