Selena returned home late in the evening, cradling a box filled with rare medicinal herbs. Her fingers trembled slightly as she locked the door behind her. The weight of the day clung to her shoulders like a storm cloud she couldn't shake off. Her normally composed expression was cracked by the lines of fatigue and unease.
Lucien, who had just returned from a routine patrol around the third quadrant, spotted her from the sitting room. He immediately stood, his eyes narrowing as he read the disturbance in her gait.
"You're home late," he said softly. "What's wrong?"
Selena placed the box on the counter and exhaled deeply, turning to face him. Her eyes were red at the edges, as if she had been holding back tears for hours.
"It's Ciana," she began, her voice tight. "She's still entangled with the fourth prince."
Lucien's expression darkened. "After everything you warned her about?"
