As Anya and Julian pored over the book, the hours passed quickly. The fire crackled, casting a warm glow over the room.
Anya noticed a faint scar above Julian's eyebrow. "What happened?" she asked, her voice soft.
Julian's expression faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "A childhood accident," he said curtly.
Anya sensed that there was more to the story, but Julian didn't elaborate. She felt a pang of curiosity, wondering what lay beneath his polished exterior.
As the night drew to a close, Julian walked Anya to her room. The hallway was dimly lit, and the air was heavy with silence.
"Thank you for your help, Julian," Anya said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Julian's eyes met hers, and for a moment, Anya saw a glimmer of something deeper. "I'll always be here to protect you, Anya," he said, his voice low and husky.
Anya felt a shiver run down her spine. She wasn't sure what to make of Julian's words, but she knew she felt safer with him by her side.