Veer stood back slowly and adjusted his linen tunic. He looked down at Lila with his cold and serious eyes. His breathing was heavy but his face quickly turned back into its usual stern mask. He did not say another word to her. He walked to the door, unlocked it, and walked out into the grand hallway, leaving her alone in the dim room.

Lila stayed leaning against the hard wooden desk for a long time. Her legs were shaking so much that she could not stand properly. Her neck felt very hot and sore where his lips had pressed against her skin. With trembling fingers, she pulled her warm winter shawl tight around her chest and neck to hide the dark mark he had left. She felt completely dizzy and full of a strange, terrifying confusion.