CHAPTER NINETY FIVE – A CLOSE CALL IN THE DEEP

Erik pulled back slightly, cupping her face in his hands. "I was worried about you. Cassius told me about your run-in with Xaya." Anna sighed. "It was nothing, really. Just the usual hostility." Erik's eyes flashed with anger. "It's not nothing, Anna. Your safety is my top priority." As they settled onto the couch in Erik's study, Anna could sense there was more on Erik's mind. He seemed uncharacteristically nervous, his fingers drumming an erratic rhythm on his thigh. "Erik," Anna said gently, placing her hand over his to still the movement. "What's really bothering you?" Erik took a deep breath, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. "Anna, I... I'm afraid," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. Anna's brow furrowed in concern. "Afraid of what?" "Of losing you," Erik said, his voice cracking slightly. "This conspiracy, the danger you're in because of me... I can't bear the thought of anything happening to you." Anna felt a lump form