The rain stopped before dawn.
The sky was pale gray.
Lucian’s car pulled up outside the villa.
He sat for a moment, silent, watching the faint light from the window.
He still saw her face in his mind — tired, frightened, but safe.
He got out and walked to the door.
The guards opened it quickly.
When he stepped inside, he saw her near the couch, wrapped in a soft robe.
Her hair fell loose around her shoulders.
She turned and froze when she saw him.
“Lucian,” she said softly.
He walked to her slowly. “Are you okay?”
She nodded. “Yes. I’m fine now.”
Lucian searched her face. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure,” she said quietly. “Marco brought me here. He’s been kind.”
Lucian’s tone softened. “Good. You’re safe here. No one will touch you again.”
She smiled a little. “You sound like yo
