"It's me!" A familiar voice echoed down the hallway.

I stopped abruptly, clutching the railing for support as relief washed over me. My previously tense body finally relaxed.

Turning around, I saw Ashton standing in the dark. The unresolved tension from our earlier interaction hung heavily in the air, making the moment awkward. I didn't know what to say, so I opted to pretend I was angry instead.

"You scared the heck out of me!" I snapped, more ...