Celina’s POV
THE ESTATE felt colder with Lucien in it.
Not temperature—he kept the fireplaces roaring like they could burn away the political wolves already circling—but the kind of cold that sank into your ribs and stayed there.
I told myself I’d keep my head down, keep quiet, and survive whatever this arrangement was. But I didn’t expect Rhys to follow.
Did Lucien send him? No. I saw in the Alpha’s eyes how he hated Rhys now. He wouldn’t let him come near me now. Rhys shouldn’t be here.
The morning after the Council’s visit, I stepped into the hallway and nearly walked into him.
“Guest quarters,” he said before I could even open my mouth. “Top of the west wing. I’m not leaving you here alone.”
I glanced over his shoulder, half expecting Lucien’s shadow to emerge from the gloom. “
