AI The front door of Eva’s flat groaned open under the weight of someone’s shoulder, the deadbolts clattering back like a child’s toys. Aurora Carter stepped inside, her boots crunching on the cracked linoleum, her breath steady despite the way her fingers curled around the doorknob as if it might pull her back out again.
Eva’s flat smelled of burnt cinnamon and old paper—thick, comforting , the kind of scent that made Aurora’s chest tighten. She didn’t look around. Didn’t turn.
“You’re late.” The words came out sharper than she meant.
Eva’s voice, usually smooth with a hint of amusement, held the edge of exhaustion. She sat at the small kitchen table, a half-empty cup of tea steaming, her fingers tracing the rim like she was trying to remember how to hold it properly. “I was waiting.”
Aurora’s jaw tightened. “For what?”
“You.”
The words hung between them, heavy. Aurora exhaled, slow and deliberate, and finally turned. The scar on her wrist—small, dark—gleamed under the dim light of the single bulb above the desk. She didn’t flinch when she saw Lucien Moreau standing in the doorway, his cane resting against the frame, his suit immaculate despite the way his shoulders hunched under the weight of something unsaid.
“You came,” Aurora said, voice low .
Lucien didn’t deny it. “I had to.”
“Why?”
A beat. The kind of pause that made the air between them feel like a physical thing, pressing in. “Because you called me.”
Aurora’s fingers twitched toward the scar on her wrist, where the old wound still stung. “You know I didn’t.”
“You did.”
The words cut deeper than the silence that followed. Aurora’s breath hitched. “Then why are you here?”
Lucien’s gaze flicked to the door, then back to her. “Because I’m not leaving until I know what happened.”
Eva’s voice cut through the tension , sharp as a blade. “What happened?”
Aurora didn’t answer. She didn’t have to. The way Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor, the way his fingers flexed around the hilt of the blade concealed inside—it all spoke louder than words.
“You were supposed to meet me at the docks,” Lucien said, voice rough . “At midnight.”
Aurora’s stomach twisted. “I didn’t.”
“You lied to me.”
“And you lied to me,” Aurora snapped, stepping closer. “You said you’d come for me. Said you’d protect me. But you never did.”
Lucien’s face darkened. “I did.”
“You didn’t,” she countered, her voice dropping to a whisper . “You watched. You waited. And then you left me to him.”
The words hung in the air , raw and bitter. Lucien’s hand shot out, gripping her arm before she could pull away. Her breath caught in her throat.
“He’s dead,” Lucien growled.
Aurora’s eyes burned. “You don’t know that.”
“He’s dead,” Lucien repeated, his grip unyielding . “And you’re not going to let him hurt you again.”
Aurora’s free hand shot up, fingers digging into his chest. “Let go.”
Lucien’s jaw clenched . “I’m not.”
She twisted, her nails raking down his suit jacket. “You’re not my keeper.”
“You’re my friend,” he hissed, his voice a low growl. “And I won’t let you walk away from this.”
The flat felt too small, too tight. Eva’s voice cut through the tension , sharp with concern. “Aurora, stop.”
Aurora didn’t stop. She didn’t look away from Lucien’s face, where his amber and black eyes burned with something fierce and unspoken . “I’m not going anywhere.”
Lucien’s breath hitched. “You’re not?”
Aurora’s lips curled into a ghost of a smile. “Not until you tell me what you’re really doing here.”
The cane tapped against the floor again, slower this time. “You know I’m not here for you.”
Aurora’s smile faded. “Then why?”
Lucien’s gaze flicked to the scar on her wrist again, where the old wound still pulsed with a faint, unnatural heat. “Because you’re the only one who can stop him.”
Aurora’s blood ran cold . “Who?”
Lucien’s voice dropped to a whisper . “The thing in the docks.”
The flat fell silent. The air thickened, heavy with the weight of what they’d both been running from. Aurora’s fingers tightened around Lucien’s wrist, her knuckles white.
“You’re lying,” she said, her voice steady despite the way her heart pounded.
Lucien’s gaze never wavered . “I’m not.”
Aurora’s breath came faster. “Then why?”
