Serena remained in Lucian's arms for a long while, long enough for her heartbeat to steady and the weight in her chest to feel just a little bit lighter. The warmth of his body, the steady rise and fall of his breathing, and the silent shelter he offered helped quiet the storm inside her. She did not speak, and neither did he. He simply held her, his arms wrapped around her protectively, as though they alone could keep the world and all its complications at bay.
But eventually, the moment dissolved. Slowly, Serena pulled back, her arms loosening from around him as the sharp edge of emotion dulled into something more manageable. Her expression was unreadable at first, but then her brows drew together, and her eyes turned accusatory as they met his. She said nothing, but the glare spoke volumes. It was a silent condemnation, an expression that asked all the questions she could not yet bring herself to voice aloud. Without another word, she turned on her heel and began walking away.
