Elena's POV
I spun, already composing an excuse, and found Damian's face inches from mine instead of the elder I'd braced myself for.
"Don't," he breathed, barely a whisper, his grip firm but careful around my wrist. "Don't say anything. They're right behind that door."
"Damian…"
"Trust me."
Before I could ask what that meant, he pulled me sideways into a shallow alcove tucked between two decorative columns, pressing us both back against the wall just as the side door opened and footsteps emerged into the hallway. He moved fast, closing the last few inches of distance between us until his body shielded mine completely from view, one hand braced against the wall beside my head, the other still wrapped loosely around my wrist.
"What are you…"
"Quiet." His voice dropped lower still, hi
