Lily’s POV

Lucian’s breathing had finally evened out against my chest.

I sat still for a long time, listening to the soft, steady rhythm, feeling the warm weight of his head and the way his fingers remained loosely curled against my side even in sleep. The words he had muttered earlier still lingered in the quiet room like a bruise I couldn’t stop pressing.

Please, Lily… remember me.

I looked down at his face peaceful, trusting, completely unaware of the version of me that was sitting awake and already moving pieces across a darker board. A complicated ache twisted in my chest. Part of me wanted to stay exactly like...