Chapter 32 Thirty-one

• Draeven only grinned as they reached his chambers, his amusement evident. "You misunderstand me," he said, pushing the door open with ease. "I admire your defiance. It's refreshing." And with that, he strode inside, shutting the door behind them.
• Then, with a decisive click, Draeven locked the door behind him, sealing them off from the outside world. He strode toward the bed and carefully set Avelyn down, his hands lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. The air between them crackled with unspoken tension, her heartbeat hammering in response.
• Without a word, he sank to the floor in front of her, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made Avelyn flinch. Confusion and unease swirled within her as she struggled to make sense of the situation. "Wh-why bring me here? This... this is your room!" she stammered, her voice uncertain.