The castle halls were bathed in cold moonlight, each step you took echoing through the silent stone corridors. The weight of the night pressed down on you, the chill seeping into your bones. You moved through the shadows, hoping for some fleeting moment of peace, but it was always elusive in this place.

As you rounded a corner, you collided with something hard. The impact sent you stumbling back, your breath catching in your throat, but before you could recover, a strong arm snaked around your waist, pulling you against a firm chest.

You looked up, irritation flaring when you saw who had caught you. Tristan. His sharp jade eyes locked onto yours, his lips curling into a self-satisfied smirk.

“Wow, little doe, falling for me already?” he purred, his voice rich with amusement.

Your heart raced in frustration, but you didn’t respond. The space between you crackled with tension—unwelcome, undeniable. But all you could do was stare at him, the anger simmering beneath your skin.