Lucian's POV
I walked the halls like a god returning from war, my beloved cradled like an offering. Doors opened for me without a knock. Servants turned their faces to the floor. Even the shadows stepped aside.
When I reached my chambers, I laid her down gently on the bed—the same one they had dared defile with their presence. The scent of her still lingered here, but beneath it was a stench I vowed to cleanse with fire if I had to.
I pulled the blanket up to her chin, brushing her hair from her face.
She stirred.
"Victoria," I whispered, my voice breaking through the rage that still coiled in my veins.
She didn’t wake.
But her chest rose. And that was enough... for now.
I sat at the edge of the bed, watching her, guarding her.
If they had drawn one more drop from her veins, I wo
