{IRIS}
I had thought the worst thing that could happen that night was being killed by vampires.
Looking back now, I realized how terribly wrong I had been.
Because somehow, against all odds, I was still alive.
And somehow, even more unbelievably, I was currently sitting across from Lord Val at breakfast.
Before the academy day had not yet begun. Normally, breakfast with him was already intimidating enough.
Today, however, felt entirely different.
Much, much worse.
The dining hall was silent except for the occasional clink of silverware against porcelain. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, painting pale streaks of gold across the polished table.
Yet despite the warmth of the morning, I felt frozen.
Lord Val sat at the opposite end of the table, elegant as always, his posture flawless and composed.
And he was looking at me.
Not glaring.
Not shouting.
Not threatening.
Somehow that made it worse.
