How to keep a secret

Richard paced into his bedroom, his expression dark and brooding as he listened to the sounds of the party in the distance. The laughter, the music, the mingling of voices—all of it grated on his nerves. He never cared for gatherings like these, and tonight was no different. He hated the pretence, the endless small talk, and the constant need to be "Alpha" in front of everyone.

With a heavy sigh, he ran a hand through his greying hair and glanced around.

"Here," Liana's soft voice broke through the quiet, and Richard turned to see her approaching. She held out a small glass vial, her expression cool and composed. "Take this before you get too worked up."

Richard grumbled under his breath but obediently took the vial from her hand. He knew what it was—his potion. Liana had been giving it to him for years now—a carefully concocted mixture that kept him alive. It was just another one of the many secrets they shared.