“Because,” Lucien said, his voice rough with something she couldn’t name, “I need you to be the one who finds out.”
Aurora’s stomach twisted. “Find out what?”
Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor once, twice. “That he’s coming for you.”
The flat felt too small, too tight. Aurora’s fingers tightened around Lucien’s wrist, her knuckles white. “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s gaze locked onto hers. “I’m telling you the truth.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “Then why are you here?”
Lucien’s voice dropped to a whisper . “Because I’m not leaving until you’re safe.”
Aurora’s smile was bitter . “I’m not your responsibility.”
Lucien’s grip tightened. “I’m not letting you walk away from this.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into his chest. “Then what are you doing here?”
Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor once, slow and deliberate. “I’m here because you’re the only one who can stop him.”
Aurora’s breath came faster. “Stop who?”
Lucien’s voice was a low growl. “The thing in the docks.”
Aurora’s stomach twisted. “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s gaze locked onto hers. “I’m telling you the truth.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around his wrist. “Then why?”
Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor once more. “Because I need you to be the one who finds out.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “Find out what?”
Lucien’s voice was rough, desperate. “That he’s coming for you.”
Aurora’s heart pounded in her chest . “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s gaze never left hers. “I’m telling you the truth.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into his chest. “Then why are you here?”
Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor, slow and sure. “Because I’m not leaving until you’re safe.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. “I’m not your problem.”
Lucien’s grip tightened. “I’m not letting you walk away from this.”
Aurora’s smile was sharp. “Then what are you doing here?”
Lucien’s voice dropped to a whisper . “I’m here because you’re the only one who can stop him.”
Aurora’s stomach twisted. “Stop who?”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers. “The thing in the docks.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around his wrist. “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor, once, twice. “I’m telling you the truth.”
Aurora’s breath came faster. “Then why?”
Lucien’s voice was rough, desperate. “Because I need you to be the one who finds out.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Find out what?”
Lucien’s gaze never wavered . “That he’s coming for you.”
Aurora’s heart pounded in her chest . “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor, slow and sure. “I’m not leaving until you’re safe.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into his chest. “I’m not your responsibility.”
Lucien’s grip tightened. “I’m not letting you walk away from this.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “Then what are you doing here?”
Lucien’s voice was a whisper . “Because I’m not letting you walk away from this.”
Aurora’s eyes locked onto his, her breath coming fast. “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor once more. “I’m telling you the truth.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around his wrist. “Then why?”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers, fierce and unyielding. “Because I’m not leaving until you’re safe.”
Aurora’s breath came fast, her heart pounding . “I’m not your problem.”
Lucien’s voice dropped to a growl. “I’m not letting you walk away from this.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Then what are you doing here?”
Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor, slow and sure. “Because I’m not letting you walk away from this.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into his chest, her knuckles white. “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s gaze never left hers. “I’m telling you the truth.”
Aurora’s breath hitched, her mind racing . “Find out what?”
Lucien’s voice was rough, desperate. “That he’s coming for you.”
Aurora’s eyes locked onto his, her stomach twisting. “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor, one final time. “I’m not leaving until you’re safe.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around his wrist, her knuckles aching. “I’m not your responsibility.”
Lucien’s grip tightened. “I’m not letting you walk away from this.”
Aurora’s breath came fast, her heart pounding . “Then why?”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers, unyielding. “Because I’m not letting you walk away from this.”
Aurora’s eyes burned, her fingers digging into his chest. “I’m not making sense.”
Lucien’s voice was rough, desperate. “I’m telling you the truth.”
Aurora’s breath hitched, her mind racing . “Find out what?”
Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor, one last time. “That he’s coming for you.”
Aurora’s eyes locked onto his, her stomach twisting. “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s grip tightened, his voice a low growl. “I’m not letting you walk away from this.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around his wrist, her knuckles white. “I’m not your problem.”
Lucien’s gaze never wavered . “I’m not letting you walk away from this.”
Aurora’s breath came fast, her heart pounding . “Then why?”
Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor, slow and sure. “Because I’m not leaving until you’re safe.”
Aurora’s eyes burned, her fingers digging into his chest. “I’m not making sense.”
Lucien’s voice dropped to a whisper . “I’m not letting you walk away from this.”
