An Insect

Annora's steps were hurried as she made her way back, the dim moonlight casting long shadows along the stone pathways. The cold wind bit at her skin, but she barely noticed it. Her mind was too preoccupied, thoughts spiralling endlessly in frustration.

Every move she made, every plan she put into action, it all felt like she was walking on a thin thread, constantly on the verge of falling. And now, of all people, she had to run into him.

Edward stood there, waiting as if he had known she would come this way.

His stormy grey eyes gleamed with something unreadable, something taunting, as he leaned casually against the marble column. He looked completely at ease, as if the world itself was merely a game for his amusement.

Annora stopped in her tracks, her heart pounding against her ribcage. She swallowed down the overwhelming sense of unease that always came with being near him. It was fear—true, undeniable fear—but she refused to let it show.