Alaric led Fiora down the secluded hallway, the silence amplifying the frantic thumping of her heart. Each step felt like a point of no return, a commitment to something she had dreamed of, longed for, yet also feared in equal measure.
'Is this really happening?' Fiora thought, her mind a whirlwind of nervous excitement. 'Is Alaric… is he really taking me to his bedroom? Is this… is this finally going to happen?'
Her hand, still held firmly in Alaric's, felt clammy with sweat, her breath catching in her throat with every step. She could feel the heat radiating from his touch, a subtle warmth that spread through her arm, through her entire body, igniting a thrilling mix of anticipation and trepidation.
Alaric, sensing her nervousness, squeezed her hand gently, his pace slowing slightly, giving her a chance to catch up, to adjust to the sudden shift in their dynamic. He glanced at her sideways, a soft, reassuring smile gracing his lips.