Aurora’s breath hitched, her mind racing . The flat felt too small, too tight. The air thickened, heavy with the weight of what they’d both been running from.
Aurora’s gaze locked onto Lucien’s, her voice steady despite the way her heart pounded. “Then what are you doing here?”
Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor one last time. “Because I’m not letting you walk away from this.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around his wrist, her knuckles white. “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers, fierce and unyielding. “I’m telling you the truth.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. “Find out what?”
Lucien’s voice was rough, desperate. “That he’s coming for you.”
Aurora’s eyes burned, her fingers digging into his chest. “You’re not making sense.”
The flat fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut. Aurora’s gaze flicked to the scar on her wrist, where the old wound still pulsed faintly. Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor, one final time, before he stepped back, his suit jacket billowing slightly .
“You’re not leaving,” Aurora said, her voice low .
Lucien’s gaze locked onto hers. “I’m not.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “Then what?”
Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor, slow and sure. “I’m staying.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around his wrist. “For how long?”
Lucien’s voice was rough, unyielding. “Until you’re safe.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Then what?”
Lucien’s gaze never wavered . “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. “Then why?”
Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor, one final time. “Because I’m not letting you walk away from this.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into his chest. “I’m not making sense.”
Lucien’s voice was a whisper . “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s eyes locked onto his, her heart pounding . “Then what are you doing here?”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers, fierce and unyielding. “I’m here because I’m not letting you walk away from this.”
Aurora’s breath caught. The flat felt suffocating. She stepped closer, her fingers brushing against the scar on his wrist where the blade concealed within twitched.
“You’re not making sense,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper .
Lucien’s gaze never left hers. “I’m telling you the truth.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “Find out what?”
Lucien’s cane tapped once, then stopped. “That he’s coming for you.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around his wrist. “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s voice was rough, desperate. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Then why?”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers, unrelenting. “Because I’m not letting you walk away.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. The flat felt like it was closing in around them . She took a step back, her fingers still curled around his wrist.
“You’re not making sense,” she said, her voice steady despite the storm inside her.
Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor, one last time. “I’m telling you the truth.”
Aurora’s gaze locked onto his, her heart pounding . “Find out what?”
Lucien’s voice was low, desperate. “That he’s coming for you.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around his wrist. “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s grip on his cane tightened. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Then why?”
Lucien’s gaze was fierce. “Because I’m not letting you walk away.”
Silence settled between them, heavy and suffocating. Aurora’s gaze lingered on the scar on her wrist, the faint pulse of the old wound.
Lucien’s voice dropped to a whisper . “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s breath caught. “Then what?”
Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor, one final time.
Aurora’s fingers tightened, her knuckles aching. “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers. “I’m not.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “Find out what?”
Lucien’s voice was rough. “That he’s coming.”
Aurora’s eyes locked onto his, her stomach twisting. The flat felt too small, too tight.
Lucien’s cane stopped tapping. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into his wrist. “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s gaze was unyielding. “I’m not.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. “Then why?”
Lucien’s voice was a whisper , barely audible. “Because I’m not letting you walk away.”
Aurora’s eyes burned, her fingers still gripping his wrist. The silence stretched on, thick with unspoken words.
Aurora stepped back, her gaze fixed on Lucien’s cane. “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s gaze locked onto hers, his expression unreadable . “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “Find out what?”
Lucien’s voice was low, almost a growl. “He’s coming.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around his wrist. “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s cane tapped once, then stopped. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Then why?”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers, relentless. “Because I’m not letting you walk away.”
Aurora’s breath caught. The silence was suffocating . She exhaled sharply, her fingers still curled around his wrist.
“You’re not making sense,” she said, her voice barely a whisper .
Lucien’s voice was a whisper , barely audible. “I’m not.”
Aurora’s gaze locked onto his, her heart pounding . “Find out what?”
Lucien’s cane lay still. “He’s coming.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into his wrist, her knuckles white. “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s gaze was fixed on hers, unblinking. “I’m not.”
The flat’s silence became a weight , pressing down on them both. Aurora’s mind raced , her breath coming in shallow gasps.
