Sairis's POV
Sairis reacted on instinct.
He shut the box quickly and pushed it back into place, his hands moving faster than his thoughts. The footsteps outside were getting closer. There was no time to think. No time to plan.
His eyes darted around the room until they landed on the portrait.
Without hesitation, he rushed toward it and pushed it aside, revealing the tiny space behind it. It was small, barely enough for a person to fit, but Sairis was a small size, so it could still fit him if he tried.
Not like he had a choice.
He squeezed himself inside, pulling the portrait back into place just as the door opened.
It was only then, pressed tightly against the wall, that realization hit him.
This place.
His breath caught slightly.
This had been his hiding place.
