I blinked, slowly adjusting to the soft light filtering through the room. The bed beneath me felt like clouds—far too luxurious for someone like me. I shifted slightly, and that’s when I felt it—Lucian’s hand wrapped around mine, firm but warm. My heart started racing, each beat harder than the last, his grip tightening as if he could feel it too.
“Lucian?” I whispered, unsure if I was really awake.
His head turned toward me, his fingers brushing lightly against my forehead. “You’re awake, Peniel. Do you need anything?”
I shook my head, my thoughts still hazy. “No, but… I need to see Cassian—”
Before I could finish, the door burst open with a bang. I flinched, my eyes darting to the figure that stood there. Cassian. His eyes locked onto mine as he stepped inside, his voice low and draw
