Evaline:
I stood behind the painting, my breath shallow as I scanned the dimly lit hallway through the thin transparent slit one last time. The place was empty, silent.
Once I was sure no one's going to catch me wandering through the hallway of teachers' private quarters, I finally pushed the painting aside and stepped out into the hallway.
Fixing the giant painting back in it's place to hide the entrance of the secret passage, I turned my attention to my destination.
My boots barely made a sound as I crossed the short distance to the nearest apartment door. I didn't hesitate and knocked once.
The door flew open almost immediately.
A hand wrapped around my wrist, firm and warm, and I was pulled inside before I could even take a full step. The door shut behind me with a soft but decisive click, lock sliding into place.
"Evaline?" Kieran's voice was low, confused, threaded with concern. "What are you doing here at this hour-"
I didn't let him finish.
