Ana
Valerian stole a glance at Ana, her usual poker face replaced by a smug smile that sent a shiver down his spine.
"What?" he asked, his voice cautious.
"A bodyguard, huh?" Ana drawled, the amusement dancing in her eyes a stark contrast to the chilling display she'd unleashed moments ago. "Tell me," she continued, her voice dropping to a whisper, "did you always imagine the Prime Minister's son needing protection from an eighteen-year-old girl?"
Valerian chuckled, a nervous sound that echoed hollowly in the enclosed space. "You seem to forget," he countered, trying to regain some control, "The wardens would have remained suspicious of us if you didn't show your skills and impress them"
"Impressed?" Ana scoffed, the smile morphing into a predator's grin. "They weren't impressed, Valerian. They were terrified. Terrified of the weapon, yes, but more importantly, terrified of what lurks beneath my skin."
