Austin felt Kaius 's hand rest lightly on her lower back as they stepped into the Blair mansion.
His touch seemed casual, but she knew better. It was intentional. Quiet, but firm.
A message.
And the staff got it without a word being spoken.
Several of them quickly looked away and busied themselves with whatever was in their hands.
No one wanted to be caught staring.
They hadn't even had time to settle before Lena walked in.
She moved slowly, like every step took effort.
Her face was pale, and a dark bruise bloomed around one eye. The swelling made her expression hard to read—but when she looked up, her gaze went straight to Austin.
Just for a second.
Just long enough to plant a seed.
It was subtle. But in a place like this, subtle was enough.
Luna Marr
