Lily’s pov

The drive to Lucian’s house was quiet, the streetlights blurring past as the faint dizziness from that single sip finally faded. Lucian kept one hand on the wheel and the other occasionally brushing my arm, checking on me without words. When we arrived, he helped me out of the car with the same careful patience he’d shown all night, supporting my weight as I crutched up the path. His parents were away, so the house was dark and peaceful the perfect contrast to the chaotic party we’d left behind.

Inside, he guided me straight to his bedroom, flicking on a soft lamp. “You should rest,” he said gently,...