Hand in hand, Julian and Veronica made their way back through the winding halls of the compound, the night outside already claiming the sky.
They said little, words no longer necessary between them after what had just passed. Their fingers remained intertwined, firm and warm.
They finally arrived at the guest quarters that Glain had assigned to them. Julian stepped forward and knocked gently on the door.
Silence.
He waited a moment, then glanced back at Veronica. "Looks like the others are out."
Veronica gave a small shrug.
Julian reached for the handle, unlocked, as expected, but just as he stepped in, he heard a soft click behind him. The door locked.
He turned back in surprise, but before he could speak, Veronica had already closed the distance and pressed her lips against his.
