Finally, he spoke, his voice low and deliberate. “Isla... I see you,” he said, his thumb brushing against her cheek to wipe away a stray tear. “I’ve always seen you.”
Her breath hitched at his words, but she didn’t respond. She couldn’t. The intensity in his gaze, the weight of his touch, it all left her speechless.
Lucian leaned in slightly, his forehead nearly touching hers. “But what I feel,” he continued, his voice barely above a whisper, “what I want... it doesn’t matter right now. The pack needs me. And whether I like it or not, my duty comes first.”
Isla shook her head, her tears falling again. “It’s always about duty with you,” she whispered. “But what about us, Lucian? What about me?”
Lucian closed his eyes for a moment, his hand still cradling her face. When he opened them ag
