Olivia’s POV
The morning light spilled into our chamber like liquid gold, warming the silk sheets tangled around me. Normally, I would have soaked in that warmth, let it wash away the shadows of the night before. But sleep had been restless, shallow at best.
Every time I closed my eyes, I heard her voice again. Emily’s laughter—sharp, cutting, cruel. It tangled with Ellison’s calm assurance, both weaving a web meant to trap us.
I turned onto my side, my gaze falling on Lucas. He was sitting at the edge of the bed, elbows resting on his knees, his head bowed in thought. The sunlight caught in his hair, outlining him in a glow that made him look almost too human, too fragile for the weight he carried.
“Lucas?” I whispered.
He turned his head toward me, and for a fleeting moment, the har
