Lucian's POV...
The pain hit like a blade between the ribs - sharp, sudden, stealing my breath. I barely made it to the en suite bathroom before my knees buckled, my palms slamming against the cold marble countertop to keep from collapsing. The world tilted dangerously, gray creeping at the edges of my vision like ink bleeding through parchment.
Through the cracked door, I could see Camilla sleeping - her dark hair fanned across my pillow, one hand curled near her face like a child's. The rise and fall of her breathing was the only steady thing in my crumbling world.
Not now. Not when she needs me.
My trembling fingers fumbled through the medicine cabinet, sending bottles clattering. The emergency pills Marcus always left - where the hell were they? The pain intensified, a white-hot brand searing through my chest. In the mirror, my reflection stared back - a ghost of the man I'd been, pale and hollow-eyed.
