My heart pounded in my chest as I stood before Lucius, feeling the weight of his piercing red eyes upon me. His slender fingers traced the curve of my jaw, and a shiver ran down my spine. I had to convince him to let me go with Tristan and Sebastian – even if it was only for a week. It was the least I could ask for, considering the tangled web of desires and loyalties that bound us all together.
"Lucius," I began, my voice steady despite the tempest raging within me. "I need time to decide where my heart truly lies. I cannot do that while I am here... with you."
His lips curled into a sinister smile, revealing his sharp fangs. "And why should I grant you this request, my dear Aurora? What guarantee do I have that you'll return to me?"
I searched for the right words, knowing that any mis