Aurora finally let go, her fingers hovering just above his wrist. “Then tell me.”
Lucien’s breath hitched. “I can’t.”
Aurora’s gaze locked onto his, her voice firm. “You can.”
Lucien’s gaze flickered to the scar on her wrist, then back to her eyes. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s voice was rough. “I’m not.”
Aurora’s fingers curled around his wrist again. “Find out what.”
Lucien’s cane tapped softly against the floor. “He’s coming for you.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Why?”
Lucien’s gaze was intense. “Because he wants you.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “What do you mean?”
Lucien’s voice dropped to a whisper . “He wants you dead.”
Aurora’s stomach twisted. “Why?”
Lucien’s gaze never left hers. “Because of what you did.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around his wrist. “What did I do?”
Lucien’s voice was low, dangerous. “You took something from him.”
Aurora’s breath caught. “What?”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers. “The truth.”
Aurora’s eyes widened . “What truth?”
Lucien’s cane tapped once. “The one you broke.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into his wrist. “What truth?”
Lucien’s voice was a whisper . “The one you stole.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. “I didn’t steal anything.”
Lucien’s gaze was unyielding. “You did.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor, one final time. “You did.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around his wrist, her knuckles white. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s voice was rough. “You did.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “I didn’t take anything.”
Lucien’s gaze locked onto hers. “You did.”
Aurora’s eyes burned, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s cane stopped tapping. “You did.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into his wrist. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s voice was a whisper . “You did.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. “I didn’t take anything.”
Lucien’s gaze was intense. “You did.”
Aurora’s eyes locked onto the scar on his wrist, the faint pulse of the blade concealed within. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s cane tapped softly against the floor. “You did.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened, her knuckles aching. “I didn’t break anything.”
Lucien’s voice was low, dangerous. “You did.”
Aurora’s breath caught. “I didn’t take the truth.”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers. “You did.”
Aurora’s eyes burned, her voice firm. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s cane tapped once, then stopped. “You did.”
Aurora’s fingers loosened, her knuckles no longer white. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s voice was a whisper , barely audible. “You did.”
Aurora’s gaze locked onto his, her heart pounding . “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s breath hitched. “You did.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. The silence was thick, suffocating. She exhaled sharply, her fingers hovering just above his wrist.
Aurora finally stepped back, her gaze fixed on the scar on his wrist. “You’re not making sense.”
Lucien’s cane tapped softly against the floor, one last time. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Then what?”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers, relentless. “I’m not letting you walk away.”
Aurora’s breath caught, her fingers curling around the scar on her wrist. “I’m not making sense.”
Lucien’s voice was rough. “I’m not.”
Aurora’s gaze locked onto his, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. “Find out what.”
Lucien’s cane lay still. “He’s coming for you.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Why?”
Lucien’s gaze was fierce. “Because of what you did.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “What did I do?”
Lucien’s voice was low, dangerous. “You took the truth from him.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into her wrist. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s gaze never wavered . “You did.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s cane tapped once. “You did.”
Aurora’s voice was sharp. “I didn’t take anything.”
Lucien’s breath hitched. “You did.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. “I didn’t break anything.”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers. “You did.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around her wrist. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s voice was a whisper . “You did.”
Aurora’s eyes locked onto his, her heart pounding . The silence was suffocating .
Aurora finally exhaled, her voice calm despite the storm inside her. “Then tell me.”
Lucien’s gaze flickered to the scar on her wrist, lingering there. “You took something from him.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “What?”
Lucien’s voice was rough. “The thing that made him who he was.”
Aurora’s eyes widened . “What thing?”
Lucien’s cane tapped softly against the floor. “The truth.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into her wrist. “I didn’t take the truth.”
Lucien’s gaze was unyielding. “You did.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s voice was a whisper . “You did.”
Aurora’s gaze locked onto his, her voice firm. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s cane stopped tapping. “You did.”
Aurora’s fingers loosened, her knuckles no longer aching. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s breath hitched. “You did.”
Aurora’s breath hitched, her silence heavy. She turned toward Eva’s desk, her fingers tracing the edge of the scar on her wrist.
Aurora stepped closer to the desk. “What did you say?”
