Barbara stirred at the sensation of warm breath ghosting over her cheek, her drowsiness melting away like fog under sunlight. A faint groan escaped her lips as she blinked her eyes open, the dim light casting long shadows across the room. Despite the muted illumination, her enhanced sight captured every detail of Lycus's face hovering close to hers. His sharp jawline seemed more pronounced in the half-light, his features sculpted and unyielding, framed by dishevelled dark hair that gave him an untamed allure.
His golden eyes, glowing faintly, were fixed on her as though she were the only thing in the world. A primal intensity burned in his gaze, a mix of hunger and reverence that made her heart race. His lips curved into a faint smirk, and before she could say a word, he dipped his head,
