Lilith's POV
The car door clicked shut behind me, and I practically melted into the seat, my frayed nerves finally granting me a moment's respite.
But before I could even catch my breath, Kieran's arm locked around my waist like a steel band. His head dropped heavily into the crook of my neck.
I froze, my body stiffening for a second before I slowly relaxed and looked down at him.
That's when I realized—he looked terrible.
His usually sharp, penetrating eyes were shut tight, dark shadows pooled like bruises beneath his lashes.
He looked utterly drained, as if he'd pulled multiple all-nighters or been pushed far beyond his limits.
Even his voice was a far cry from its usual deep resonance.
"Were you sick?" he murmured.
The question hit me right in the chest, a sudden, tender ache
