"I…I couldn't sleep, so I came out for some fresh air."
Oriana forced a smile and quickly wiped her tears as she looked up at Vladimir, desperately hoping he wouldn't pick up on how badly shaken she was.
But her nerves only twisted tighter when her gaze drifted down the corridor. There, lingering in the shadows near the corner, was Corvine.
He was still there, still watching, still making sure she couldn't get anywhere near Jasmine. The realization made her stomach clench with frustration and fear.
Vladimir followed her gaze but didn't spot anything obviously wrong. Even so, he could tell something was off with her. His brows furrowed slightly. "You should be resting," he said, extending his hand. "Come on. Everyone's asleep."
Oriana stared at his offered hand for a long moment before slipping hers into it. She had no real choice.
