Hailee's POV
Frederick's gaze lingered on me for a moment, calm and unreadable, before he finally moved closer. His steps were quiet, almost too quiet, as if he glided more than walked.
"Hailee," he said, his voice low but polite. He extended his hand.
For a second, I hesitated—every warning about vampires echoed in my head. But something about his expression… it wasn't threatening. It was calm, almost respectful. Slowly, I reached out and placed my hand in his.
His grip was cool but firm, comforting me in a strange way. "Welcome," he said simply, giving my hand a gentle shake before releasing it.
I swallowed, nodding slightly. "Thank you." My voice was quiet, almost lost in the grand space of the hall.
"Come," he said, picking up my bag with surprising ease. "I'll show you your room."
