I didn't know how long I've been asleep. All I knew was that the instant Lucien stirred, my eyes snapped open. It was like my instinct had kicked in, sharp and unrelenting, yanking me from whatever shallow dream I've managed to drift into.
He yawned, tiny and soft, his lips parting in the sweetest little sound. My chest eased as I smiled down at him. And it was like he knew what the smile meant, because he suddenly let out a giggle. A light, breathy, giggle bubbling out of him like sunlight breaking through stormy clouds.
I froze. My breath caught. His first laugh. The sound was so pure, it hurt. It was like my heart didn't know if it wanted to burst or to break.
And Ravić didn't get to see it.
It's been days since he left, and the emptiness hasn't stopped growing inside me. The silence of this place presses harder with each hour that passes. I've never felt more alone.
