Hope's POV.
The silence that Lucian leaves behind buzzes with uncertainty. Myself, Malakar, Talon, Dorian, and Sarah exchange uneasy glances, still processing his sudden change in demeanor.
"Something shifted in him." I mutter, crossing my arms. "Like he's seen a ghost."
Talon nods slowly. "Or realized something that he doesn't want to admit."
"He's hiding something." Dorian adds. "And I don't think he's going to be talking about it anytime soon."
Malakar's eyes linger on the direction that Lucian went. "Whatever it is... it shook him."
He turns back to the rest of us, now focusing on Sarah. "Talon, Dorian, give us a moment." His tone leaves no room for argument.
The two betas hesitate for a moment before nodding briefly and stepping outside. Once the door shuts behind them, Malak
