Chapter 101 - Unshakable Devotion

The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast gentle shadows across the dimly lit bedroom. I lay curled against Mama, her arms wrapped protectively around me as if shielding me from the nightmares that still lingered in the corners of my mind. Her warmth was the only thing keeping the shivers away. I felt her fingers stroking my hair, her touch tender and soothing, as though she were afraid that even the gentlest movement might cause me pain.

"My baby… are you still in pain?" Mama's voice was a whisper, thick with concern.

I shook my head slowly, but the truth was, my body ached all over. Every breath felt like a quiet battle against the soreness lingering from my wounds. But I didn't want to worry her more than she already was.

Papa sat beside us, his face shadowed with guilt, his large hand resting on my bandaged fingers. "Son… If only I had been faster. If only I had protected you better…" His voice cracked, and he closed his eyes tightly as if trying to hold back the storm of emotions raging within him.

I blinked up at him, my lips parting slightly. "Papa… don't be sad," I murmured weakly.

His eyes widened, and for a moment, he looked utterly heartbroken. He turned away slightly, rubbing his hand over his face. "How can I not be, Noah? You suffered because of me."

The room was silent except for the sound of my sisters sniffling. Olivia wiped her tears, taking my small hand in hers. "You're too kind, little one," she whispered, pressing my fingers against her cheek.

Sophia, usually composed and elegant, looked down at me with sorrow in her eyes. "You don't have to be strong all the time, Noah. You can cry, you can complain… You don't have to protect us from your pain."

Mama pressed a kiss to my forehead, her lips lingering there. "You have nothing to worry about, my love. We're here. We will always be here."

A soft knock at the door interrupted the moment. The private doctor entered, carrying his medical bag. "Mrs. Emma, I came as soon as I could."

Mama tightened her hold on me slightly. "Check my baby," she demanded. "Make sure he's healing properly."

The doctor nodded and stepped closer. "Young Master, I'll need to examine you," he said gently.

Mama hesitated before finally allowing him near me. As he carefully unwrapped the bandages, I saw her grip Papa's hand tightly, as if bracing herself. My sisters held their breath, their gazes fixed on me.

After a thorough check, the doctor finally spoke. "His wounds are healing well. But he needs rest, proper nutrition, and, most importantly, emotional stability. Any stress or fear can slow his recovery."

Mama nodded, determination flashing in her eyes. "Then I'll make sure he never has to worry about anything again." She turned to the maids and butlers. "Prepare the best, most nutritious meals for my son. From today onward, I don't want anything less than perfection."

"Yes, Ma'am!" the staff responded in unison before hurrying out of the room.

But even with everyone fussing over me, I still felt… distant. As if something was still holding me back. My heart still felt heavy with fear. My fingers trembled slightly under the blankets.

Mama noticed immediately. She reached out and gently held my hands, her eyes filled with a deep sorrow I didn't fully understand. "Noah… talk to me, my baby. Tell me what's wrong."

I lowered my gaze. "I don't… want to be taken again," I whispered, barely audible.

A sharp breath filled the room. The atmosphere shifted into something even more intense.

Mama pulled me closer, pressing her cheek against mine. "That will never happen," she promised fiercely. "I won't allow it."

My sisters all stepped forward, their expressions fierce and protective. Isabella's jaw clenched, her hands balled into fists. "I swear on my life, no one will ever touch you again."

Emily adjusted her glasses, her voice cold and calculated. "I'll personally upgrade the security system. No one will come near this house without our knowledge."

Charlotte wiped her eyes, her voice shaky but determined. "I'll design something—anything—that can help keep you safe."

Lily knelt beside me, brushing my hair back. "You don't have to be afraid anymore, Noah. We will protect you."

I looked around at them, their love surrounding me like an unbreakable shield. My heart swelled with emotions too big for my little body to hold. For the first time since I woke up, I felt… safe.

Mama kissed my forehead once more. "Sleep now, my love. I'll be right here when you wake up."

I curled against her warmth, my eyes growing heavy. As I drifted off, I realized something important—no matter what happened, no matter what nightmares haunted me, I wasn't alone. I had a family who would fight for me. A family who loved me more than anything in the world.

And for the first time in a long time… I felt at peace.