Stepping away, Adrien consciously gave Alicia space, attempting to regain control over the primal urges that threatened to consume him. His deep breaths echoed in the dimly lit study, the struggle evident in the tenseness of his shoulders and the darkness that veiled his eyes.
Alicia stood rooted to the spot, her eyes wide with a mix of astonishment and fear. Before her, Adrien loomed, his gaze unyielding, fangs visibly protruding in the dim light. The atmosphere crackled with tension, leaving Alicia paralyzed with uncertainty. Every fiber of her being warned her against making a sudden move, as if any action might provoke a primal response from the predator before her.
As Adrien took a deliberate step forward, Alicia felt an involuntary tightening of her grip on the fabric of her skirt.
