Lucian's POV
Rafe closed his eyes, frustration and helplessness etched across his face, his head lowering as though the weight of his own body had grown too heavy to bear. "I thought I could endure it for a long time," he murmured, voice rough and fraying at the edges. "But I was wrong. If I stay now, after getting the taste of her true scent, I might end up harming not just her, but everyone. Today, her scent…"
"You won't," I cut him off coldly, my grip on his shoulders tightening. "Look at me."
His crimson eyes lifted, struggling to focus on mine.
"Do you even know how long I've been working on drugs for you?" My voice cracked with restrained fury. "I've been fucking working day and night for your sake, carving time out no matter how busy I am. And you…" I forced myself to breathe, to steady my tone. "Trust me. I'm close to creating one. I won't disappoint you. Give me more time. Alright?"
