The steam in the bath house still curled through the air, but the warmth aand the refreshing scent that had enveloped Lucan only moments ago had vanished, replaced by a cold tension that coiled deep in his chest. The messenger stood rigid at the entrance of the bathhouse, his silhouette barely visible through the mist, yet his presence had already disrupted the fragile peace between Lucan and Adeline.
Lucan moved first, rising from the water with careful, measured movements. Droplets slid down his skin, but he ignored them as he stepped out of the bath, reaching for the robe that Adelinehad folded neatly and put away. He tied it loosely around his waist before taking the small, rolled parchment from the messenger’s outstretched hand.
Adeline had still not moved, her heart hammering in he