Lucien’s gaze locked onto hers, his voice barely audible. “He’s coming for you.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Why?”
Lucien’s cane tapped once against the floor. “Because of what you took.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. “What did I take?”
Lucien’s gaze never left hers. “The truth.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around the scar on her wrist. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s voice was rough. “You did.”
Aurora’s breath caught. “I didn’t take anything.”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers. “You did.”
Aurora’s eyes locked onto the scar on his wrist, the faint pulse of the blade concealed within. “I didn’t break anything.”
Lucien’s cane tapped softly against the floor. “You did.”
Aurora’s voice was sharp. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s breath hitched. “You did.”
Aurora’s gaze was fixed on the scar on her wrist. “I didn’t take the truth.”
Lucien’s voice was a whisper . “You did.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. The silence was suffocating , the air thick with tension .
Aurora finally exhaled, her voice steady. “Then why?”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers. “Because he wants it back.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into her wrist. “What?”
Lucien’s cane tapped once. “The truth.”
Aurora’s eyes widened . “What truth?”
Lucien’s voice was low, dangerous. “The one you stole.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “I didn’t steal anything.”
Lucien’s gaze was unrelenting. “You did.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s cane stopped tapping. “You did.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around her wrist. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s voice was a whisper . “You did.”
Aurora’s gaze locked onto his, her breath coming fast. The silence was suffocating .
Aurora finally turned toward Eva’s desk, her voice firm. “What did I take?”
Lucien’s gaze flickered to the scar on her wrist, lingering. “The thing that made him believe.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “What made him believe?”
Lucien’s voice was rough. “That you were nothing.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into her wrist. “I’m not nothing.”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers. “You were.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. “I’m not.”
Lucien’s cane tapped softly against the floor. “He’s coming for you.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Why?”
Lucien’s voice was low. “Because he wants you back.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around her wrist. “I’m not his.”
Lucien’s gaze was fierce. “He’s coming.”
Aurora’s breath caught. “Why?”
Lucien’s cane tapped once. “Because of what you took.”
Aurora’s eyes locked onto the scar on his wrist. “I didn’t take anything.”
Lucien’s voice was a whisper . “You did.”
Aurora’s gaze never left his. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s cane stopped tapping. “You did.”
Aurora’s silence was heavy. She exhaled sharply, her fingers curling around the scar on her wrist.
Aurora stepped back, her breath steady. “Then tell me.”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers. “He’s coming.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “For what?”
Lucien’s voice was rough. “For you.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into her wrist. “Why?”
Lucien’s cane tapped once against the floor. “Because he wants you.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. “Why?”
Lucien’s gaze was intense. “Because you took what was his.”
Aurora’s eyes widened . “What was his?”
Lucien’s voice was low, dangerous. “Your truth.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “I didn’t take my truth.”
Lucien’s gaze never wavered . “You did.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around her wrist. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s cane tapped softly against the floor. “He’s coming.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Why?”
Lucien’s voice was a whisper . “Because he wants it back.”
Aurora’s breath caught. “What do you mean?”
Lucien’s gaze locked onto hers. “The thing you took.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into her wrist. “I didn’t take anything.”
Lucien’s voice was rough. “You did.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s silence was heavy. His cane lay still.
Aurora exhaled sharply , her voice steady. “Then why are you here?”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers. “Because I’m not letting you walk away.”
Aurora’s eyes locked onto the scar on his wrist, the faint pulse of the blade concealed within. “I’m not.”
Lucien’s breath hitched. “I’m not.”
Aurora’s breath came fast, her silence heavy. She turned toward the door, her fingers still gripping her wrist.
Aurora opened the door, the deadbolts clicking back into place. “I’m not your problem.”
Lucien’s voice was rough, desperate. “I’m not letting you walk away.”
Aurora’s gaze locked onto his, her voice firm. “I’m not.”
Lucien’s cane tapped once against the floor. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “Then what?”
Lucien’s gaze was fierce. “I’m staying.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around her wrist. “You’re not.”
Lucien’s voice was a whisper . “I’m not.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. The silence was suffocating , thick with the weight of what they’d both been running from.
