Relief washed over me in waves, seeing Lucy safe, her vanilla essence grounding me after the chaos of the day. But the bond thrummed restlessly, pulling my gaze to Elias. He stood a few feet away, his massive frame casting a long shadow in the firelight, golden eyes locked on mine with an intensity that made my pulse stutter.
His expression had softened moments ago, that subtle admiration flickering through the bond like sunlight on water, but now it shifted, a silent command laced with desire. He didn't speak at first, just tilted his head slightly toward the hallway leading to the bedrooms, his lips curving in a subtle, knowing smirk.
"Naomi," he murmured, voice low and rough, the single word carrying the weight of an invitation—or an order. "Join me in my room. We have... things
