Closer, much closer

The place I stepped out to was a sort of intermediate corridor, a small passage connecting my rooms. It was more like a room, but served as a corridor. In other words, there were no guards here; all the guards were stationed outside this intermediate corridor. Luciana stood in the corner, right next to the exit door.

When she saw me, a shy expression appeared on her face, and she seemed to lean against the wall as if to keep from falling.

"Mom, is something wrong?" I asked as I approached her.

Luciana seemed hesitant, as if she was making a decision, but it was clear from her expression that this decision was incredibly challenging. I stepped closer and gently stroked her arm.

"Is there a problem? You can tell me,"

Luciana looked at me. Her ocean-blue eyes sparkled under the moonlight. Her silver hair flowed down her back like a river. She held my hand with both of hers and took deep breaths, as if gathering courage.