Panic flashed across Ivy's face as she stared at Lucius. Never before had he looked at her with such coldness.
His stare cut through her like ice, treating her as nothing more than a common criminal.
Once upon a time, he'd been her shield, defending her without question.
"Lucius..." Her voice cracked, desperation bleeding through every syllable.
The harsh reality hit her—Lucius's unwavering loyalty had crumbled to dust.
Something inside her chest shattered, sending waves of agony through her body.
Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes, hovering on the edge of falling.
Before, such a sight would have made Lucius's resolve crumble instantly.
Now he watched her with stone-cold indifference, unmoved by her tears.
Jasper jumped between them, his body forming a protective barrier. "Lucius, what's gotten into you? You haven't even let her explain, and you're already treating her like she's guilty. Do you want to destroy her?"
Ivy's broken sobs echoed from behind him.
