*****

With one hand on the wall, Adrien closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. His brow wrinkled with worry; he recognized that his resolve was getting weaker. He waited, giving himself more time to calm down. It's always easier in theory, he told himself, a half-smile appearing on his cheeks. He breathed out, then in again; he felt his stomach contract in an unpleasant way.

"Adrien?".

Startled, he turned around; Valerion was sitting behind him, his head slightly cocked, a serene smile on his face.

"Are you having a problem?".

He swallowed. "Maybe", he muttered. "It's just that my hands are shaking", he added, disappointed. "Is there anything I can do about that?".