I spun around sharply at the sound of footsteps behind me. My heart raced, but it wasn't an enemy; it was Nicolas. He had his hand over his mouth, his eyes darting anxiously in the dimly lit corridor.
"Nicolas?" I whispered, my voice shaking.His eyes grew wide at the sound of my voice, and he hurried towards me, seizing my arm.Before I could ask him anything, he pulled me into a nearby room.He closed the door firmly behind us and leaned against it, trying to catch his breath."What are you doing here?" I asked, keeping my voice low."I had to see you," he replied, his tone rough and filled with urgency.I understood what he wanted to discuss, especially after his mother had brought me back from London to carry out her sinister plans.I yanked my arm from his grasp and pushed him away."Were you aware—" my voice faltered as anger surged within me, "were you aware that I was chipped?" I snapped at him."Chipped?" he echoed, lo
