The walk to her room was quiet, a hush had fallen over the castle. Serena would have liked to stay out longer, but she was getting more drowsy by the second. Darius was just ahead, his fingers laced with hers, giving them a gentle squeeze every now and then
Serena yawned and then she tripped over her feet and quickly recovered herself. Darius jerked her closer to his body and looked her up and down as though he was inspecting her.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yes, I am."
Darius let out a grunt and without another word bent at the knees. Before she could process it, his arm slid under her knees, the other bracing her back. In one smooth motion, he lifted her into his arms. Serena gasped softly, her arms instinctively flying around his neck for balance. Her eyes widened, meeting his steady gaze.
"I am fine really," Serena protested weakly.