Aurora closed the door behind her, the deadbolts locking into place. “I’m not making sense.”
Lucien’s cane tapped softly against the floor, one final time.
Aurora’s gaze locked onto his, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. “Then why?”
Lucien’s breath hitched. “Because I’m not letting you walk away.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into her wrist. “I’m not.”
Lucien’s voice was a whisper . “I’m not.”
Aurora exhaled sharply , her breath coming fast. The flat felt too small, too tight.
Aurora turned toward the desk, her fingers tracing the scar on her wrist. “I’m not making sense.”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s breath caught. “Find out what?”
Lucien’s cane tapped once, then stopped. “He’s coming.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Why?”
Lucien’s voice was low, desperate. “Because of what you took.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into her wrist. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s gaze never left hers. “You did.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. The silence was suffocating .
Aurora exhaled, her voice steady. “Then why?”
Lucien’s cane lay still. “Because I’m not letting you walk away.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around her wrist. “I’m not.”
Lucien’s breath hitched. “I’m not.”
Aurora’s gaze locked onto the scar on his wrist. She exhaled sharply , her voice calm.
Aurora stepped back, her fingers still curled around her wrist. “I’m not making sense.”
Lucien’s voice was rough. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Then what?”
Lucien’s cane tapped once against the floor.
Aurora’s breath hitched. “Find out what?”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers. “He’s coming.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into her wrist. “Why?”
Lucien’s silence was final. His cane stopped tapping.
Aurora exhaled, her voice firm. “I’m not walking away.”
Lucien’s breath hitched. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s gaze locked onto the scar on her wrist, the faint, unnatural pulse . She turned toward the door, her fingers tightening.
Aurora opened the door, the deadbolts clattering back. The night air outside was cool, carrying the scent of rain and something older, darker.
Aurora stepped outside, Lucien’s cane tapping softly behind her. The streetlights flickered , casting long shadows that stretched like fingers across the pavement.
Aurora exhaled sharply , her breath misting in the cold air. “I’m not making sense.”
Lucien’s voice was low, rough. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into her wrist. “I’m not walking away.”
Lucien’s cane tapped once against the pavement. “I’m not.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. The night was quiet, save for the distant hum of traffic and the occasional cry of a seagull.
Aurora turned to face him, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. “Then tell me.”
Lucien’s gaze was intense, his eyes burning with something unspoken . “He’s coming for you.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Why?”
Lucien’s voice was a whisper . “Because you took what was his.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around her wrist. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s cane tapped softly against the floor. “You did.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “I didn’t take anything.”
Lucien’s gaze never left hers. “You did.”
Aurora’s silence was heavy. She exhaled sharply , her voice firm. “Then why?”
Lucien’s voice was rough. “Because I’m not letting you walk away.”
Aurora’s eyes locked onto the scar on her wrist. “I’m not.”
Lucien’s breath hitched. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s gaze was fixed on the scar. “Find out what you’re hiding.”
Lucien’s cane tapped once against the pavement. “He’s coming.”
Aurora’s breath caught. “For what?”
Lucien’s voice was low, dangerous. “For you.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into her wrist. “Why?”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers. “Because he wants you back.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. “I’m not his.”
Lucien’s voice was a whisper . “He’s coming.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Why?”
Lucien’s cane stopped tapping. “Because of what you took.”
Aurora’s silence was final. She exhaled sharply , her voice steady. “Then why are you here?”
Lucien’s gaze never wavered . “Because I’m not letting you walk away.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around her wrist. “I’m not.”
Lucien’s breath hitched. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s breath came fast, the night air cold against her cheeks. She exhaled, her voice firm. “Then tell me.”
Lucien’s cane tapped once against the floor. “He’s coming.”
Aurora’s eyes locked onto his, her voice sharp. “Why?”
Lucien’s gaze was fierce. “Because he wants your truth.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into her wrist. “I didn’t take my truth.”
Lucien’s voice was rough. “You did.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. The night was quiet, the air thick with tension .
Aurora exhaled, her voice steady. “Then why are you here?”
Lucien’s cane tapped softly against the pavement. “Because I’m not letting you walk away.”
Aurora’s gaze burned into his. “I’m not.”
