The night was cold enough to steal the breath from Amelia’s lungs, but her skin still burned like fire. Lucian’s arms were tight around her as he carried her through the trees, branches clawing at his bloodied face.
She wasn’t sure where they were going.
Only that they were running.
From the smoke still rising behind them.
From Dominic.
From everything.
⸻
Lucian’s voice was hoarse when he finally spoke.
“You’re safe now, baby. I’ve got you.”
His grip tightened like he was afraid she might disappear if he let go. Like she wasn’t broken and fevered in his arms—like she was something precious instead of ruined.
Amelia wanted to believe him.
But the way his jaw clenched… the wild look in his eyes…
This wasn’t safety.
This was just a different kind of danger.
⸻
Hours later, they
