Lucian walked silently by your side as you both moved down the hallway, his presence a reassuring shadow. You sighed, muttering to yourself about the overwhelming preparations for the upcoming festival. The responsibility weighed heavily on your shoulders, and your thoughts were a whirlwind.

Suddenly, Lucian tensed, his entire body going rigid. His hand instinctively gripped the hilt of his sword. His instincts were never wrong, and a cold dread washed over you.

In a split second, his eyes darted upward, catching a glint of metal from a nearby tree. Without a word, he lunged forward, wrapping you in his strong arms and pulling you to the ground just as an arrow shattered through the window, embedding itself in the wall behind you with a sickening thud.

"My lady," he breathed, his voice urgent and protective, keeping you close. "Please stay down."

You gasped, eyes wide with shock, heart pounding in your chest. The reality of the danger you were in hit you like a tidal wave.

"I apologize for not warning you, my lady," Lucian's voice trembled slightly with concern as he scanned you for injuries. "Are you hurt?"

The hallway seemed to close in around you, the echo of the arrow's impact still ringing in your ears. Lucian's protective embrace was the only thing grounding you in that moment of sheer terror.