I spun around sharply at the sound of footsteps behind me. My heart raced, but it wasn't an enemy; it was Nicolas. He had his hand over his mouth, his eyes darting anxiously in the dimly lit corridor.

"Nicolas?" I whispered, my voice shaking.

His eyes grew wide at the sound of my voice, and he hurried towards me, seizing my arm.

Before I could ask him anything, he pulled me into a nearby room.

He closed the door firmly behind us and leaned against it, trying to catch his breath.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, keeping my voice low.

"I had to see you," he replied, his...