Aston

After a few moments of silence, I exhaled, trying to steady my nerves. "Thank you," I said, my voice quieter than I intended.

Veryon tilted his head, his smirk softening. "You're welcome. But next time, try not to get caught. Makes it less fun for me."

I rolled my eyes, clutching the book tightly. "I'll keep that in mind."

He stepped closer, his gaze flickering down the dark hallway. "Come on. I'll help you get back to your room before anyone realizes you're missing. You're not exactly stealthy on your own."

"I wasn't that bad," I muttered, though we both knew it wasn't true.

Veryon chuckled softly, motioning for me to follow. He moved with a predator's grace, silent and sure-footed, while I clumsily tiptoed behind him. Every creak of the floorboards felt deafening, every shadow a potential guard.

"Stay close," he murmured, his voice low but firm.