Isabella's POV
The sounds from the hallway made a loud noise, sending a shock through me. It startled me, my body shaking intensively. Outside my door, the quick shuffle of footsteps grew louder, followed by a calm, distinctive hum of someone whispering.
Alex hand held me tight, his eyes filled with a sudden edge of awareness. “Stay here,” he murmured, loosening my hand and stepping forward, his frame rigid, every movement Sharp and controlled. I could feel that he wanted to protect me, his instinct to shield me, and something about it sent a strange veil over my head even in this terrifying moment.
I took a deep swallow, leaning against the wall as he came close to the door. My breathing became so loud that everyone could hear it, filling the quiet space as Alex moved closer to the v
