Mara
When Lucian told me about the new developments, something inside me cracked.
I had worked hard—so hard—to get into the army. Yes, I joined the academy because I had a crush on Darian, but what I found there was mine.
I proved to myself, and everyone else, that I could do anything I set my mind to. And now… it was being taken away. Just like that.
It felt like my entire life was being rewritten without my input. Again.
But as I looked at Lucian, I saw it—the weight he was already carrying. The conflict, the guilt, the pressure not to crumble.
Getting angry with him over something beyond his control wouldn’t help either of us. So, I smiled. I told him I was okay.
And I saw the relief wash over him like a wave.
Lucian got off the bed, still naked and unbothered, walked into the
