MAYA
I screamed and stumbled backward. Just as my foot caught on a root and I felt myself slipping, strong hands reached out, catching me firmly by the arms and steadying me.
I looked up, breath ragged, ready to bolt, only to meet Beta Alaric's calm and steady gaze. His expression softened immediately as he pulled me gently to my feet, keeping a supportive hand on my elbow while his sharp eyes surveyed the shadowed garden around us.
"Are you alright?" he asked quietly, "Did you see something that frightened you?"
Heat flooded my cheeks with embarrassment. I quickly stepped back, straightening my rumpled clothes with shaking hands and avoiding his gaze.
"I'm sorry," I muttered, still not meeting his eyes. "I thought… I thought you were someone else."
Curiosity flashed briefly in his
