~Lucian’s POV

The night was quiet, but it offered no peace. The stars above shone indifferently, mocking my restless heart. I sat alone in my study, a glass of untouched whiskey in my hand. My thoughts were consumed by her—Bella. Her name was a constant ache in my chest, her absence a wound that refused to heal.

I had led countless battles, made decisions that shaped the course of our kind, yet here I was, brought low by the one woman who had held my heart in her hands. The memory of her smile haunted me, her laughter echoing in my ears like a melody I couldn’t forget. But she...