The master bedroom was a cavern of shadows and flickering firelight.
Lucian locked the heavy oak door behind them—a habit, Elara realized, or perhaps a necessity to keep something out. Or keep them in.
The room was dominated by a massive stone fireplace where a fire already roared, casting long, dancing shadows against the walls. In the center sat a bed that looked less like furniture and more like a throne: dark wood, piled high with furs and thick quilts.
"It's freezing," Elara whispered, hugging her arms around the oversized jersey. She could see her breath misting in the air despite the fire.
"The generator powers the electric furnace," Lucian explained, moving to the hearth to add another log. His movements were efficient, powerful. "Without it, this place is just a well-insulated
