I woke to the weight of eyes on me.
It was a strange thing to feel so safe and so exposed at the same time. But as my eyes adjusted to the morning light pouring through the tall windows, the soft heat of a gaze settled over me, and I knew who it was before I turned.
Lucian.
He was seated in the chair beside my bed, one elbow propped on the armrest, his fingers resting against his lips like he was trying to keep his thoughts inside. His silver eyes tracked every breath I took.
“Have you been there all night?” I asked, my voice still husky with sleep.
He didn’t pretend otherwise.
“I told you I wouldn’t leave.”
My heart twisted at the quiet intensity in his voice. Last night came rushing back—the power, the surge, the collapse. The feel of magic ripping through me like I was nothing mo
