LUCIEN’S POV

The garden air felt heavier after Naomi stormed off, her parting threat lingering like smoke from a dying fire. ‘Trust me, Lucien, you don't want to start this battle with me…you won't win.’ Her words echoed in my head, laced with that dark promise I couldn't shake.

I stood there, Andrea still clutched tight against my chest, his small body finally going limp as exhaustion took over. His breaths were even now, warm puffs against my neck, but every few seconds he'd twitch, like even in sleep he couldn't fully relax.

Adele stood beside me, her hand on my arm, grounding me. Her eyes were soft but sharp,...