Lucia’s POV
The scent of freshly baked bread filled my room as Alina pressed a small tray into my hands.
“You keep forgetting to eat,” she said, a teasing lilt in her voice. “And I don’t need you fainting in Dante’s presence. He might actually enjoy that.”
I rolled my eyes and tore off a piece of bread. “Oh, sure. He’d probably smirk and say it proves I’m helpless, then lock me away like some fragile doll.”
Alina chuckled but didn’t argue. She sat beside me, her presence making this cold house feel a little less lonely.
“You did an amazing job with the dress,” I told her, running my fingers over the silk she had altered for me. “You’re the only reason I don’t look like a mess every day.”
She grinned, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s nothing, really. Besides, it’s
