Lily’s POV

Lucian’s eyes turned dark the moment he saw us stepping out of the trees together. That darkness was something I couldn’t even predict not anger, not confusion, but a cold, dangerous storm that made my stomach drop. It wasn’t jealousy alone. It was something deeper, like he was fighting the urge to destroy everything in front of him.

“It’s not what you think, Lucian,” I said in a low voice, my throat already tightening. Behind his shoulder, I saw Mia. She was smirking. That same wicked little curve of her lips she always wore when her plans were working. I knew she was up to no good, but...