Raine's POV.

After Lucius marked me, an unfamiliar strength surged through my body, igniting a fire within me that I hadn't felt in a long time. It was as if the very essence of him intertwined with mine, wrapping around my heart like a warm embrace. I could feel the bond pulsing between us, a tether that gave me the courage to rise to my feet.

"Lucius!" I exclaimed, a mix of joy and disbelief washing over me as I stood. I hadn't realized how weak I'd felt until now, and the sensation of being upright again filled me with exhilaration.

He looked at me, his eyes wide with delight....