CHAPTER - 69

  Christmas Night

  Christmas continued to flow amidst laughter and smiles in the grand hall, adorned for the occasion.

  The soft lights created a warm atmosphere, reflecting off the golden and red decorations.

  The clinking of glasses accompanied the conversations, while plates were filled and emptied in a banquet worthy of the celebration.

  Among the many, seated at the long table of honor, was Dav, immersed in conversations with some professors and parents.

  Beside him, Elysia maintained her usual composed and distant expression, but those who knew her well could notice the slight rigidity in her shoulders, the way her fingers played with the edge of her dress.

  She had always been good at hiding her emotions, but on an occasion like this, with the hall crowded and her father's gaze occasionally falling upon her, she couldn't entirely suppress her unease.

  Under the table, however, something unseen was happening.

  Without saying a word, Iris, sitting to Dav's right, slid a little closer and took his hand.

  She gently placed it on her lap, intertwining her fingers with his.

  The grip was soft, almost timid, but firm.

  Dav felt another touch.

  Something more subtle, yet equally intentional: Valeria’s leg had moved closer to his, pressing lightly.

  When he turned to look at her, she avoided his gaze but did not pull away.

  She said nothing, but there was no need for words—this contact was already enough for them.

  Even if he did not feel all the emotions they wished for.

  This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

  Meanwhile, from the main stage, the director, Vittorio, raised his glass and, with a firm yet solemn voice, addressed the audience.

  "I want to thank each of you—every parent, professor, and student—for coming here today to celebrate with us.

  And, above all, I want to thank our Hero for always protecting us.

  Thank you, Professor Dav."

  The entire hall erupted into a loud applause, with some even rising to their feet to honor him.

  Seated at the table, Dav remained silent as his eyes scanned the crowd.

  That reaction did not touch him as it should have.

  The admiration of others, the warmth of their words… it was as if everything simply slid off him, leaving him cold and distant.

  Later, amid the noise of the festivities, the director found himself chatting with Dav’s mother, seeing her for the first time since the day he had handed her son’s letter.

  There was a silent respect between them, and their conversation flowed naturally, like two people who, though not speaking often, shared something profound.

  Meanwhile, out on the balcony, the air was crisp, filled with the scent of winter cold.

  Kael, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment and his heart pounding, held out a small package to Evelyn.

  The girl stared at it for a moment, surprised, then smiled and accepted the gift.

  Before opening it, she rose slightly onto her toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

  Kael froze.

  The warmth on his face had nothing to do with the cold surrounding them.

  While everyone was busy with board games, poker, and bingo, Dav slipped away to a secluded place.

  As he approached his room, he sensed a presence behind him—discreet and invisible, like a shadow following him without making a sound.

  He stopped for a moment, a slight smirk appearing at the corner of his lips.

  He knew who it was.

  Turning slowly, he leaned against the corridor wall. Matteo, as invisible as always, made himself known only through the faint rustle of his steps.

  "Matteo, you don’t have to watch over me so much," Dav said, his voice low but clear.

  "You should enjoy yourself too, you know. But I appreciate it.

  I hope you also get to enjoy the evening, eat something good, relax a little.

  Merry Christmas, my friend."

  Matteo didn’t respond immediately.

  He remained in the shadows, but Dav could sense that subtle shift in the air, the sign that he was looking at him, perhaps even smiling.

  Then, Matteo’s voice, warmer and more reassuring than one might expect, finally came.

  "Think nothing of it, my friend," he said, his tone carrying something deeper—a silent solidarity that went beyond words.

  "Do what you need to do. I will always be here."

  Dav gave a barely perceptible nod before turning his attention back to his room’s door, where two girls were waiting for him.

  There was no need for further words.

  Matteo understood, and Dav himself felt an unexpected gratitude for his presence, even if he remained in the shadows, always discreet.

  With one last glance at the darkness covering the corridor, Dav finally opened the door and, without hesitation, stepped inside.

  Matteo remained in the shadows, disappearing into the night, but his smile never faded.

  As Dav entered his room, he noticed two small figures behind him—none other than Iris and Valeria, each holding onto the edge of his cloak with two fingers, a hint of embarrassment in their gestures.

  Valeria looked away, while Iris smiled at him.

  It was clear what they wanted.

  There were no questions, no need for explanations.

  Dav opened the door, and they all stepped inside to sleep.

  The three of them fell asleep immediately, sinking into a deep slumber, just like before.

  END OF CHAPTER - 69