Aurora walked out of the dungeon, the cold, damp air clinging to her like a second skin. Her steps were heavy, her emotions even heavier.
As she stepped into the hallway, she was startled to see Lucien waiting for her. The moment their eyes met, his expression softened.
“You didn’t need to come here,” Aurora said, her voice trembling as she quickly wiped at her damp cheeks. “I could handle it on my own.”
Lucien straightened, his amber eyes filled with a quiet intensity. “I know,” he replied, his voice low and steady. “You’re the strongest person I know, Aurora. But even the strongest people need support at times.”
The words pierced through the emotional wall she had tried to build around herself. Without a second thought, she closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms aroun
