Chapter 14: Beneath the Stars

Two weeks later, Ida's life had grown even more complicated. After Batuhan's threats, she had decided not to trust him, yet his words still echoed in the back of her mind. His warnings about her power, especially the cost associated with it, unsettled her. However, given Batuhan's dark desires and schemes, trusting him was impossible.

During this time, Ida had been spending more time with Atilla. He had always been honest and open with her, trying to protect her. Their bond of trust had grown stronger with each passing day. As she distanced herself from Batuhan, she found herself drawing closer to Atilla. Though neither of them had fully voiced their feelings, they could sense the changing dynamics between them.

One evening, Ida and Atilla sat quietly beneath the starlit sky. They had spent time away from the city, in a quiet, peaceful place. Being next to Atilla brought Ida a sense of calm, a feeling that everything seemed a little simpler.

"Ida," Atilla said, glancing sideways at her. "Spending time with you has been good for me."

Ida smiled. "For me too," she replied slowly. "I think everything has become clearer these past two weeks. Batuhan… I know I need to stay away from him. But it feels like he's always somehow coming back."

Atilla nodded. "He's dangerous. You know how far he's willing to go. But I won't let him hurt you."

Ida paused at Atilla's determination. She felt safe by his side, but that safety complicated her emotions even more. They sat in silence for a while, the air between them heavy yet serene.

"Atilla," Ida said after a moment, her eyes on the ground. "You've been so good to me lately. When I'm with you… everything feels easier."

Atilla looked into her eyes and gently placed his hand over hers. "I want to be with you, Ida. I care about you. Above all, I just want you to be safe."

Ida felt her heart race at his words. His touch stirred warmth within her. They locked eyes briefly, their connection deepening.

Then Ida decided to take a step forward. She slowly squeezed Atilla's hand and gazed into his eyes. "I care about you too, Atilla," she said softly. "Maybe more than I thought." Then she rested her head on his shoulder.

She felt so peaceful! If Ida were to describe this peace, she would say it felt like soaring in the sky.

Atilla felt warmth spread through him as Ida rested her head on his shoulder. Her being so vulnerable and peaceful beside him strengthened the bond between them. He could almost feel her heartbeat in his own chest; this quiet, profound moment was a sign that their relationship had reached a different point.

Ida felt a calmness next to Atilla that seemed to erase all the turmoil, dangers, and tension with Batuhan. Even her internal storms seemed to subside in Atilla's soothing and protective presence. She looked up at the sky, the stars shining so bright and close that she felt she could reach out and touch them.

"I don't want this moment to end," Ida whispered. Atilla took a deep breath and leaned slightly toward her. Words seemed inadequate to describe the bond between them.

"No matter what," Atilla said in a soft yet determined voice, "I will always be by your side. I won't leave you alone in this darkness."

Ida closed her eyes and took a deep breath at his words. Atilla's presence made her feel not only safe but also guided her through the darkness. Every moment she spent with him eased the weight of her internal shadows. Atilla was like a wind that calmed her stormy soul.

She lifted her head from his shoulder slightly and looked at him. "Everything feels easier when I'm with you," she said, smiling. "You've become more than just a companion to me, Atilla. No matter what happens, I'll never forget that."

Atilla smiled gently in response to Ida's words. "You mean a lot to me too, Ida. Even if we didn't have to deal with these dark forces, I'd still be by your side."

They looked up at the sky, as if the stars were witnessing this moment. And Ida knew that this moment with Atilla was one of the most precious of her life. Atilla wasn't just someone who fought for her; he was a harbor that gave her soul rest.