That night, Ava's thoughts swirled. Memories. Danger. Desire. Lucien. Aurora.
She knew she had a choice: run from the danger, hide, and forget… or embrace the truth, confront her past, and risk everything.
Lucien appeared by her side, the faintest light from the city reflecting off his intense gaze. "What are you thinking?"
Ava swallowed. "That… I can't run anymore. I have to face this. All of it."
His lips curved into a faint, approving smile. "Good. But you'll face it with me."
The heat between them was unbearable. He moved closer, brushing a hand over her back. The electricity of that touch made her breath catch.
Ava felt her heart hammer. "Lucien…"
He silenced her with a soft, lingering kiss—not fully claiming, but intense enough to leave both of them breathless.
When he pulled back, his dark eyes held hers. "You chose wisely," he whispered.
Ava's pulse raced. She realized that from now on, every step, every choice, every heartbeat would be tied to him… and the dangerous, intoxicating world they were about to confront together.