~ Isabella’s POV

I placed the spoon down after taking just two bites of the warm stew. My mind wasn’t on the food; it was on Bella. The moment I heard her soft steps outside my room, my pulse quickened. I pushed my chair back and stood up quickly, almost knocking it over in my haste. Without a second thought, I followed her, my heart pounding in my chest. The hallway felt longer than ever, the golden light from the high windows casting shadows that seemed to shift with each step.

When I caught up, she turned around, her eyes wide with surprise. “Lucian? What are you doing?” she asked...