Lucian's POV
A spike of raw iron drove through my skull the moment my eyes cracked open. The room spun, blurred edges fading into a heavy, sickening warmth. I felt a weight pressing down on my chest. I looked down, and my breath caught in my throat. Blonde hair tangled across my bare skin. Emily.
I recoiled, shoving her off me so hard my back slammed against the headboard.
Before the curse could even leave my mouth, my gaze collided with the doorway.
Alina.
My heart plummeted into a frozen void. She stood in the threshold, her frame trembling as thick tears tracked down her cheeks.
"Alina, I..." The words choked in my throat, frantic and desperate. "This isn't what it looks like. I swear—"
"I am glad you are alright," she whispered. The hollow note in her voice cut deeper than any blade. She turned on her heel and walked away.
"Alina, wait!"
