~ Lucian’s POV

Isabella’s face brightened a little, and she gave me a small smile. “That would be nice,” she admitted softly. “I always wanted to read, but I never had the chance to see the wall of the classroom,”

Hearing this, I felt a surge of determination. I wanted to be that person for her, the one who showed her that she was capable of more than she’d ever been told.

“Then we’ll start whenever you’re ready,” I promised. “We can make it a part of your time here, something just for you. I want you to feel at home, Isabella, and that means doing whatever I can to...