Lucian’s POV
I needed the silence of the hot pool tonight.
The palace had grown too loud in my head. The training field, the library kiss days ago, the constant pull in my chest — everything reminded me of her. I had come here to clear my head, to let the warm water soothe the beast that refused to settle.
Steam curled into the cool night air as I approached the secluded pool. I stripped off my tunic and trousers, leaving them on the stone edge, and stepped into the water. The heat enveloped me instantly, easing the tension in my muscles.
Then I saw her.
Elara was already in the pool, naked, her long dark hair wet and clinging to her shoulders. Moonlight painted her skin silver. She leaned back against the smooth stone edge, eyes closed, completely unaware of my presence. The water la