Lucien’s breath hitched. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s silence was final. She turned, her fingers still gripping her wrist. The door to Eva’s flat stood open, the deadbolts still clicking back.
Aurora stepped inside, the flat’s warmth enveloping her. Lucien’s cane tapped against the floor, one final time.
Aurora exhaled sharply , her voice calm. “I’m not making sense.”
Lucien’s gaze locked onto hers. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. She exhaled, her fingers curling around the scar on her wrist.
Aurora turned toward the desk, her voice firm. “Then what?”
Lucien’s cane tapped softly against the floor. “I’m staying.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Why?”
Lucien’s gaze was intense. “Because I’m not letting you walk away.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. The silence was suffocating .
Aurora exhaled, her voice steady. “Then tell me.”
Lucien’s voice was rough. “He’s coming.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into her wrist. “For what?”
Lucien’s cane stopped tapping. “For you.”
Aurora’s breath caught. “Why?”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers. “Because you took the truth.”
Aurora’s silence was heavy. She exhaled sharply , her voice sharp. “I didn’t.”
Lucien’s breath hitched. “You did.”
Aurora’s eyes locked onto the scar on her wrist. She exhaled, her voice firm. “I’m not walking away.”
Lucien’s voice was a whisper . “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s gaze never wavered . “Then why?”
Lucien’s cane tapped once against the floor.
Aurora’s breath came fast. The flat felt suffocating. She exhaled, her voice steady.
Aurora stepped closer to Lucien, her fingers still gripping her wrist. “I’m not making sense.”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. “Then what?”
Lucien’s voice was low, desperate. “I’m staying.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around her wrist. “Why?”
Lucien’s cane tapped softly against the floor. “Because I’m not letting you walk away.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “I’m not.”
Lucien’s breath hitched. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora exhaled sharply , her voice firm. “Then why are you here?”
Lucien’s gaze locked onto hers. “Because I’m not letting you walk away.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into her wrist. The silence stretched on, thick with the weight of what they’d both been running from.
Aurora exhaled, her breath steady. “Find out what you’re hiding.”
Lucien’s cane tapped once against the floor. “He’s coming.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Why?”
Lucien’s voice was rough. “Because he wants you.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. The flat was too small, too tight.
Aurora exhaled, her voice sharp. “I’m not walking away.”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around her wrist. The silence was suffocating .
Aurora finally exhaled, her voice calm. “Then why?”
Lucien’s cane tapped softly against the floor, one final time.
Aurora’s gaze locked onto his, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. “I’m not making sense.”
Lucien’s breath hitched. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s breath came fast, her fingers still curled around her wrist.
Aurora stepped back, her voice firm. “Then tell me.”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers. “He’s coming.”
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Why?”
Lucien’s silence was final. His cane stopped tapping.
Aurora exhaled, her voice steady. “Find out what you’re hiding.”
Lucien’s voice was rough. “Because I’m not letting you walk away.”
Aurora’s breath caught. The flat felt suffocating, the air thick with tension .
Aurora exhaled sharply , her fingers still gripping her wrist. “I’m not making sense.”
Lucien’s gaze locked onto hers. “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s breath came fast. She exhaled, her voice firm. “Then why?”
Lucien’s cane tapped once against the floor.
Aurora’s eyes burned. “Find out what you’re hiding.”
Lucien’s voice was a whisper . “I’m not leaving.”
Aurora’s fingers dug into her wrist. The silence was suffocating .
Aurora exhaled, her breath steady. “I’m not walking away.”
Lucien’s gaze burned into hers. “I’m not.”
Aurora’s breath hitched. The flat’s silence pressed down, heavy and suffocating.
Aurora exhaled sharply , her voice sharp. “Then why?”
Lucien’s cane tapped softly against the floor.
Aurora’s eyes locked onto his, her voice firm. “Tell me.”
Lucien’s breath hitched. “He’s coming.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around her wrist. “Why?”
Lucien’s silence was final. His cane stopped tapping.
Aurora exhaled, her voice steady. "I'm not walking away."
The flat’s silence lingered, heavy and unbroken. The air between them crackled with something neither dared name.