Hannah’s POV
The First Look
My hands wouldn’t stop trembling.
I tried to keep them still, pressing my fingers tightly against my lap, but the nervous energy inside me refused to settle.
Lucien was outside.
Waiting.
And suddenly, the room felt too small.
Too quiet.
Too suffocating.
“Relax,” Tianna whispered beside me.
Easy for her to say.
She wasn’t the one about to be judged.
Another knock sounded.
Softer this time.
But firmer.
More patient.
“May I enter?” Lucien’s voice came again.
Low.
Calm.
Dangerously steady.
My throat tightened.
Why did his voice alone make my heart race like this?
Why did it feel like something important was about to happen?
Tianna looked at me again.
Waiting for my permission.
Waiting for my decision.
I swallowed slowly.
Then nodded.
“Yes
