Magnus managed to make it to his chambers with Carina in his arms, his head swiveling constantly to check every corridor, every shadow, every doorway for potential witnesses.
His heart raced with each distant footstep, each creak of the castle settling. If anyone saw him carrying her to his personal chambers in the middle of the night, the scandal would be catastrophic.
The rumors alone would destroy what was left of Carina's reputation and quite possibly end his position as Beta.
By some miracle, they encountered no one. The castle seemed to be holding its breath, as if even the walls understood the need for discretion after the disaster of the evening.
Magnus shouldered open his chamber door, relieved to finally have the solid oak barrier between them and the rest of the world.
By the time he carried her through his sitting room to his bedroom, Carina was drowsy with sleep, her body completely limp in his arms.
