Avelina's breath caught, and her heart pounded in her chest. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. The room seemed to close in on her, Tristan's gaze unrelenting, demanding an answer.
Tristan's eyes remained trained on Avelina's, the intensity within them making her shrink back in her seat.
"Master Tristan, I—" Avelina began but was cut off.
He interrupted softly, leaning in closer, "You don't have to worry about being heard. My study is soundproof. No one will hear anything other than our conversation. So, why don't you tell me the truth?"
Avelina blinked, attempting to find her voice. Her hand instinctively flew to the swollen cheek, fingers brushing against the sensitive skin. "Master Tristan, it's just... a minor accident. You don't have to worry about it."