Lucian's POV
The sunlight filtered softly through the window, catching the gentle curves of Alina's face as she rested near me.
"Alina..." I started softly, testing the weight of the question before speaking it into existence. "Is there any hope at all? Any way to change the council's mind so you never have to leave this place again?" I reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I love it when you're here. I always do."
"I don't know, Lucian," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "But hopefully... I won't ever have to go back to that place anymore."
My heart gave a hopeful bound. I shifted closer, my gaze locking onto hers with a sudden, fierce earnestness. "What if we get married?"
Alina froze. She pulled back slightly, her brow furrowing into a deeply confused look. "You... you want to get married to me?"
