Chapter 25
Annalise
Soft, melodic notes of a romantic tune played in the background as couples moved closer to the mistletoe, the air thick with anticipation and love. I stood there, detached from the glowing warmth of their happiness, scanning the room with growing urgency. Anxiety curled like a serpent inside me as I turned in every direction, hoping to spot him—Lucien.
Where could he be? And why was Willow gone as well?
The sinking feeling in my chest became a deep ache as my worst fears manifested before my eyes. My breath hitched, and a lone tear slipped down my cheek when I finally saw him.
But he wasn’t alone.
Far across the room, standing beneath a mistletoe, was Lucien. His arms wrapped protectively around Willow as though she was the only thing keeping him grounded. The si
