[Lucien’s POV]

Her hands felt cold as I held them, but thankfully, her heart had started beating steadily. I felt terrible. No one deserved to go through this much trouble, especially not someone like her. She was too pure and good to suffer this much.

“What are you thinking about?” Celeste asked.

I heaved a sigh. “I’m wondering if her life would have been any better if I had met her earlier,” I said, not even bothering to look up at her. I was still mad at her, but she was the only one I could think of that would make Eloise better.

“Once again, I am very sorry. You...