Closer To The Truth

Veda's eyes locked onto Adrian with a gaze so cold it could freeze fire.

"I said, how do you know about her?" she repeated, her voice sharp enough to slice through the tension. The corridor around them seemed to vanish into nothingness, all sound muted under the oppressive weight she cast.

Adrian's breath hitched as the pressure in the air crushed down on him. His knees buckled ever so slightly, but he quickly steeled himself. His heart pounded in his chest, his lungs straining under the suffocating force. Retreat wasn't an option now. His eyes flickered with a mix of determination and caution as he forced his voice out, despite the tightness in his throat.

"If I remember correctly..." he began, his voice trembling just a little, "your first disciple's name was Liora, wasn't it?"