Lucian
I rushed back to my wing to find Mara and tell her about the meeting. Martha’s silence still rattled me, her refusal to come clean was infuriating, and I could feel time slipping away from us. If she didn’t talk soon, the damage might be irreversible.
Mara was seated on the couch in the sitting area, quiet, her gaze distant. She didn’t even flinch when I walked in.
“What’s the matter, darling?” I asked gently.
She looked up at me and gave a tired smile. I walked over and sat beside her. She shifted closer and leaned into me like she needed to anchor herself.
“Lucian… someone’s trying to tear this family apart,” she said softly.
It wasn’t news, but hearing it aloud made it sting. I wrapped my arm around her, rubbing it gently. But her skin was warm, too warm. My worry snapped t
