Shawn asked, "Did you drink tea or coffee?"

"No," she said.

Well, she did have a little bit of red wine. Really, just a tiny bit. She was afraid Shawn would notice, but she did not want to offend Aurum, so she took a small sip. She did not even dare to swallow it all, so it barely reached her throat.

Was red wine not supposed to help you sleep? Why was Gale feeling more and more awake? There was a restless heat in her body, and she did not feel like covering herself with the blanket.

"Think carefully. Is there something you're hiding from me?" Shawn asked calmly.

Gale shuddered. It was so dark that he could not see her expression, yet he could easily guess what she was thinking. Shawn's voice came again before she could figure out what to say, "Tell me the truth."

Alright.

"I had a sip of red wine. I drank it with Aurum. It was a special wine he brought, some special vintage. He kindly offered it and even poured me a glass, so I..." Gale said.

"I see."

"Just a sip! Just a tiny