LUCIUS POV
She shuffled back half a step before freezing. Probably remembering she shouldn't look scared.
"I wasn't crying," she said again—quieter this time. "I was… worried."
Her voice cracked on the last word.
My chest tightened painfully.
I reached out—not touching her, just hovering my hand near her cheek.
"You shouldn't worry about me," I said, tone softer than I intended. "I'm a monster. I survive everything."
"Yes," she whispered, "except apparently me leaving you alone at night."
Touché.
I let out a strained laugh. "You are not wrong."
Her eyes flicked over my face, searching for something. "You look…"
"Handsome as always?"
"Like you ate someone."
"…That is also correct."
She crossed her arms, but her voice trembled. "You joking after you… left me."
The guilt hit me like a stake.
"I know."I stepped closer. She didn't move this time."I didn't want you to see me like that."
"Like what?" she whispered.
