Elara's back hit the rough bark of the tree, her breath catching in her throat as she struggled against the iron grip holding her in place. Panic and disbelief flashed in her wide eyes as they landed on the man before her.
"Leave me! Why are you here?!" she cried out, her voice trembling with equal parts fear and fury. She couldn't believe it. Not him. Not here.
Lucian's piercing gaze bore into her, the weight of his authority pressing down harder than the hands pinning her. His eyes darkened as they lowered to her neck, and a frown creased his sharp features.
"How has my mark disappeared from your skin?" he demanded, his voice low and laced with frustration. His eyes lingered on the unblemished stretch of her throat, once branded with his claim, now bare as if it had never existed.
