The gunfire had stopped. But the silence that followed felt worse. Heavier. Like the house itself was holding its breath.
Selene stood frozen in the hallway, her heart still racing, ears ringing from the chaos that had just ripped through the mansion. Bodies lay scattered on the floor. Blood stained the walls. The air smelled of smoke and metal. And in the middle of it all Lucian stood still.
His back faced her. His shoulders were tense. His hands still stained with blood.
“Lucian…” Her voice was softer than she meant it to be. Careful. Unsure.
He didn’t turn right away. For a moment, she thought he hadn’t heard. Then.
“I told you to stay behind me.” His voice was calm. Too calm.
Selene swallowed. “I did.” A pause. Then slowly,
He turned.
And for the first time
She hesitated.
The
