“Will you still protect her after what she did?”

The question hung in the air like smoke, thick with judgment and disbelief.

Leon didn’t flinch. His expression didn’t change—not even a twitch. He kept his eyes forward, stance calm but firm. The silence stretched for a second too long… before he finally replied, voice low and steady.

“I am.”

Not “I will.” Not “If she lets me.” Just—“I am.”

Because protecting you wasn’t a choice he made once. It was constant. Ongoing. Something written into his bones the moment he realized you meant more to him than anything else. He knew the world wasn’t perfect—you weren’t perfect. Neither was he. But whatever you had done, whatever storm had passed between you, it didn’t change the fact that he would always stand between you and danger.

Always.

Even now, when others questioned you, when doubt clouded your name—he stood tall beside you. Not just as a shield. As your partner. Your anchor. Your believer.

You didn’t have to ask if he was angry. You didn’t have to beg for forgiveness or prove yourself.

You only had to meet his gaze.

And there it was—fierce, unwavering, protective love.

Because that’s who Leon was. And you? You were his.